Food

Many factors influence the taste and texture of oysters; from the farming methods and geography of where they’re raised, to water salinity, temperature, diet, and of course the length of time they’ve been out of the ocean before they’re on your plate. It’s not surprising that my favorite oyster farm happens to be where I’m from, D’Eon Oyster Company in Nova Scotia. There are hundreds of oyster varieties in the United States alone and I recommend visiting an oyster farm if you have an opportunity. Many farms host summer events and there’s nothing like a freshly shucked oyster with a glass of bubbly on a hot day. Oysters are versatile and can be eaten raw, pickled, fried, grilled, or even poached. Eating them raw with just a little bit of mignonette on top is classic. The vinegar mixes with the oyster’s brine and together it’s a perfect combination.

Hodge Podge is a traditional Nova Scotian soup and a staple at summer potlucks. It’s made with seasonal whole baby vegetables from the garden so feel free to change things up to make your own variation depending on what is in season. Adding smoked trout gives it hardiness and complexity. Sometimes I include a version of this on the menu at Halifax or Coast Kitchen using smaller vegetables and finishing the soup with a creamier broth. To avoid disappointing guests at the restaurant who are looking for the traditional Nova Scotian dish, the name is changed to Smoked Trout Chowder. This recipe is very forgiving. It’s equally delicious whether made directly over an open fire or on a kitchen stove.

Broccoli stems have a great crunchy texture and high nutritional value. It’s a shame they’re often wasted more than they’re used. This recipe uses primarily stems, but you can always add more florets. The vinaigrette is my go-to dressing at home and in the restaurants. It tastes great with almost anything. You’ll have extra dressing and it keeps in the fridge for a couple of weeks. The secret ingredient is nutritional yeast, which my mom introduced me to as a popcorn topping when I was little. It works well as a substitute for grated parmesan in dressings and pesto. Important note: do not confuse nutritional yeast with baking yeast. They are quite different and cannot be interchanged.

This not-too-sweet chocolate dessert has a boost of fibre from chia and is topped with luscious raspberries for a classic combination. Cinnamon and chocolate are natural friends that will get along famously with a hint of tahini as well. Mix and chill this dessert in the jar or ramekin you’ll serve it in. Powerful antioxidant Chia seeds contain an antioxidant called caffeic acid that can help reduce inflammation in the body. A little goes a long way with chia seeds. The fibre in chia helps you feel fuller while also packing a nutritional punch. If you’re not used to chia, start out slowly with just 1 Tbsp (15 mL) per day.

This chicken dinner comes together in a snap and is filled with iron-rich spinach and an extra hit of fibre from antioxidant-rich artichokes. The addition of lemon, thyme, and broth make for a brightly flavoured sauce that is tempered with a creamy spoonful of yogurt. Rinse and repeat Artichokes are frequently canned in brine, so to help reduce salt, drain them thoroughly and rinse several times. Pat them dry before using. Artichokes—liver helpers Artichokes are antioxidant rich, and some studies have shown they can improve liver health.

This version of turmeric tea leans heavily on the ginger, and its flavour is strong, spicy, and soothing. Using whole turmeric versus powder will give you more curcumin, the active component of turmeric with healthy anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, but adding pepper and fats such as olive and coconut oil increases the body’s ability to absorb it. No waste Save strained ginger and turmeric pulp to add to smoothies or for use in cooking vegetables or adding to curry bases. Keep it, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

If you enjoy a savoury snack, look no further than this yogurt bowl. Protein- and probiotic-rich yogurt is topped with spiced sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil and cilantro. A little prep goes a long way toward making this a convenient and satisfying snack. Cook the potatoes in advance so the bowl can be quickly assembled at snack time. Savoury Spiced Sweet Potatoes Peel and dice 1 medium-sized sweet potato. Toss in bowl with 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cumin, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) hot Spanish paprika. Cook in preheated air fryer for 10 minutes at 350 F (180 C) or on parchment-lined baking tray for 25 minutes in 375 F (190 C) oven. Allow potatoes to cool and then store, covered, in fridge for up to 4 days. Makes enough for 4 servings. Adaptation inspiration Take this idea and make it work with other convenient savoury toppings such as canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers.

Whole grains such as spelt and other high-fibre foods such as kale, beets, and apples help promote a healthy gut and ease digestion. This fibre-packed salad has a bright, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of apple and a tangy lemon juice dressing. Choose a crisp, sweet-tart apple such as Pink Lady for best results, and don’t skip massaging the kale, which helps it to soften up. Kale holds up well, even once dressed, so any leftovers (assuming there are any) will last until the next day in the refrigerator. Time saver Batch-cook your spelt and beets in advance and have them ready in the fridge so you can put the salad together easily and quickly. To roast beets, trim and scrub them, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and prick with a fork. Wrap them in parchment paper and roast in 375 F (190 C) oven for about 50 minutes.

Egg bites are a delicious and convenient way to get some protein in the mornings. These ones get an extra nutrition boost with antioxidant-rich sweet potato and spinach. Using grated sweet potato ensures all of the ingredients cook evenly during the baking time. Once you’ve made these—and tasted their goodness—they’ll become an easy addition to your breakfast repertoire. Reheat and repeat While these egg bites go together in a minute, you can also make them ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat when you’re ready to eat them. Five minutes in the air fryer on the reheat setting at 325 F (160 C) will do it nicely. Or place them on a baking sheet and heat under the broiler for about 2 minutes.

This recipe leaves out the crusty bread that a traditional banh mi sandwich includes, but we promise you the flavour is not lacking. It hits all the Vietnamese flavour profiles you’re expecting in this classic dish, including sweet, spicy, and sour with a punch of umami. Prep ahead! This recipe is perfect made ahead and prepped for a week’s worth of lunches that will only get better with age. Take these for lunches and you’ll be the envy of the office.

These finger-licking tacos are sure to be a Friday-night favourite or staple on taco Tuesdays. Butter beans are loaded with protein and lend a perfect creamy texture to these tacos. Baking the coleslaw adds a fun twist to this classic staple accompaniment. Serving the coleslaw right from the oven will be just the crunch these tacos need. Bean there, done that? Did you know that butter beans are also known as lima beans? You’ll find these beans labelled as both at your local natural grocery store. Try adding some extra broth to this tasty bean mixture and purée for a creamy, smooth soup.

A take on traditional Chinese-style fried rice, this fried quinoa version is packed with protein and bursting with vibrant veggies. Add some extras or stick to these healthy ingredients for takeout style you won’t soon forget. Swap out pork for ground chicken or make it plant-based by choosing a meatless ground variety. Day old? Day better! Day-old grains make for better fried “rice”; using freshly cooked grains will lead to a mushier dish. If you don’t have day-old, spread freshly cooked grains out on a sheet pan and place in fridge for a few hours to cool and dry out as much as possible.

Is pizza night getting old? Ready for a new take on a family favourite? Try this delicious upgrade on typical pizza. This version, using roasted grapes and butternut squash, is bursting with flavour and satisfying pizza appeal and packed with nutritious ingredients that are less heavy than typical pizza. Invite the entire family to make personal versions for a fun family-style pizza night in. Classic combo For a classic twist on this crowd pleaser, use pears and brie in place of grapes and squash for an elevated flatbread or as an additional option.

Feeling like your favourite Indian takeout tonight? This plant-based curried bean and potato dish is an easy, delicious take on a classic Indian specialty. This version is made with a warm, mild traditional Indian curry, but can be made spicier with a green, yellow, or red Thai curry, if preferred. Veg it up! Try adding or swapping different vegetables for additional variety, colour, and nutritional content, such as sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, or cannellini beans.

You might think of protein as something you mainly get from a meal and, therefore, not a component of dessert. But, if you’re going to opt for dessert from time to time, why not consider working in ingredients that go big on this important macronutrient? It’s easier (and more delicious) than you may think! Protein is an essential part of every cell in your body and plays a starring role in bone, muscle, and skin health. So, certainly, you want to make sure you’re eating enough. And it’s best to spread protein intake throughout the day, since your body needs a continual supply. This is why it can be a great idea to try to include protein in your desserts. When protein is provided in sufficient amounts in a dessert, it may help you feel more satiated and help temper blood sugar swings. Plus, in many cases, that protein comes in a package of other nutritional benefits. For instance, if you’re eating a dessert made with protein-packed Greek yogurt, you’re not just getting protein; you’re getting all the yogurt’s bone-benefitting calcium and immune-boosting probiotics, too. Adding nuts to your dessert doesn’t just provide plant-based protein, but it also provides heart-healthy fats. Yes, desserts need not be just empty calories. Ready for a treat? These protein-filled desserts with a healthy twist are dietitian-approved—and delicious.

Tender tofu and fresh-tasting mango sauce combine to make a nutritious, Japanese-style dessert with little effort. But don’t worry: your dessert will not taste beany. Silken soft tofu has a rather neutral flavour. The key here is to use blocks of very soft tofu as opposed to firm or extra-firm versions. Silken tofu is undrained and unpressed tofu. It has the highest water content of all types of tofu and is made by coagulating soy milk without curdling it. It’s ultra-soft texture means it can be easily blended with other ingredients and used to boost protein numbers in puddings, cakes, tarts, ice cream, and even smoothies.

Fool is a classic English dessert made, traditionally, by folding a stewed fruit into a creamy, sweet custard. This modern take adds layers of sweet pumpkin flavour and swaps out much of the cream for higher-protein Greek yogurt. The crunchy chocolate topping is a special finishing touch. Beat it It’s the fat in cream that helps trap air bubbles that make it light and fluffy. If it gets too warm, the fat melts and the air escapes. Start with a cold bowl and beaters (or a cold balloon whisk, if you’re whipping by hand). Put your bowl (ideally a stainless one) and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping. They’ll chill easily and help keep everything cool during the whipping process.

Blondies are basically “blonde brownies.” There is no cocoa or melted chocolate in the batter of a blondie. Here, the nutritionally lacklustre all-purpose flour is swapped out for puréed beans for a higher dose of protein. The end result is just as tender and chewy without any noticeable bean flavour. A great potluck dessert option, too. If desired, chopped nuts can be used instead of chocolate chips. Squeeze play To easily fit a piece of parchment paper into a baking dish, run it under cold water for a couple of seconds, scrunch it up, and then squeeze out the excess moisture. Now it will effortlessly form into the pan.

This protein-heavy, plant-only sweet bread is great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Sweet potato provides natural sweetness, while peanut butter adds richness to each slice. Serve with your favourite jam or jelly, or even a smear of cream cheese. Substitutions You can make this recipe gluten-free by using all-purpose, gluten-free flour. And use rice or oat milk and sunflower seed butter if you or someone you know has an allergy. Date syrup would be a suitable substitution for maple syrup. Power powder Not just for smoothies, protein powder can also be used as a replacement for some (not all!) of the flour in baked goods like muffins and sweet breads to bolster protein numbers. Plant-based protein powders result in a better texture than dairy-based powders like whey, which tend to give baked goods a rubbery texture.

Surprise yourself with a rich and creamy, lemon-forward cottage cheese cheesecake that is much higher in protein than classic versions. A nut-based crust brings healthy fats to the dish and additional satiating protein. Serve it with berry sauce for a beautiful sweet tang and visual appeal. No springform pan? You can also make the cake using a regular round cake pan, but the recipe might make more cottage cheese filling than the pan can hold. Pan handling A springform pan is a piece of bakeware with sides that can be easily removed from the base. It’s the ideal pan for baking cheesecakes, quiches, mousses, and cakes. The removable sides of this pan allow the baked goods to be easily removed without damage.

Mousse—a perfect ending to a delicious meal, yet so much more. Our mousse can stand alone as a decadent treat served anytime of day. It’s made from the creamiest soy in combination with dark chocolate and espresso for an added kick. Chocolate know-how When dealing with chocolate, its important to have all ingredients at room temperature. Otherwise, the melted chocolate, as it’s added, will seize up and your mousse will be “one hot mess.”

Here’s a beautiful red-on-red salad. It has a great crunchy texture full of nutritional boosts for cardio health. From savoury to sweet, its guaranteed to be a favourite. Radicchio redux A great base for so many salads, radicchio adds just a hint of bitterness to make sweeter and more savoury flavours pop. If champagne vinegar is unavailable, substitute with a good quality sherry vinegar. Mix up the salad with walnuts instead of almonds and feta or Romano cheese instead of blue cheese. And for some extra fibrous protein, add cannellini beans.

There is a beautiful confluence of flavours in this delightful heart-healthy dish. A bit of West meets East with buffalo and coconut flavours married with red peppers. Served over Israeli couscous, it’s a world of deliciousness in a single healthy dish. What is Israeli couscous? More of a pasta than a grain, Israeli couscous is made from little balls of hard wheat flour. It was developed in Israel in the 1950s when rice was rather scarce and grew to be a world staple. Substitute with orzo pasta if you wish. Grilling options If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, place oven rack in top third of oven and preheat broiler. Arrange kebab skewers on rimmed baking sheet and slide under broiler. Broil for 5 minutes, turning once for medium-rare kebabs. Broil a couple minutes longer for medium kebabs.