olive oil

By keeping these healthy basics stocked in your pantry, you'll be more prepared to make nutritious meals on the fly

The garlic will scent the artichokes and add extra flavour. Classically, artichokes are served with melted butter. Try this heart-healthy dipping sauce as a replacement and be happily surprised that you don’t miss the saturated fat.

Ah, side dishes: the under-appreciated sidekick to every show-stopping main attraction. Friends that I had wanted to catch up with were dropping by with their 12-week-old baby for dinner. I needed something that could be prepared with little concentration and a low margin of error, and that wouldn't lead to interruptions from an oven timer, smoke alarm or visits from the local fire department. The Greek herb-roasted potatoes recipe sounded like a safe bet.

The culinary sensation and cooking show host from La Belle Province shares her favourite holiday recipes. (They make great gifts, too.)