Surprise guests at your next party with this clever cheese ball. It looks just like an apple, but is actually a combination of Gouda and cream cheese, decorated with paprika and a cinnamon stick.

Yield: Makes 1 large or 2 small cheese balls.

Tags: Make Ahead, Freezer Friendly, No Bake

Fruit makes for a nice dessert, especially when it’s served with a little something extra. This sweet sour cream dip, spiked with Amaretto liqueur, is the perfect complement to an after-dinner fruit plate.

Yield: Makes 1 1/4 cup.

Tags: No Bake, Quick

“En Papillote” sounds fancy, but in French it simply means “in parchment.” Baking fish in parchment packets locks in a lot of flavour and moisture. Plus, there’s an element of drama when you unwrap each packet at the table.

Yield: Serves 4.

Tags: Quick

Use apple juice instead of water with this quick-cooking oatmeal for added sweetness and flavour. Goodies like pecans, raisins and a splash of maple syrup make this a tasty hot breakfast.

Yield: Serves 6.

Tags: Flourless

Yams are a healthy and colourful substitution for potatoes. Bake up a batch of these wedges next time you need an easy side dish.

Yield: Serves 4.

Tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Low Sugar

Baked apples are the perfect fall dessert for when you want something warm and apple-y but don’t have the time to bake a pie. Stuffed with walnuts, dried cranberries and brown sugar, these go well with our Caramel Rum Sauce.

Yield: Serves 8

Tags: Cooking for a Crowd

Give tender baby carrots a flavour boost with a sweet balsamic vinegar glaze. This easy side dish only takes minutes to make.

Yield: Serves 8.

Tags: Vegetarian, Quick, Nut-Free

Add some extra flavour to grilled steak with a unique balsamic and fennel seed marinade.

Yield: Serves 4.

Tags: Quick, Low Sugar

This basic baked beef meatball recipe is a must for your repertoire. Throw these in with your favourite pasta sauce, stuff them in a sandwich, or serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Yield: Makes 24.

Tags: Make Ahead, Freezer Friendly

This filling salad is full of fibre-packed black beans and pearl barley. Rounded out with corn, bell peppers and a creamy yogurt dressing, serve this healthy dish as a lunchtime entrée or a cold side dish.

Yield: Serves 4.

Tags: Flourless