Comfort food means something different to everyone, but classic comfort dishes all have one thing in common: they make you feel good. As the colder weather approaches, it’s time to revisit those savoury and sweet foods that we know and love.

1. Big-Batch Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole

   Rich, creamy, gooey — this mac and cheese is a must-try. Start by mixing cheddar, crispy bacon, and cooked macaroni together in béchamel sauce. Pour into a baking dish, and sprinkle bacon and shredded cheese on top for extra indulgence. Bake until bubbling and golden.

2. Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

   On a chilly day, curl up with a homemade chicken pot pie, oozing with creamy broth and roasted vegetables. In this lightened-up, made-over version of the classic, a crumbly oat and Parmesan topping replaces the traditional pastry crust. Bonus: it’s prepared in one skillet in under an hour. Broil until the dish bubbles and then serve it family-style so everyone can help themselves.

3. Tex-Mex Turkey Sloppy Joes

   For many, a fresh batch of Sloppy Joes brings back memories of low-key family meals with messy faces and lots of laughter. Remake this classic into a starter-sized sandwich with ground turkey, spices and Worcestershire sauce for tanginess. Scoop the mixture onto halved rolls, and add a side of veggie sticks.

4. Beef & Mushroom Skillet Lasagna

   Grandma’s homemade lasagna was soul satisfying, and this recipe will bring back those fond food memories. Our modern makeover of the recipe uses Grandma’s age-old cast-iron pan, in which broken lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, sautéed veggies and ground beef cook together. Stir until tender and then sprinkle with cheese. Spoon into bowls, grab a fork, and dig in!

5. Classic Pumpkin Pie

   This seasonal favourite is featured on weekend dessert menus throughout the fall harvest season and is a staple on Thanksgiving tables. Our recipe starts with an all-butter pie crust – and trust us, it’s worth the extra effort! A touch of maple syrup will add a special Canuck twist. Serve slices topped with a swirl of maple-flavoured whipped cream and toasted pecans.

6. Grilled Cheddar, Bacon & Apple Sandwiches

   For as long as we can remember, the humble grilled cheese has been a comfort food hero. But we turn up the flavour in our Grilled Cheddar, Bacon & Apple Sandwiches with a twist on this lunchtime classic: Butter one side of each bread slice, then flip over and add mustard and jam. Top with arugula, cheese, bacon and apple slices. In a pan, fry sandwiches until browned and the cheese is melted.

7. Big Batch Shepherd's Pie

   Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless recipe easily made from leftovers. Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste add nice depth of flavour to the herbed beef filling. Tip: Add a delicious potato topping (without having to lift a vegetable peeler) by using packaged mashed potatoes. After baking for 20 minutes, bring the dish to the table so everyone can load hearty slices onto their plates and indulge.

8. Easy Butter Chicken

   Toss the take-out menus! This North Indian classic is ready in 30 minutes and will have heavenly aromas floating from the kitchen. Marinated chicken thighs are cooked until tender in a creamy, spiced curry sauce. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread.

9. Classic Cocoa with Marshmallows

   On chilly days, fix a soothing batch of homemade hot cocoa. This recipe livens up store-bought cocoa powder with aromatic vanilla extract — a pairing that dates back to the Aztecs. Made on the stove top with just four ingredients, the recipe is easily multiplied. Ladle into mugs, top with marshmallows and then settle into your favourite spot on the couch and reflect on how perfect this moment is!

10. Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts

    Craving those deep-fried donuts from the fall county fair? Now you can make these treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. You’ll need to exercise some patience, though, because the dough needs at least an hour to rise. When ready, fry three donuts at a time until golden and puffy. Place on a paper towel–lined plate and get the kids to help roll them in cinnamon-sugar. Resist the urge to devour these bite-sized goodies…if you can.