Smart Tips

One of the best-known quiches, this yummy custard pie takes its name from the Lorraine region in France. It was originally made just from cream and bacon, but now includes cheese — either a good Gruyère or other Swiss cheese.

For when your dessert needs that extra something, these sweet sauces are sure to save the day — or at least, the final course.

Homemade is fresher and much tastier than any packaged pesto sauce, and these recipes will allow you to practice your Italian cooking skills in the kitchen.

One of the mainstays of Mexican cooking, refried beans are great in dips, tacos, tortillas, burritos — and just about any other dish! They're traditionally served as a side with rice and are very mild in flavour, although you can spice them up easily

Everyone loves a rich French toast for an early-morning treat. These recipes are sure to get you up and out.

Turn any old meal into a decadent treat with these easy-to-make creamy sauces. They may even get you to eat your vegetables!

Fish is both delicious and extremely healthy, but it can be a pain to prepare. These tips will teach you everything you need to know, from trimming and scaling to how to filet.

Make any meal satisfying and comforting with a perfect side of potatoes or rice. The perfect foundation of your weeknight meals, you can add a touch of flavour to these favourite staples with some helpful tips.

Covered with marzipan and icing, this is a perfect cake for Christmas or a celebration. Or eat it plain for afternoon tea. However you do it, here's the easy way to make it:

The word "relish" says it all — savour the flavour — and put it on your hot dog or a ham sandwich. These luscious recipes are most inexpensive, and jars of pickle relish make fine gifts.

The natural sweetness of these jams are perfect for summer days. With these recipes, you can make these jams at a reasonable price.

If you're a fan of gherkins, you can easily learn to make your own pickled version. These are the tiny pickles that are served with pâtés and terrines.

An elegant base for seafood soups and stews, this delicately flavoured stock can also be used as a poaching liquid for whole fish.

At the heart of every great soup lies a great stock. Although canned is convenient, it's not as flavourful as your own beef stock. Here, you have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into it — and what doesn't.

Making your own pasta from scratch can be a lot more gratifying — and tasty! Here's your fool-proof guide.

Zucchini strips are great as an appetizer for company, the perfect finger food offering to serve up when people come over to watch the big game! Just follow this recipe to fry up a guaranteed hit.

A mouthwatering blend of garlic roasted to nutty perfection, walnuts and lemon juice, this dip has an unusual base: mashed potatoes. It is a Greek garlic sauce that you might buy in a Greek grocery. Use it with beet salad or as a dip for raw vegetabl

These two recipes are staples of Thai cooking. You'll be surprised how often you'll find yourself reaching for these pastes to add a little exotic, exuberant flavour to your meals.

For a creamy treat, these two rich mayonnaise and aioli recipes are just what your lunch is begging for.

Your next barbecue needs these homemade citrus-y delights. Just make sure to make enough for a crowd demanding seconds!