Olive and Fennel Bread

Crusty on the outside, this Italian-inspired loaf has a wholesome chewy texture inside. It uses a biga, an Italian starter, similar to a French levain but much drier. It's easy to make and just takes a few minutes the day before baking; just make sure your bowl is large because it will rise quite high while it stands overnight.

Chicken Linguine with Peanut Sauce

Prosaic old peanut butter metamorphoses into a Thai-inspired noodle dish faster than you can drive to the local takeout.

Pork Chops and Chutney

Serve with Smashed Potatoes (see recipe links below).

Scallop Seviche

Serve this refreshing hors d'oeuvre in individual serving dishes. Very small appetizer bowls or porcelain Chinese soup spoons are ideal. Use a large pot for blanching scallops to ensure that the water remains at the boiling point and the scallops get cooked through in the shortest amount of time.

Sweet Potato and Chicken Soup

Barley packs a fibre punch in this hearty, chunky soup. Kale may be the nutritional darling of the moment, but don't underestimate the humble zucchini, which contains potassium, or the workhorse onion, which offers antioxidants.

Whisky Sauce

Citrus Mushroom and Tofu Soup

This clear soup is inspired by fragrant Thai soups. Use all lemon or all lime and garnish with thin slices of the fruit.

Tomato-Chickpea Mini Naans

Bacon Cheddar Cornmeal Waffles

Serve with scrambled eggs, and roast some cherry tomatoes by sprinkling them with a little extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and cooking in 425°F (220°C) oven until softened, about 30 minutes.

Orange-Glazed Beets

Jazz up dinner with citrusy beets that are rich in folate, fibre, potassium and vitamin C. Choose small beets for a sweet tender dish.