Italian

Lightly spray measuring cup with oil before adding honey to make it easy to pour. Fresh ricotta is much firmer than packaged ricotta. Note

Ham, spinach and tomato risotto

You can add thawed frozen peas with the last cup of hot stock. Make sure oil is hot enough before frying the balls so they stay intact. Note

Recipe makes two portions – one to serve and one to freeze. Use fresh lasagne sheets to cut cooking time. To Reheat: Place thawed lasagne in an oven preheated to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Bake 20 minutes or until heated and bubbly. Note

Try this sauce tossed through pasta to serve as a light meal, or use it as the base for casseroles and curries. The tomato sauce recipe makes approximately 3 cups. To store: Leftover sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze: You can freeze sauce for […]

Replace gnocchi with filled pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini; cook as packet directs. Use chopped roma tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. Note

To warm: Microwave muffins on High (100%) in 30-second bursts. Note

To avoid a lumpy or stringy mixture, make sure the dissolved gelatine and custard mixtures are at the same temperature before combining. For best results, chill overnight. Pannacotta is also delicious served with fresh berries. Note

This is the perfect baker’s present. Buy a jar and fill it with the flour, coconut, oats, seeds and cranberries. Then present it, along with the recipe, to a friend or loved one.

Nourish your insides with this warm and hearty chicken casserole, simmered with a fragrant tomato and olive sauce. Serve it up for a family dinner with a side of mashed potato or pasta.

Use chopped tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. Try tapenade or pesto instead of passata. Price will vary. When making fresh breadcrumbs, make doable or more. Freeze in resealable food storage bags in small portions to have on hand. Save money Buy in bulk when mince is on special. Place 500g portions in resealable food storage […]

Use canned drained peach halves when fresh peaches aren’t available. Cooking time will vary. Low-fat Use low-fat yogurt instead of cream. DIY idea Swap peaches for nectarines or plums. Freestone peaches have stones that are easy to remove. You’ll find amaretti biscuits in the biscuits aisle. Note

Use drained canned flaked tuna instead of slices. Swap provolone cheese for tasty cheese. Omit olives. You can buy char-grilled vegetables from the deli section. Low fat Use tuna slices in brine, and use reduced-fat tasty cheese. Note

Use budget beef rump steak instead of chicken. Price will vary. You can use rigatoni or penne instead. Note

You can use any long pasta shape, such as spaghetti, angel hair or pappardelle. To avoid lumps forming in the sauce, stir it constantly while cooking. Note

Use a baking tray that has a shallow rim to catch any juice from the tomatoes. Note

The addition of creamy ricotta in this traditional Italian pasta bake adds an exceptional flavour and texture element to this lasagne. The whole family will love it!

Swap feta for 125g fresh ricotta. You’ll find jumbo pasta shells in the pasta aisle and at delicatessens. Note

Drain the chargrilled vegetables on paper towels to prevent the bread becoming wet during toasting. Use a mandolin or V-slicer to cut the onion into very thin slices. Note

Heart-healthy avocado and a touch of olive oil adds a healthful twist on a traditional Italian classic. This creamy avocado pesto pasta is indulgent without being overly rich.

Canned tuna would be a lovely addition to this recipe. If toasted pine nuts are unavailable, toss them in a dry frying pan over a medium heat until golden. Note

Tomato ‘passsata’ is a cooked tomato concentrate. Tomato paste can be substituted. Lebanese bread, pita bread or naan make good alternative pizza bases. Note

These vegetables are readily available from most supermarkets in jars or from the deli section. Note

Replace gorgonzola with another 1/2 cup grated parmesan. Note

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

If preferred, use 1 small barbecue chicken, skin removed and flesh shredded Leftover risotto can be shaped into rounds and baked, or tossed in flour and pan-fried to make delicious risotto cakes. Note

Serve the fettuccine with a little shaved parmesan if desired. Note

This Italian dish is quick to whip up but with proscuitto, zucchini cheese and pasta you'll be savouring every mouthful.

Make your own crunchy golden biscotti to enjoy with a big mug of coffee or tea. Packed full of almonds, sweet fruit chunks and dunked in chocolate to finish, its a winning treat every time.

Meaning 'pick me up' in Italian, this classic dessert combines creamy mascarpone and coffee for the perfect flavour hit.

Use any pasta of choice. If preferred, use sliced salami in place of chorizo. Note

Panna cotta has a tropical makeover with this recipe featuring coconut, rum and mango

Use any flavoured tortellini or ravioli you prefer. Add some finely sliced zucchini to the cream sauce, if desired. Note

Camembert or brie, with sliced smoked salmon and a touch of lemon juice can be used instead of blue cheese if preferred. Note

makes about 32 You can make this slice up to a week in advance. Store in an airtight container. Note

If preferred, use baby cos lettuce. Note

You can use any pasta of choice. You can use salami, ham or pancetta instead of bacon. Note

To make the 1/3 cup of passionfruit pulp, you need 4-5 passionfruit. If fresh aren’t available, use a 170g can. Note

This vegetable and feta mixture is also delicious tossed through prepared couscous. Note

Make sure you simmer the sauce to cook the cornflour and remove any ‘floury’ taste. Note

If you've got 15 minutes and are looking for a delicious and simple appetiser to start off your favourite Italian meal, then this mixed bruschetta recipe is for you.

Ensure the toffee is poured over the nuts in a very thin layer. Be careful – the tray will be very hot. To prevent crystallisation, do not stir the toffee mixture once it comes to the boil. Note

makes 12 Note

A dish like this cries out for a glass of red wine.

If you prefer, you can, use mild pancetta or prosciutto, as well as mild creamy blue cheese in place of goat’s cheese. For a thinner crust, try mountain bread. Note

Any flavoured liqueur can be used in place of marsala. Note

For quicker cooking time, blanch the cannelloni tubes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain, cool and fill. Note

This is best made a day in advance of serving. If you don’t want to use alcohol, replace the liqueur with fruit juice. Note

Cook gnocchi in batches of about 6. Add a slurp of olive oil to the water to prevent them sticking together. Accompany with salad and fresh, crusty bread if liked. Note

Rich, creamy and delicious - this pumpkin risotto is a great dinner party dish. When it's cold outside, this beautiful and colourful pumpkin risotto is like a big, warm hug.

Salami and sage pasta mixed together with creamy parmesan is the perfect quick and tasty meal. The tomatoes, salami and olives can be saut�ed in a little oil before adding to pasta.

To help prevent ravioli from sticking together, it’s important not to overcrowd the saucepan when cooking – a splash of oil in the water will also help. Note

If liked, toss through a little chopped parsley. For a lighter version, use light evaporated milk. Snipped chives could be used in place of green onions. Note

Any sausage or salami of your choice can be used. Note

We used a mixture of button, shiitake, oyster and enoki, but you can use any varieties of mushroom you prefer. Note

If you’re short on time buy fresh pasta, as it only takes a few minutes to cook. Note

Spaghetti and meatballs

This would also be delicious with pan-fried prawns instead of tuna. Note

Add a little sugar to tomato- based dishes to cut acidity and enhance the flavour. Note

Seasoned flour is plain flour with added seasoning to taste. Note

Use ready-made ravioli if preferred. Add a splash of oil to the pasta’s cooking water, to help prevent ravioli sticking together. Note

You can also use chicken, pork or beef mince to make this dish. Note

Bacon, salami or prosciutto may be used in place of ham. Note

Express pasta is quick cooking pasta, available in many different shapes. Use your favourite pasta if preferred. Note

Mix and store your dressing in a screw-tight jar and dress salad just before serving. Note

You can use chicken schnitzels in place of veal, if preferred, and if you like, serve with mashed potato and steamed beans. Note

For a milder flavour, use chunks of brie or camembert. Note