Do you know that saying “on good days, work out, on bad days, work out harder”? Replace “work out” with “bake cookies”, and you have an accurate reflection of my life. Baking cookies is a slight obsession of mine. I am always trying to make the next batch better than the last. In an alternate life, I’d have a sweet (pun intended) job as a Cookie Developer – that exists, right?

My latest iteration is in the form of a chocolate chip cookie- a cookie that tastes like sunshine and happiness. Yes, that’s some high praise, I know. But aside from a ton of chocolate chips, there are also toasted hazelnuts, Skor bits, and oats – that’s right, it even has healthy things. Here are other reasons why you’ll love this recipe.

Spinach and artichoke dip might be one of my favourite things to order at a restaurant. Moreover, if its constant presence on restaurant menus is any indication, I’m not alone on that opinion.

Until recently, I had never considered making my own spinach and artichoke dip. However, when restaurants aren’t available (a snow day, a pandemic..), you have to satisfy that craving for bubbling hot spinach and artichoke somehow.

In almost any baking aisle, next to the chocolate chips, you will find Reese’s Pieces Mini Baking Chips. I am a big fan of these. You can stir them into cookies and brownie batter, use them on top of cakes and cupcakes, or enjoy them by the handful (seriously, no judgement). This is recipe for Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cookies is your the whole family will love.

I’m pretty sure that banana bread is 50 per cent of the reason why bananas exist. The thousands of banana bread recipes out there is proof of this. I’d wager 25% is allotted to other baked goods, 20% firmly in the smoothie category, and maybe 5% to eating a banana by itself (people actually find that appealing? I digress). While there are a lot of good recipes to be found in the black hole that is Google, this one is my favourite.

This tomato soup is perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings. Here is why I love it:

It is quick. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes to make and you will have enough for lunches the next day (and the day after that).
It is easy, requires little prep, and uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
It is versatile- for example: instead of cheese tortellini, use beef, chicken or whatever catches your eye at the grocery store, or try substituting spinach with a heartier green like kale.

French toast can be a challenge for vegan eaters, with its egg- and milk-based batter. After all, it is that very batter that makes the dish so delicious. But as it turns out, a plant-based alternative is not impossible.

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is amazing for many reasons. The star of the dish is the gluten free Cinnamon & Raisin Loaf from Little Northern Bakehouse.

Little Northern Bakehouse’s breads are gluten-free, non-GMO and 100% plant-based, meaning they are egg and dairy-free. In addition to the cinnamon & loaf, they also offer a millet & chia loaf and a seeds & grain loaf. If you are buying gluten free bread, you will be hard-pressed to find better tasting bread than Little Northern Bakehouse.