Why is the idea of baking bread, like pastry considered to be a complicated and time consuming task when it’s really quite simple? Modern day bread machines have certainly made it easy, but even if by hand, making bread is simple.

This recipe is so appreciated with my family and friends I have been asked for the recipe many times over, so it just seemed fitting to introduce it here. The flavours are unforgettable – chicken, honey, lemon, combine beautifully to create a distinct taste perfectly balanced with the smoky, salty richness of crisped bacon. Yum!

Our rendition of an old family favourite that ordinarily called for sour cream and canned mushrooms is done here with porcini mushrooms, whipping cream, Marsala wine and a fancy tart cutter. Perfect for any affair.

I take the time to write little love notes for my daughter’s lunchbox, or drop in at her school unannounced, and I always look for ways to make her friends feel special.

I created this recipe for homemade potato chips and on a day when she had friends over for a playdate, I served them with ketchup. I watched and listened while these little friends dipped and double dipped, giggled, munched, and had the cutest, most interesting conversation over this simple bowl of homemade potato chips. Something so simple made special.

A back lane dinner invitation and a promise to bring something nice brought me to a neighbourhood grocery store looking for ideas. “I’m looking for an appetizer that will make a great first impression,” I said. “Figs, goat cheese, basil, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar” was the reply. My neighbours never forgot the figs. Here, with figs out of season, we switched them up with pears.

Elevate your party to a level of grandeur with simple puff pastry served the Louis Vuitton way. They take only minutes to make but bring rave reviews from grown ups and teeny guests alike.

Halibut, shrimp and crab combined with lemongrass, ginger and cilantro served with an Asian inspired dip that delivers a stunning twist on taste. This delicious starter transforms any dinner party into a classic event and like all things classic, long remembered.

Some years ago, my neighbours brought these tasty drumettes to a Christmas brunch and they were irresistible! I have since made them many times; the savoury sweet balance of soy sauce, vinegar and sugar transforms simple into spectacular! —Mari

For a truly authentic, Asian flavour experience take the time for this very elaborate recipe. Seven ingredients in the marinade and eleven in the dipping sauce may seem intimidating, but if you read through the recipe, and break it down, it’s far from complicated. I love to shop at Asian markets, however conventional grocery stores now carry an extensive Asian selection, so shopping for these ingredients is not difficult. A rendition from the cookbook Big Bowl, this is simply the best satay and peanut sauce I have ever had.

When you really just need to get away from everything that is petty and unimportant and indulge in something wonderful, there are simple things like gin and tonic.

Try our luxe rendering of my mother’s pancakes with this easy recipe for ultra-thin, delicate, crispy crepes caramelized with cinnamon and sugar.

Beautiful, rich, tart and sweet. This will become your go-to cheesecake.

New York steak adorned with peppercorns and a spectacular mushroom sauce served with creamy mashed potatoes is the perfect date night meal. With only 15 minutes prep time, any night is the right night!

The Chocolate cookie torte is made with crepe style chocolate cookies, ground walnuts, and whipped cream. It is buttery, sugary, salty, walnuty, chocolaty, decadent, and delicious. Patience is required, but it’s sooooo worth it!

Here ends my quest for the ultimate coffee cake with a surprising ingredient — roasted cardamom pods.

When my parents emigrated from Mexico many years ago, they brought with them some of the Mexican cuisine they had grown accustomed to. As I was growing up, what seemed to be conventional cooking, I now realize was really adopted by their Mexican influence. When I created this recipe, beautiful thoughts came to my mind, of a time in Mexico when my dad took us to his favourite restaurant. Here, I was first introduced to Milanese — a tenderized, breaded, pan­fried beef cutlet.

Authentic, bold, and delicious Thai flavours make this soup irresistible! This is the best Thai coconut soup I've had—you won't be disappointed with this one. Serve over steamed rice, takes only 30 minutes to prepare!

For me, this cake represents the ultimate pairing of simplicity and style. Luxurious white swirls of creamy, velvety frosting transform this dessert into an elegant affair.