Even though Canada is one country, different provinces, and even different regions within each province, have their own special dishes they enjoy. There are so many interesting and delicious dishes we don’t have an opportunity to experience unless we travel to, or know someone from, different regions.

Starting a new year of school can feel exciting! Even as a homeschooler, it is still nice to find a way to signify and celebrate that first day back to school. Many people have their own traditions or celebrations to mark their first day of a new school year. Among those traditions, a popular one is a special back-to-school breakfast. While each family will have their own breakfast that feels special and celebratory to them, here are a few favourite recipes to try!

Summer is the perfect time to make recipes together with your children. This recipe is quick and easy to make! It is great to make and enjoy on warm summer afternoons. As more and more people develop or realize they have food allergies, it is helpful to have this type of recipe on hand. Dairy does not sit well with everyone, but who doesn’t love a yummy frozen treat in the summer! With just a few ingredients you likely have on hand, you can whip up this faux “ice cream” for yourself and some friends

As a homesteader and homeschool mom of 3 growing children, fresh sourdough bread is something we like to have on hand. It’s a good filling breakfast and great to add to any meal. I like to make 2 loaves every week, but often I’ll make 4. I’m excited to tell you about my sourdough routine.

As we begin to produce more of our own food at home, we naturally need to learn different ways to preserve it. Freezing is often the first method thought of, but that is dependent on freezer space and also on having the time to thaw something or have it take longer cooking. Some foods work wonderfully frozen, and others not as well. Freeze drying and dehydrating are options as well, but those supplies can be costly for some people. Canning is a way to take your harvest and make it shelf stable. While some foods lose some of their nutrients through the high heat involved in the canning process, that may be worth it for the convenience and space saving benefits. 

Leeks can be one of those vegetables you see in the grocery store but never buy because you don’t know how to use them. Leeks are from the same vegetable family as onions, garlic, shallots, scallions and chives. They are good to incorporate into your meals as they have antioxidants which provide a number of health benefits.

Making a gingerbread men cookie recipe is a fun tradition to do together as a family in the weeks leading up to Christmas. There are lots of ways your kids can help with this recipe. Older kids can help mixing and rolling while kids of all ages can help cut out the cookies and put them onto the cookie sheet. Kids of all ages will have fun decorating their gingerbread men!

Many families celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast, and this sweet side dish is a must have. Sweet potato casserole is as sweet as dessert but goes with the main course, making it the best of both worlds. It can be prepared in advance and cooked just in time for the meal, making things easier during that busy time. Even people who don’t typically eat sweet potatoes will go nuts for this side dish!