Cooking with the stars: May food horoscopes

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Life is good right now. But instead of coasting in cruise control, it’s a smart time to push yourself with a weeknight dinner like maple scallops and creamy kale. Oh, and that pretty little trinket you’ve been eyeing? No problem — save your lunch money by bringing chickpea curry or faux sushi wraps to work and soon enough you’ll be able to afford it. Show it off (in your coy Aries way) by hosting a dinner party featuring butter chicken. Cucumber is your key ingredient this month.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Can you feel your own strength right now? Oh yeah you can! Weeknight dinners are in check with turkey chili and cornbread and packet-baked fish and veggies. Quick breakfasts are a breeze with homemade granola. And your baking is ooh-la-la (especially pumpkin cheesecake). Everyone in your life is basking in your awesomeness so treat them all to some cinnamon-sugar shortbreads.  Coconut is your key ingredient this month.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

There is a lot of entertaining in your cards this month. If you’ve been invited over, bring pumpkin hand pies as a gift (your hosts will flip!). And if it’s chez vous, think simple but spectacular with roast pork with brandied apples for dinner or maple-bacon French toast for brunch. And don’t forget a tres leches cake, which is fabulous no matter the occasion. Rosemary is your key ingredient this month.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Your sweet tooth is dominant right now, so satisfy it with maple-strawberry cream cake or pumpkin sweet bread. Make sure to eat a fresh fruit salad just for a hint of balance. No need to keep sweetness out of main courses! Sticky ginger-garlic ribs are a brilliant weeknight dinner or party food. Honey is your key ingradient this month.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Cool it, Leo, or you’ll burn out! Make your cooking do double duty with chili one night and turn leftovers into shepherd’s pie the next day. And even though you promised to bring something to that work party, there’s no need to over-exert yourself. Easy fudge is a 10-minute no-bake dessert that everyone loves. You’ll run into a special someone and it would be wise to invite him or her over for an impromptu dinner like bacon-and-egg ramen. Couscous is your key ingredient this month.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Work is going to be crazy-busy this month so stock the fridge with a ham and cheese frittata for lightning breakfasts and hearty Italian soup for lunches on the go. Your weeknight dinners are going to feel extra-precious so make it worth your while with indulgent (but easy) crispy pork chops. You’ll be ready to celebrate the month’s end, and there’s nothing better than a mocha ice cream cake. Cheddar is your key ingredient this month.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

It’s your turn to host this month, but just keep it simple. One-pan chicken and veggies is perfect for an easy buffet dinner. Finish with a bushberry pudding cake that essentially makes itself. Meanwhile there is some fire in your love life on the horizon, which means quick and satisfying pantry suppers like artichoke and lemon pasta and Asian chicken and rice will be handy for date nights in. Mushrooms are your key ingredient this month.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You’re feeling extra-sensitive and very emotional right now. It’s time to comfort eat. Try bite-sized garlic rolls or skillet pizza or even stuffed French toast. It’s OK, this is just a phase and gooey things will truly make you feel better. Once you get over it all, make a gingery shrimp rice bowl for a fresh, healthy start. Bread is your key ingredient this month (yum).

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Feeling bored? No surprise. Add some zest to your day-to-day by having a Dutch baby pancake for breakfast instead of the usual. Then move on to fresh wraps for lunch and a knock-out hummus pizza for supper. Isn’t that better? No? OK, so make your own paneer. Aaaaand DONE. Quinoa is your key ingredient this month.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Hubba, hubba, Capricorn — your love life is in high gear. Nourish yourself with overnight oatmeal and savoury sweet potato yogurt so you have tons of energy. Then whip up a batch of frozen chocolate martinis for your sweetheart just to amp it up even more. Need a late-night snack (no need to explain!)? Try creamy labneh. Yogurt is your key ingredient this month.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This is a good time to get your pantry organized. Make hearty pea soup with that bag of split peas and a yummy risotto with all that rice. Now you’re ready to plan some killer work lunches like amazing turkey-apple sandwiches. If the family is coming over later in the month, make minestrone. It seems simple but everyone’s going to love it. Spinach is your key ingredient this month.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

This month is all about vegetables — you’re craving them and they’re good for you, so why not? Suppers are easy with tofu noodles. Lunches are all about the most amazing salads such as kale with sweet potato. Breakfast can be a lentil and veg omelette. And don’t forget dessert! Veggies are the secret ingredient in fudge brownies. Carrots are your key ingredient this month.