Apricot

This delicious fruit and nut loaded slice is wonderfully moist and packed full of flavour. It tastes even better accompanied with a creamy, citrus icing.

This divine Moroccan inspired chicken and apricot dish is perfect served atop a bed of fluffy couscous and sprinkled with fresh coriander.

The crunchy golden cornflakes in this delicious apricot and coconut slice will keep the whole family happy for days.

Perfect to pop in your Christmas advent calendar or just make as small treats for throughout the week, these apricot and coconut chocolates are absolutely divine.

A healthy alternative to bought snack bars, these muesli bars work perfectly for school or work lunchboxes.

This is gorgeous – deep golden brown skin, plump and succulent. If you forget to soak the apricots, put them in a small saucepan with the water and cook gently for 10 minutes, until plump and tender.

Fruit can be served warm or at room temperature. Note

You can use chicken in place of lamb, and swap the pearl couscous for instant, if you prefer.

Prepare healthy lunches for school or work with this simple recipe by Sophie Gray

Enjoy the contrast between creamy, smooth dark chocolate and tart, vibrant apricots in this delicious Easter layer cake

Try using different cutters for interesting shapes, especially when you’re cutting out the centre holes. Note

If you prefer to mix the cake batter using an electric mixer, start on low speed to just combine ingredients, then increase to medium for 1 minute. For best results, be careful not to overbeat. Note

If desired, bake desserts in oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes, until golden. Note

Cut a slice of this fruity tart and enjoy the fragrant undertones of rosewater. Best served with thick, whipped cream and a collection of family or friends.

Indulge in something a little more decadent with your pancakes than your normal jam topping with creamy ricotta and fresh apricots.

LSA, a unique combination of finely ground linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds, has amazing health benefits.

Substitute dates for apricots, and vanilla essence for lemon rind, if desired. Note

Ice-cream can be made several days ahead. Apricot mixture can be made a day ahead. Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Make this pudding in one large mould. Replace the grand marnier with brandy, if desired. Note

Alexa Johnston packs a perfect spring picnic. It’s not summer yet, but finding a sheltered spot in the sun to have a simple spring picnic can make the warmer days seem a little closer. Take a thermos of hot tea, a bottle of homemade lime or lemon cordial and some fizzy water, savoury cheese scones and butter, a few apples – and a tin full of delicious apricot and cranberry picnic slice. Even if it rains, you’ll be happy.

A traditional North African stew named after the earthenware pot in which it was cooked.

Want a hunger-busting snack that’s healthy, will travel, and tastes delicious to kids and adults alike? These chia, coconut and apricot bars are loved by all and are a great on-the-go energy boost.

Gift idea: Spoon leftover fruit mince into sterilised jars, seal, decorate with ribbon and attach the fruit mince recipe, printed on card. Note

If fresh peaches aren’t in season, simply use eight halves of the canned variety. Note

Dried apricots and cranberries are a fun addition to the classic Anzac biscuit recipe, and these sweet treats couldn't be easier to make!

Use any combination of dried fruit and nuts. Note

When making collar, fold baking paper so collar is double thickness; this will give the souffle more support when setting. Note

For an adult noodle mix, omit honey and cinnamon. Add a touch of curry powder and nuts such as raw unsalted almonds or cashews. Fried rice noodles are also available and are gluten free. Note

You can substitute regular puff pastry and use white sugar or brown sugar instead of demerara. Add finely chopped pistachios to filling. Once thawed, uncooked pastry cannot be refrozen. Note

You can make muffins in 3 x 12-hole (2-tablespoon) mini muffin trays; cooking time will reduce to 15 minutes. You’ll find apple sauce in the chutney and sauce aisle of supermarkets. Note

The summer hols never last long enough. Soon it’s back to school or work. Sophie Gray sends you on your way with a smile and this tasty lunch option

Snip dried fruit into small pieces with kitchen scissors. Note

Other canned fruit of choice may be used, such as peaches or cherries. Note

Just because you don't eat gluten doesn't mean you have to miss out on Christmas treats - try this delicious glace fruit cake.

Run out of time to make a proper Christmas pudding? You can still have a tasty treat on your festive table with this last-minute recipe thanks to Julie Goodwin.

The choc chips, apricots and macadamias may sink, but don’t worry – this is because the cake mix is quite light. To help prevent this happening, you could dust them lightly in self-raising flour. Note

Use any glace fruit of choice, about 1/2 cup chopped fruit and 2 tablespoons blanched almonds. Note

Substitute dried apricots for any other dried fruit of choice. Note

If you don’t have passata, combine 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1/3 cup water. Deglaze pan by adding remaining jam and 1/2 cup stock. Simmer until thickened. Serve over lamb. Note

Ask your butcher to score the rind for you – ensure you work the oil and salt into the cuts to help produce a great crackling. Note

Cornflour stabilises the custard so it won’t split over high heat. Note

A pressure cooker traps steam to cook food more quickly. Once any liquid starts to boil, it cannot escape, creating pressure. The steam inside increases and maintains the liquid’s temperature, resulting in a faster cooking time. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always release pressure slowly and away from you. Note

This is also great as a sandwich filling. Note

Opposites attract in this cake with sour cream, white chocolate and apricot creating an explosion of flavour in your mouth.

Wear disposable gloves when using food colouring to prevent it staining your hands. Note

Budget tip: Large cuts of meat are often cheaper in winter, so shop around. Note

Cover entire surface of crème pâtissière with plastic wrap to avoid skin forming. Note

Wrap the whole muffin tray or individual crumbles in plastic wrap and foil to freeze. Note

This sweet apricot and chocolate chip cake is beautiful served with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a relaxing weekend treat.

Originating in Italy, biscotti is a traditional biscuit that is mostly enjoyed with a strong coffee. A batch of these twice-baked goodies wrapped in coloured paper makes a thoughtful and delicious gift.

If you're in a jam, any jam will do for these delightful almond biscuits. Buttery, crumbly and zesty with lemon, they're a delicious little mouthful.

These bite-sized chocolate apricot truffles are not quite as rich as their original cousin, but they are just as delicious. The fruity centre provides a lovely tart and chewy contrast to the firm sweet chocolate coating.

You could use apricots as well or instead of either fruit for this divine peach and nectarine trifle. As a rule of thumb, just go with whatever is best in season.

The beauty of homemade jams are that you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. The addition of the mandarin to this recipe adds a lovely citrus flavour. The jam will be ready when a teaspoon-full 'jells' when placed on a cold plate.

This quick and easy apricot crumble slice makes a great afternoon snack, and is perfect for packing in lunch boxes. For something slightly fancier, serve warm with a spoonful of sour cream.

Crisp butter puff pastry, creamy vanilla crème pâtissière and juicy apricots make these pastries the ultimate treat for breakfast or morning tea.

These simple white cakes make an elegant wedding cake for an all-white wedding.

Pop the kettle on and enjoy a thick slice of this beautifully moist apricot cake with crisp macaroon topping.

Apricot and honey make a beautiful pair in this sophisticated, light dessert.

Gift these jars of sunshine to anyone and they'll be forever grateful. The combination of sweet apricot and tart lemon makes this jam so delicious you'll have a hard time giving it away!

Delicious spread on toast, this chunky apricot jam would make the perfect home-made gift. To test if it is ready, put a plate in the freezer for a few minutes, then see if the jam 'jells' when you blob a teaspoon full onto the cold surface.

If you have an electric pressure cooker you won’t need to reduce the heat to stabilise pressure, your cooker will automatically stabilise itself. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before using. Recipe suitable to free. Note

This is gloriously buttery and nutty but the tang of apricots and clean bite of yoghurt give it a lift. Try it with rich lamb dishes, or stuff it into pepper halves or hollowed-out zucchini halves and bake until vegetables are tender.

Apricot lovers will adore this crisp, creamy cheesecake.

Upside down cake is a classic afternoon tea snack, but can also be presented as an impressive dessert.

These fruit and nut bars are easy to make and deliciously chewy.

This buttery shortcake is filled with apricot jam and topped with crunchy blanched almonds.

A lovely strudel is delicious, easy to make, and relatively inexpensive. You can also experiment with different fillings. We've gone with basic apricot here, but all sorts of fruits and nuts make an equally yummy filling.

Put the kettle on and enjoy a thick slice of this moist apple and apricot loaf.

These tasty macaroon-like bars are great for the lunchbox.

Whip up something healthy and filling for lunch with this spiced chicken sandwich with apricot and kumara.

Almond and apricot stuffed pork leg; great for sharing with friends and family.

Filled with chopped apricots, peanuts and cornflakes for added crunch, this easy fridge slice is delicious served with coffee.

Dried fruit chutney of apple, date, apricot, pineapple and raisins with a pinch of cinnamon.

Served with pistachio yoghurt, this Moroccan-inspired lamb shoulder is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

This golden slice makes a delicious, homely dessert served with ice-cream.

Use up leftover hot cross buns to make this speedy, delicious dessert.