Food

Quiches are the blank canvas of the breakfast world. There are so many ways to flavour them, depending on what is seasonally available and your taste. Here, we’ve kept it simple with spinach and some smoked gouda cheese. The crowning glory, though, is the simple pepper relish served on top of each slice. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the quiche and will keep you coming back for bite after bite.

The combination of warm chocolate and the coveted mandarin orange makes this a holiday classic perfect for an intimate dinner party. Almond flour along with hemp hearts deliver healthy fats and protein and keep the cake gluten free and moist, removing the need for any additional oil or butter in the batter. A tiny drizzle of olive oil poured over the mandarin-encrusted top and a pinch of salt bring out the sweet flavour of the mandarins.

These Swiss chard bundles deliver scrumptious holiday flavours in nutritious fibre- and protein-packed parcels. Sweet potato, quinoa, and cranberries scented with thyme and rosemary make for a delicious and satisfying combination of flavours.

There’s nothing like a roast to feed a crowd. These lean pork tenderloins will reign at the buffet table and will be equally enjoyed hot or cold. Simply prepared with a rub scented with the flavours of your favourite apple pie, the meat is roasted and rested to retain its juices before being laid out on peppery arugula leaves simply dressed in a classic vinaigrette.

With citrus season upon us, what could be better than a classic fennel and orange salad? It’s light and refreshing, a perfect balance to heavier holiday meals, with a boost of vitamin C to boot. This version adds delicious crunchy cabbage and the bright juiciness of pomegranate. Perfect for sharing, this salad comes together quickly, and the flavour combination is sure to wow at any party you bring it to.

Rich, tasty crab, sweet apple, licorice-scented tarragon, and a touch of lemon make these stuffed endives a classy crowd pleaser. The filling is easily prepared in advance and can be chilled until ready to serve, but this dish also comes together quickly enough to be done right before stuffing into leaves.

Many of us have discovered the magic of roasting Brussels sprouts to completely transform them, imparting rich, nutty flavour. Skewered on toothpicks, they’re perfect for a party appetizer. When drizzled with pomegranate molasses and paired with a smoky red pepper hummus dip assembled from cupboard ingredients, they’re next level—all while being an absolute cinch to put together.

This hearty version of traditional sloppy joes has a tidy helping of sleep-aiding dietary fibre, thanks to its payload of smoky lentils. Swapping out the doughy bun for sweet bell pepper ups the nutritional ante and visual appeal. It’s also superb as leftovers.

If you’re hungry for a nighttime snack, then spoon up this creamy, sweet-tart yogurt bowl to help promote some sweet dreams. It’s also a great breakfast option with a little granola tossed on top. The cherry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance.

For many of us, turkey is a comfort food that recalls happy memories. This stew is one that is comforting both to make and to eat. Simmered slowly over a few hours, turkey drumsticks deliver rich flavour as well as a huge punch of protein. Tarragon gives it a fresh, bright pop of flavour that balances the earthy richness of the stew.

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food, and this plant-based version is no less so, incorporating miso and mushrooms for savoury goodness. Its crowning glory is the fragrant topping made with the winning combination of sweet potatoes and sage. Plus, it’s got a whopping amount of vitamin D, to help see you through these winter days.

What can be more heartwarming than pancakes? These pancakes are fun to make, pretty on the plate, and really pack a nutritional punch. The buckwheat and banana combination delivers delicious sweet and nutty flavour as well as 25 percent of your recommended daily helping of fibre, and plenty of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

During these cold-weather months, nothing says comfort like warm spices including cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. They not only taste delicious, but will infuse your house with heavenly and inviting aromas. The crumble can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making this dessert quick and easy to prepare. Chai tea is a simple way to infuse intense flavour with minimal prep and effort.

Move over potato; there are plenty of other vegetables vying for the title of comfort in a bowl! This combination is full of flavour and is silky smooth and creamy. If you’re a fan of humble celery, you’re going to love this dish.

The vegetables and mustard do most of the heavy lifting in this side dish with very few—flavour-packed—ingredients. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness, grainy mustard provides tangy zing, and crunchy, crispy edges add a smoky element that will leave you wanting more of this deceptively simple side dish.

Here, we’re creating a traditional dish with a twist by ditching the boring old bread of typical stuffings and replacing it with the ancient grain barley. It’s still going to provide that familiar density, and it’s a great option for gluten-free diets. This next-level stuffing is plant based, but mushrooms and fennel add a delicious meatiness.

Stay traditional and go with turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, but simplify things with these bite-size meatballs. Though small, they pack a punch of big flavours to rival any main attraction. Paired with a tart cranberry sauce and loaded with warm spices, this dish allows you to ditch the big bird this Thanksgiving. Bonus? You can freeze your extra meatballs to enjoy at a later date.

Start off your dinner with an appetizer of earthy, creamy truffle hummus. A little truffle oil brings this simple hummus to a new and luxurious level that your guests are going to love. The smoked paprika is a perfect pairing for the earthy mushroom. Top with some sautéed mushrooms to make it feel extra holiday special.

This Asian-inspired stir-fry takes full advantage of the crunch Brussels sprouts achieve when they’re heated quickly. The sweet-and-sour sauce delivers a tangy edge, and tempeh offers plant-based protein and a blast of umami. If you want meat in the dish, you can replace tempeh with ground pork.

This bright and colourful bowl is packed with nutritious ingredients, each delicious on its own—but even better together! The fresh crispiness of the snap peas combined with the creaminess of the nori ranch dressing brings everything together for a simple and well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Two fall stalwarts—rutabaga and Swiss chard—team up to bring seasonal flavour to these baked savoury cakes. A topping of velvety cashew cream adds a little extra spark.

If you’re feeling a bit burnt out when it comes to your typical morning repast, consider pivoting to this bowl of nutrition and quintessential fall flavours. It might just be the cozy sweater of the breakfast world. If you need extra energy to power your day, you can scatter on some crunchy granola. The sweet potato mixture can be made a day or two in advance and reheated in the microwave before serving.

A plant-based spinoff of shepherd’s pie makes an ideal use for those surplus starches. Flavour-rich shiitake mushrooms and saucy lentils meet creamy potatoes in a protein-filled and satisfying comfort meal packed with nutrition and perfect for any cool-weather dinner.