Italian

You can use prosciutto or pancetta in place of bacon if you prefer. Note

Drizzle the tart with a little balsamic vinegar or syrup before serving. Note

Bread flour and 00 flour (high-gluten flours) are both suitable. They’ re found in the baking section of large supermarkets. Note

MAKES 1 1/3 CUPS Note

You can use a can of diced tomatoes, a little red wine and some dried mixed herbs in place of the pasta sauce. Note

Use one 5-cup capacity baking dish, if preferred. Note

Make your own aioli by mixing roasted garlic flesh into whole egg mayonnaise with a squeeze of lemon juice. If preferred, simply brown the outside and finish in a moderate oven, 180°C, to cook through. Note

Chicken cacciatore is an Italian classic of chicken braised with tomatoes and wine. This beautiful and fragrant braise and is the perfect dish for gatherings with friends or family.

This is an easier version of chicken cacciatore, and is made in a lidded frying pan or large saucepan. This beautiful and fragrant chicken cacciatore is the perfect dish for gatherings.

To make your own pesto, process leaves of 1 bunch each parsley and mint, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 clove garlic to form a paste. Season to taste. Note

If you have parsley, sprinkle liberally over the dish at the end of cooking. Note

All meatball ingredients can be combined in a food processor. Note

Chicken parmigiana is a popular and delicious Italian-American dish consisting of chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. A crisp salad is a nice accompaniment.

If scum or fat appears on the surface of the soup as it cooks, remove it by blotting with a paper towel. Another option is to chill the cooked soup overnight to allow solids to harden on the surface, then remove the fat with a spoon and reheat the soup before serving. Note

Store leftover eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use in salads, bakes, pastas, toasted sandwiches etc. Note

Chicken zucchini risotto

Cut pancetta in half, cook in frying pan 2-3 minutes each side, until crisp, drain on paper towel. Leftover risotto can be pressed into lightly greased muffin pan and baked for 15-20 minutes, until golden, to make risotto cakes. Note

Set panna cotta aside at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Remove from mould by dipping mould into warm water for a few seconds. Turn upside down onto serving plate and shake. Carefully lift off mould. Note

If you have an ice-cream maker, you can churn the ice-cream in this following the manufacturer’s instructions. Note

This classic chicken casserole combines a rich tomato sauce with salty olives and fresh herbs to create a flavour-packed, hearty meal the whole family will love.

This hearty chicken dish will warm your body and soul on those cool Winter evenings. It's packed full of goodness and flavour that will have the whole family coming back for seconds.

Spruce up your humble chicken schnitzel with the addition of tomato pasta sauce, melted cheese and fresh basil. This simple topping adds a world of flavour that will delight your friends and family.

Secure rolls with a toothpick if needed. Pancetta or prosciutto can be used in place of ham. Note

Sliced fresh chilli can be used instead of dried flakes. If liked, stir 1/4 cup cream though mixture. Note

This is delicious if you drizzle on a little extra olive oil and lemon juice just before serving. Note

Roast hazelnuts in a moderate oven, 180°C. for 4-5 minutes. Skin can be removed, if necessary. Note

If preferred, use 1 cup dried Italian soup bean mix (available from supermarkets and greengrocers) in place of canned beans and lentils. Soak a day ahead. Note

If you have a pizza stone, use that. Note

Overnight chilling allows flavours to develop. Toasted flaked almonds can be used in place of almond bread. Note

Olives, chopped prosciutto or char-grilled vegetables of choice can be added to this pasta. Note

You could replace the trout fillets with hot smoked trout or salmon, if you like. Note

Chocolatey yet nutty, and buttery yet crispy. This macadamia and chocolate biscotti is crunchy and satisfying and the flavour combinations go perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Macaroni and cheese is taken to the next level with the addition of cabanossi and cherry tomatoes. Not only does it taste delicious, but it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes!

Try using frozen meatballs from the freezer section of the supermarket, or from the deli. Note

Omit the capsicum and sprinkle each steak with a little grated mozzarella cheese, if preferred. Note

If risotto is cooked after 2 cups of stock are added. don’t add remaining stock. Note

Looking for a quick and delicious appetiser to start off your favourite Italian meal? Look no further and try this simple yet scrumptious mixed bruschetta recipe by Woman�s Day.

Add a little chilli if desired. Any unopened mussels should not be discarded as they are still fine to eat (despite previous concerns that suggested otherwise). The tendon connecting the shells simply needs to be slit with a small sharp knife to open the mussel. Note

This dish is designed to feed four hungry people and use up any leftovers from the fridge.

This salad is a delicious way to use up stale bread. Make sure the bread is very crisp and dry before adding it to the salad, so it doesn’t become soggy. Note

Pasta salad is the perfect dish for a light lunch or family barbecue. With minimal ingredients needed, this fragrant and scrumptious pasta salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

You need minimal ingredients to create this crowd-pleasing pasta salad. This fragrant pasta salad recipe is best served in summer as it's just the thing for a light lunch or barbecue.

If desired, halved cherry tomatoes can be added to the pan with the chorizo. Note

MAKES 4 Cut out some mini pizzas from prepared bases and serve as hot canapes with apple, walnut, blue cheese and honey. Note

If preferred, make your own meatballs using a favourite recipe. You can also bake meatballs first before adding them to the sauce. Note

If preferred, use baked vegetables, or char-grilled vegetables in a jar. Add some sliced salami if desired. Note

Add 1/4 teaspoon caster sugar to salsa, if a sweeter taste is desired. Note

Salting eggplant before cooking removes its bitter juices. Note

Drain capers on paper towel. Heat oil in frying pan on medium, fry capers for 2-3 minutes until they begin to burst. Drain on paper towel. Note

Gow gee wrappers are round pastry wrappers available from Asian grocers. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes at hand, use a 400g can of diced tomatoes. Note

When leaving the dough to rise in a warm place, make sure it’s not too hot or it will kill the yeast – don’t put the bowl on a hotplate or in the oven. Also, an environment that is too cold will retard its growth. Note

Cover tortellini with a damp cloth to prevent them drying out. This recipe will make about 30 tortellini. Note

You can use any type of tubular pasta such as macaroni or penne, or spiral pasta can be used if preferred. Note

Roast a few cloves of unpeeled garlic with tomatoes. Remove skins, mash and add to pasta for extra flavour. Note

Do not allow the water to touch the base of the bowl as it may make the mixture curdle due to overheating. Note

If preferred, use drained, flaked canned salmon. Note

You could spoon this into one large casserole dish and sprinkle with a little grated parmesan or tasty cheese before baking. A 400g can diced tomatoes could be used in place of the pasta sauce. Note

Creamy and flavourful seafood risotto with marinara mix will quickly become a dinner favourite. Seafood risotto must be served immediately so you can best savour its rich creaminess.

Nothing is better on a chilly day than this silky cauliflower fettuccine sprinkled with breadcrumb mixture and marjoram leaves.

Smoked trout slices, smoked salmon or any other smoked fish can be used, if preferred. Note

Make ahead (it tastes better when it’s reheated) and serve warm, not hot.

Tortellini can be used in place of ravioli, if preferred. Add a few sliced black olives and a little shaved parmesan, if desired. Note

A layer of foam will form on the surface during cooking of jams. Simply skim off with a metal spoon and discard. Note

Canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh. Note

If preferred, use 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of fresh. Note

If liked, use passata in place of diced tomatoes. If you have basil in the garden, use it in place of the spinach. Note

Light, fresh and tasty, this protein packed chicken dish is full of flavour, making it the perfect healthy option for both the parents and any fussy children.

With salty prosciutto wrapping tender veal steaks and mozzarella, these veal and prosciutto rolls make for a tastebud-tingling main when served with fresh rocket and saut�ed tomatoes.

In hot weather, soften ice-cream in the fridge to prevent it melting. Don’t worry if the bowl is not lined perfectly with the sponge. Note