Italian

Reserve 1 cup of cooking water so if the pasta needs moistening when adding the sauce, you can add a little to make it the correct consistency. Note

Freezing time overnight. Substitute low-fat cream or milk for the cream if you’re watching your fat intake. Note

These popular pickled vegetables are great served as part of an antipasto selection or with boiled meats or ham. Try giardiniera on beef or sausage sandwiches, and with cheese, dips, in pasta sauces, or even as a homemade pizza topping. Note

Add a little bite to this soup by serving it with grated vintage chedder instead of parmesan. Note

Large shell pasta is ideal for scooping up chunky sauces such as this one. Drain shells well after cooking to ensure there’s no water inside. Note

health tip: Processed foods are a source of excess salt, so choose low-salt versions of your favourites when shopping. Note

It’s best not to place the mozzarella under the decorations, as they will slide off the pizzas as the cheese melts. Note

This risotto can be cooked the traditional way by adding the stock gradually and stirring continually, although more stock may be needed. Note

This comforting, creamy dish uses simple, ready-to-hand ingredients just the way Italian grandmothers, or nonnas, like to do when they want to spoil loved ones. Note

Store remaining basil for up to a week in the fridge in a plastic bag lined with paper towel. Wash only when ready to use, so the leaves stay green. Note

Classic and delicious combination of fresh pumpkin, creamy mozzarella and tangy crispy prosciutto topped with crisp sage leaves creates a simple but sophisticated starter or side dish.

Using oil together with the butter when frying increases the heating point, ensuring the butter doesn’t discolour or burn.

Luca Villari raids the liqueur cabinet to add extra dimensions of flavour to this elegant dinner dish

Luca Villari raids the liqueur cabinet to add extra dimensions of flavour to this elegant desert

These are sensational! Although this isn't a traditional Italian dish, the flavour combination of lemons, tomatoes and a strong cheese is definitely Italian. Serve these as a light lunch or a starter.

The garlic crumbs in this recipe are also great in salads or winter greens, adding flavour and texture.

Find mozzarella a little bland? Toss it with herbs and oil.

Drain off any excess water by placing the ricotta in a strainer over a bowl and leaving it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using. Note

Trim about 5cm from the ends of the spinach stalks and throw them away. Check before adding any salt, as smoked chicken can be quite salty already. Note

Here is a new twist on the most staple of all winter dishes - spaghetti bolognese. We�ve added bacon and cream for a rich and tasty sauce. Seriously tasty yet seriously easy!

The acid from the vinegar helps to set the protein in the egg, so it holds its shape. If you’d like to remove the taste of vinegar, rinse cooked eggs in a bowl of hot water and drain. Note

Delicious beef meatballs are simmered in an easy Italian tomato sauce to create homemade Italian comfort with this spaghetti and meatballs recipe brought to you by Australian Table.

When scrubbing, discard any mussels with damaged shells and any that don’t close when gently tapped. Pullout the piece of weed (the beard) from the side. Note

Spaghettini with walnuts and anchovies

Health tip: Even if you’re on a low-fat diet, don’t be afraid to add parmesan to a dish for flavour. It has such a strong taste that you only need to use a little bit. Note

To make a smoother ricotta sauce, biend it in a food processor. You can use either full cream or low-fat ricotta in this pasta dish. Note

This makes 1 1/2 cups tapenade. Serve with pasta or on sandwiches. Note

For juicy, tender veal, cook it until still a little pink. Cuts as thin as scaloppine are easy to overcook to the point of becoming rubbery, so cook the meat quickly in a very hot pan so it browns but doesn’t stew. Only return veal to the pan when the sauce has been sufficiently reduced. […]

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. When cooking cauliflower, a light-handed treatment is best. It contains sulphur compounds similar to that of cabbage, which break down as they cook, releasing an odour that strengthens the longer they are cooked. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Gelatine suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. You will need to purchase a large barbecued chicken weighing approximately 900g for this recipe. Note

This recipe can be made up to two weeks ahead. Note

Sauce suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Kofta suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

You will need one bunch of silverbeet for this recipe. Note

Suitable to microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Fresh oregano leaves add their unmistakeable flavour to this succulent lamb stew served on a bed of pillowy gnocchi. A classic winter warmer if we've ever seen one!

An alternative to stuffing the tubes for this spinach and ricotta cannelloni is to use fresh lasagne sheets and roll each one around a line of filling.

Pasta with caramelised onion, bacon and thyme, bacon recipe, brought to you by Australian Women's Weekly

Not suitable to freeze. Pumpkin suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

The flavour of the caponata improves greatly if made a day ahead. It can be served warm or at room temperature. The dish can be served on its own or with plenty of crusty bread. Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Pesto suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

For the perfect balanced lunch, add fresh fruit, grissini (bread sticks) and water. Not suitable to freeze. Pasta suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note