Cocktail Party

Potato Cakes with Leeks and Feta

Recipe Developed by Paula Bowman

These lacy potato cakes use very little oil compared to other pan-fried versions. Baked in muffin tins, they get really crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Potato cakes would also be great served as a side dish with roast chicken.

Rosette Salad with Almonds and Mandarin Oranges

Submitted by Samantha Eves, Port Hope, ON; Tested by Elisabeth Turner

An elegant, yet simple salad. Perfect as an appetizer or a as a side. Serve it with Breaded Chicken with Apple & Aged Cheddar.

Celery and Cheese Soup

Submitted by Jenessa Bungay, Bay Largent, NL; Tested by Amanda Worth

Cheesy and delicious, this recipe is "soup-er" easy to make. Serve it as an appetizer, side, or meal.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Submitted by Francesca Carone, Toronto, ON; Tested by Emilee Pinette

This simple gluten-free dessert is full of flavour and perfect for a gathering!

Chicken and Spinach Soup

Submitted by Susan Thomas, Watson Lake, YU; Tested by Lisa Sembaliuk

This soup is a healthy way to add some spinach to your diet. With just a few simple ingredients, and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious nutritious meal.

Tomato Seafood Stew with Chorizo, Clams and Shrimp

Recipe Developed by Paula Bowman

Spanish chorizo is a cured sausage that comes in hot and mild (sweet) varieties. Depending on personal taste, either can be used in this recipe and both will impart a smoked paprika flavour into the tomato broth. Look for chorizo in the refrigerated deli section of larger grocery stores.

Crab Risotto with Chili and Sorrel

Recipe Developed by Paula Bowman

Sorrel is a leafy perennial herb with a mild lemon flavour. Here, it adds a lovely note of citrus to the finished dish. Sorrel can be found in larger supermarkets and is often sold in clamshell packages with the fresh herbs.

Cashew Chicken with Coconut Basmati Rice

Recipe Developed by Paula Bowman

Full of great flavour and easy to prepare, this coconut rice would also be delicious served with broiled salmon or grilled shrimp skewers. Thoroughly rinsing the rice in cold water before cooking removes unnecessary starch and is one of the secrets to fluffy rice.

Beef Noodle Soup with Garlic and Ginger

Recipe Developed by Paula Bowman

There are quite a few ingredients in this soup but don't be deterred because the method is simple and straightforward. If you only have garlic and ginger, the remaining spices for the broth can be omitted and you will still have a delicious soup. Other add-ins to consider are halved cherry tomatoes, thin julienne of carrot and baby watercress.