As we bid farewell to summer in Canada, let’s celebrate the routine change in seasons and turn to welcome fall with open arms. Crisp evening strolls, picturesque falling leaves, and my favourite fruit coming into season aside, the cozy nights featured in this shift in seasons brings so many comforting food with it – so let’s explore shall we!

Yearning to enjoy some summer grilling, but looking to keep an eye on your total carbohydrate consumption? I hear you – and I’m here to help! The reality is we quite often get more than enough carbs from tasty beverages and delicious sides (think ciders, sangria, chips & crackers, and fresh fruit). These delicious yet high carbohydrate foods & drinks are in abundance at cook-out type events and are quite often enjoyed socially (and this social connection is absolutely part of health & happy life)… Enter the Portobello mushroom...

Because sometimes all you have is 10 minutes or less - to prep for that August long weekend event/ plan the menu for the annual family picnic/ get dinner on the table, the list goes on… the summer months can be busy ones, I get it. And I’m here to help you get some nourishment on the table when time is of the essence. Perfect as a light meal base, side dish, or starter, salad - featuring ample fresh veg - is a go-to at my house for many reasons.

It’s berry season! And I can’t think of any better way to celebrate than with a simple and delicious crisp. And for me, there are two things that go hand in hand – sunshine and coconut! So here you have it - a simply delicious summer harvest and perfectly coconutty crisp. This recipe is perfect for those busy summer schedules that call for no-fuss, light, yet satisfying dishes (as it requires only a dozen easily sourced ingredients and one bowl to prepare). At the end of this cooking session, you have a warm and comforting inside with a crunchy crisp topping. The perfect plant-based, gluten-free summer dessert!

Generally a highly favoured contribution to most meals (as a starter or a fun and flavourful protein source for your main meal), this eat makes for a great spring potluck or summer cookout appy as it's super easy to assemble and quick to cook. Crab cakes are an undeniably delicious comfort food – but I’d be hard pressed to find a whole wheat, low fat, and high protein variety on a restaurant menu. So let's make our own!

As we close the chapter on Winter and enter Spring, delicious and nourishing comfort food continues to make an occasional appearance on the menu. In light of this, let's add one more nutritious recipe to this section of the toolbox before we transition. And because I have a special place in my heart for food assembly parties (pizza, tacos, burgers, salads...) why not start a new perogy party tradition?! Hey, don't dis it til' you've tried it friends.

Ahhh summer... yes, this light and refreshing salad was designed with a view to bringing back some of those distant memories of warm summer days... they will be back again, and I know you're with me when I say I am so ready. While we wait for those leisurely summer days to return, let's get cooking!

In light of this Arctic air we are experiencing across North America, I thought it would be highly appropriate to suggest we warm our tummies with some hearty soup. And because adequate hydration is beneficial for digestion, exercise, sleep, and many other body functions (which I suspect may be a part of your new years resolutions this year), I absolutely love that soup doubles as a great way to get those fluids in when a refreshing beverage seems daunting. Because, if you're like me, you'll need to make a conscious effort to make this happen in the colder months.

With Christmas celebrations behind us and New Year's Eve gatherings on the horizon, now is the time many of us are contemplating which party appies to prepare as we welcome in 2018. Whether enjoying year end with a good friend, a small gathering of your closest kin, or if you're attending (or hosting!) a big bash with dozens of guests, in my experience, a good seven layer dip always goes over well. Perfectly parable with crudités, whole grain chips or crackers, this versatile eat is bound to be a crowd pleaser.

With the holiday season upon us (and Christmas fast approaching!), now is the time I start to think about how I'll create that warm, cozy, homey vibe if guests decide to drop in last minute. Tried-and-true, I find that there is really no better way then getting a simple, fragrant fall eat in the oven. Created with a view to helping you maintain your health goals this season and keep you feeling fantastic, this straight forward fall-inspired recipe will make your house feel like home, and is perfect to celebrate that fall harvest. Let the holiday season party planning begin!