Sourcing organic where possible is important to Emma Knight, co-founder of Greenhouse Juice Co., which sells its organic beverages in grocery stores across Canada. “Conventional crops are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that end up in the drink, and organic crops are better for the health of the soil,” she says. Aside from almond milk, her family also makes their own oat milk, which she recommends, as Canada is a large agricultural producer of oats, and as a crop they require less water than almonds.—Ria ElciarioI

If this nacho Cceese were an album, it would be Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. Not only is it gonna make you feel nostalgic for that oooey gooey sauce you get at the movies or carnivals, but it’s also gonna be on repeat in your kitchen! You don’t need to feel bad about it either because your new favourite cheese sauce is made from potatoes and carrots. —Lauren Toyota

There is a deep and storied tradition of meatballs as dim sum. Arguably the most famous of the bunch are lion’s head, notable for their springy texture, which is achieved by vigorously beating the ground meat against the side of the bowl. The technique takes some time to master, so consider this recipe an entry-level foray inspired by the classic, with water chestnuts for texture and the requisite seasoning of five-spice powder and tangerine zest. Look for coarsely ground fatty pork or ask your butcher for a custom mix with 20 to 30 percent fat.—Tara O'Brady

You can easily adjust the ingredients in this one-dish favourite: Add more ginger for extra kick, or replace beef with chicken. Enjoy!