Apple Fig Bread Pudding with Maple Walnut Sauce

Maria considers her bread pudding — which she makes to use up stale bread — "somewhat of a Portuguese dish given that it's been born out of the judicious use of food." The recipe also calls for dried figs, a plentiful fruit in Portugal. "The maple syrup," says Maria, "gives it that extra bit of sweetness and decadence," and honours Canada, the country where she's lived most of her life.

Pink Lady Salad

Sweet Potato Soup with Coriander

Fruit Salad

To-do list: Adults: Open can of oranges. Peel and cut cantaloupe into cubes. Children: Pour oranges into bowl. With spoon, scoop seeds from cantaloupe. Peel and slice bananas. Remove stems from grapes.

Cran-Raspberry Sipper

Plum-Glazed Roast Turkey with Plum Gravy

Pick up the October 2006 issue of Canadian Living magazine and celebrate Thanksgiving with our "Dining Inn Style" menu for eight featuring this tantalizing main event.

Spiced Pears

When Apples, Peaches & Pears (James Lorimer) was republished last summer, it garnered a Gourmand World Cookbook Award. From this second cookbook by Elizabeth Baird comes a pickled pear recipe with a Riesling dessert pear variation to honour both the season and the prize.

Chocolate Caramel Bites

This chewy caramel requires a watchful eye and constant stirring.

Sweet-and-Sour Halibut with Vegetable Noodle Stir-Fry

Chinese Garlic and Peanut Noodles with Shrimp

Fresh but filling this Asian salad from "Cool Noodles" in the May 2004 issue of Canadian Living is perfect for picnic or patio. You can top the noodles of this wholesome lunch or supper with other kinds of seafood or even chicken. Natural peanut butter is available in supermarkets and bulk food stores.