For a simple but tasty brunch a frittata is easily the best choice. Frittatas are basically a simplified omelette and can be made with any of your favorite vegetables like chopped asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini etc. To further simplify your brunch menu the frittata ingredients can be mixed together the night before and stored in the refrigerator overnight for cooking the next day. If a little more involved is your style, eggs benedict are classic traditional Easter brunch fare. Other popular offerings for a lovely brunch are a variety of breads such as babkas and hot cross buns as well as desserts like lemon cake and fruit tarts consisting of bright fresh flavours reminiscent of Spring, all of which can be made a day or two in advance. And never forgetting to enjoy refreshments, a cold, crisp sparkling wine or a Mimosa will compliment all of these wonderful dishes.

Below are some delicious ideas to thank Dad on his special day.

Barbeque Spareribs

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Stuffed Salmon with Fennel and Citrus

Grilled Chicken

1. Baked Brie with Candied Walnuts and Blueberries is fantastic with a Rose.

2. Olive Straws are impressive and are even more so with a Sparkling Wine.

3. Enjoy a sweet Port with Pears with Goat Cheese and Bacon. 

4. A must have classic, Shrimp Cocktail, pairs lovely with a Riesling.

5. Finally, a delicious and easy Mushroom Tart is perfect with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

All of these appetizers can be made in advance ensuring a flawless party and a good time can be had by all, even the host.

Many people associate Easter as really the beginning of Spring so it's no surprise that popular Spring-like side dishes include bright in-season asparagus, spring onions and new potatoes. Follow any of the recipes below for a simple but deliciously impressive Easter dinner.

• Spring Onion Soup 
• Asparagus Tart
• Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb or Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted New Potatoes and a Ragout of Peas and Morels. A delicate Pinot Noir or a robust Chianti are both excellent pairing choices for either the lamb or the ham.
• Finish your dinner with an easy Ricotta Cheesecake.

Salad: Asparagus and Pea Salad

Appetizer: Shrimp Ceviche

Entree: Pan Seared Halibut with Asparagus Puree and Chive Oil

Dessert: Rhubarb Raspberry Mini Crostadas

Here are some great ideas:

1. Crisp Escarole Salad with Garlicky Anchovy Dressing

    (pair with Sauvigngon Blanc or Italian Barolo)

2. Bitter Greens with Almonds and Goat Cheese

    (pair with Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc)

3. Butternut Squash Salad with Hazelnuts

    (pair with a Gewurztraminer)

4. Warm Duck and Cabbage Salad

     (pair with a California Pinot Noir)

 
 5. Tofu Watercress Salad with Thai Dressing

     (pair with a Riesling)

 
 6. Spinach and Shrimp Salad with Chili Dressing

    (pair with a Pinot Gris)

(Recipes from Melissa Rubel Jacobson of Food and Wine)

According to The Joy of Cooking, "The original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Because of  this, bartenders and restaurant owners began creating a variety of snacks to serve with sherry, thus increasing their alcohol sales. The tapas eventually became as important as the sherry." Very crafty indeed but today tapas are a popular option for any dinner party because they are quick to prepare, suit the tastes of many palettes and most importantly, they are delicious. Consider serving tapas at your next dinner party for a sure-to-be crowd pleaser.

Some popular tapas include:

Prawn and Scallop Ceviche, Gambas al Ajillo which is a garlic shrimp dish, stuffed mussels known as Mejillones Rellenadas and all of these dishes pair wonderfully with a crisp dry Sauvignon Blanc.

Two very popular meat tapas are Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs), or Empanadas and these both do well with a lovely aged Spanish Rioja.

Overall, throwing a tapas party is a great option for any host. Whether you want to keep it simple with just a few tapas and one wine or prefer to have an elaborate spread, a tapas party ensures plenty of variety.

No romantic dinner is complete without an aphrodisiac and freshly shucked oysters will do the trick. Pair the oysters with a crisp Sparkling Wine to begin.

Next, Jamie Oliver's Roasted Rack of Lamb with Crushed Potatoes is perfect for your Valentines entree. Simple to prepare but ever so impressive. Roasted lamb is delicious when paired with a lush Chilean Pinot Noir.

Finally, chocolate covered strawberries are a classic dessert option to conclude your dinner. They can easily be prepared in advance and are wonderfully charming served with a sweet Ice Wine.