Colcannon is an Irish dish traditionally served on Hallowe’en, with coins hidden in the mash for children to find, but has also served as a regular staple. It’s similar to the English dish Bubble and Squeak, which was popular during WWII as a cheap and nutritious combination of leftovers. There are lots of variations on the dish, so experiment to see what suits you best:

You can use cabbage or kale. Onions, leeks, and green onions can be used interchangeably in this dish.

Some insist that the potatoes must be mashed smoothly, but the kale breaks the smoothness up enough not to notice some potato skin.

It’s spicy — there’s a lot of nutmeg and cinnamon — and it just has a great, warm flavor. It’s also got a great texture; it’s fluffy and moist with a nice crumb. It kind of just melts in your mouth. A slice of this is the perfect way to wake up in the morning.

The ingredients are also pretty darn wholesome, so if you’re looking to sneak in a few extra veggies onto a picky eater’s plate, this might be just what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, you should probably just call it “Spicy Awesome Bread.” Or if you’re looking to instill fear, Midwestern grandma-style, call it “Spicy Surprise Bread.”

Yield: 2 loaves

Try this fresh and flavorful salsa as a side dish, a tasty topping to your tacos, or simply scoop it up with some tortilla chips for a delicious snack.

Yield: 2 cups (serving size: about 1/4 cup)

This fresh dish is full of flavor and easy to whip up. Seitan has a neutral flavor and a chewy texture.

This fresh recipe embraces summer and ramps up the flavor! Pico de Gallo is best when made the day you plan to serve it. Prepare it early the morning of the party.

Makes 3 cups (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Nutritional information: 83 calories (0.0% from fat) 6.9g fat, 0.9g saturated fat, 4.5g monounsaturated fat, 0.9g polyunsaturated fat, 1.2g protein, 6g carbohydrate, 2.8g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 0.4mg iron, 5.7mg sodium, and 12mg calcium.

This salad offering is fresh as a main or a side dish, pleasantly reminds us of fresh salsa, and wouldn’t be out of place on a Mexican-themed buffet.

Nutritional information: 72 calories (68% from fat), 1.1g protein, 5.4g fat, 0.7g saturated fat, 6g carbohydrate, 1.5g fiber, 155mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol

This dip brings the flavor and the brown sugar adds an awesome hit of sweetness. Dark brown sugar and hot sauce lend an olive color to this slightly sweet yet spicy dip.

This zesty soup is best served with quesadillas. Enjoy!

Serving size: 1 3/4 cups

Nutritional information: 161 calories (20% from fat), 3.5g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 1.9g monounsaturated fat, 0.8g polyunsaturated fat, 3.8g protein, 31.7g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 2.2mg iron, 389mg sodium, 76mg calcium

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutritional information: 184 calories (23% from fat), 4.6g fat, 0.7g saturated fat, 3g monounsaturated fat, 0.5g polyunsaturated fat, 4.9g protein, 32.8g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 2.3mg iron, 421mg sodium, and 36mg calcium.

This recipe brings some sweet heat with the combination of heavenly chocolate, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.

Nutritional information: 450 calories (0% from fat), 12g fat, 2g saturated fat, 6mg protein, 87g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 4mg iron, 312mg sodium, and 36mg calcium.