You can prepare these iceblocks up to 5 days ahead, if you like. Note

Start kids in the kitchen with simple jobs, such as lining cake pans. measuring dry ingredients, choosing mixing bowls and spoons and stirring basic batters. Teach kids proper kitchen hygiene and get them to wipe clean all the work areas before preparation begins. Stay safe in the kitchen. Keep kids far away from the stove […]

Make a piping bag from a small resealable plastic food storage bag. Three-quarters fill the bag with mousse mixture; seal. Snip off one comer to make a small hole. Note

Buy pork from the deli counter. Use crusty rolls for best results. Note

Use thickened (not coconut) cream. Note

You’ll need 6 large paper muffin cases for this recipe. Note

Use any type of plain un-iced biscuits. Note

Use a vegetable peeler to shave zucchini into long, thin ribbons, or coarsely grate. Add walnuts just before serving, to give salad a nutty crunch. To transport: Carry salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Cover and keep chilled. Place walnuts in a small, resealable food storage bag, then transport separately. Toss together just before […]

This is best made a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

Make ahead: You can make these a day ahead; cover and chilli. Top with muesli just before serving. Note

Make it a main: To turn salad into a main meal, add a protein-rich food, such as leftover chicken, beef or lamb, canned salmon, drained canned beans, tofu, cheese or boiled eggs. Note

Make ahead: Make trifle a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Toffee sauce is in the dessert aisle; use caramel sauce if unavailable. For an extra indulgent trifle, top custard layer with whipped cream, then sprinkle with grated dark chocolate. Serve topped with fresh mixed berries or grated chocolate. Note

Chill glasses before serving. Note

You can prepare cheesecake 1 week ahead. Store, covered, in freezer. Toast nuts separately in a small frying pan. Stir over low heat until golden. Store cooled nuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Swap butter snap biscuits for ginger nut biscuits. Note

You must use sashimi-gradefish for freshness and texture. Buy from a reputable fishmonger. Note

Serve salsa with char-grilled or pan-fried pork steak, cutlet or chop, beef steak or fish fillet. Note

Use other fruit of choice such as chopped mango and passion fruit, or mixed chopped stone fruit. Note

With creamy vanilla yoghurt forming the base of these delicious berry yoghurt pops - they're the perfect healthy treat for those hot summer days, and children are bound to love them

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

You can use lebanese bread or lavash in place of mountain bread, if you like. Note

Is there anything better than a scrumptious chocolate cheesecake covered in fresh berries? The same cheesecake with no baking required is definitely one step better.

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

Makes 1 litre Peaches, nectarines or plums may be used in place of mangoes. Note

If preferred, serve soup slightly warmed. Note

Duck is available from specialty Chinese shops – but if you can’t find it, use a barbecued chicken. Note

Use any fruit you like in this. Store the leftover fruit salad and yoghurt in separate containers in the fridge for up to two days. Note

Use a 6cm cutter to get perfect watermelon rounds. Note

Herbs de provence is a dried herb and spice mixture available from most supermarkets and delis. Note

Prepare up to 1 hour ahead and keep chilled. Note

If you don’t have an ice-cream maker, pour syrup into a loaf pan, cover with foil and freeze until almost set. Transfer to a chilled bowl, add egg whites and beat for 2-3 minutes with an electric beater (or in a food processor) until all ice particles have broken up. Return to pan and freeze […]

Dressing can be made up to two days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Note

Dress salad just before serving. Toast nuts by gently tossing in a dry frying pan for 1 minute. Note

Remove the strawberries and ricotta mixture from the fridge 5 minutes before serving. You can use a mixture of berries in this dish. Note

Try using other berries in this salad. Smoked chicken, smoked trout or cooked prawns could be substituted for the smoked salmon. Note

Use any bread you prefer to make croutons. If liked, add some shredded barbecue chicken. Note

White Christmas

To toast coconut, toss in a dry frying pan on medium heat 2-3 minutes, until golden; transfer to a plate to cool. Note

Toast almonds by tossing in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Cover surfaces with plastic wrap when refreezing, to prevent ice crystals from forming. To ensure definition, it’s important that each layer is allowed to become very firm before adding the next. Note

To decorate, cut a snowflake stencil from baking paper. Place on top of pie and dust with Milo or cocoa. Then carefully remove the stencil and serve. You could also decorate it with a homemade wire star with beads threaded onto it, as shown. Note

To make a piping bag, spoon melted chocolate into a mini snap-lock bag. Snip off the corner and squeeze gently. For a variation, dip strawberries into sprinkles or crushed nuts after dipping into chocolate. Melt chocolate in the microwave on Medium (50%) power in a microwave-safe bowl, in 30 second bursts, stirring after each burst, […]

This can be made with milk or white chocolate in place of dark if you prefer. Try adding a touch of your favourite liqueur. Note

Not sure what to do with your leftover Christmas cake? This recipe mixes it with vanilla ice cream, mixed spice and a dash of brandy. Just when you thought Christmas couldn't get any better!

If preferred, freeze the casatta in individual moulds. Note

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

Ensure condensed milk is at room temperature, for easy incorporation with the creams. Note

To make a souffle that is elevated above the rim of the serving dish, you must make a collar. Cut 4 strips of paper about 10cm wide and long enough to fit around each souffle dish. Fold in half. Wrap around each dish so it forms a collar around the edge. Secure with string or […]

If preferred, use 2 tablespoons mayonnaise in place of dressing. Cooked rice or couscous can be used instead of pasta. Note

You can use red or green cabbage for coleslaw, just make sure any tough veins in the cabbage leaves are removed. Note

The dressing can be added before chilling the salad. Toss noodles through just before serving. Note

You need about 1/2 cup ciabatta bread chunks. Note

To release bombes. wipe each mould with a hot, damp cloth or dip in hot water for a few seconds. Note

Mesclun usually consists of a mixture of salad leaves such as baby spinach, mizuna, oak, tatsoi, rocket and baby beetroot leaves. Note

To char-grill your own vegetables, thinly slice, spray with olive oil and barbecue 3-4 minutes each side; cool. Store, drizzled with olive oil, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Note

Six ingredients is all you need to create this delicious tomato, feta and pomegranate salad.

Shredded barbecue chicken (instead of trout) is also delicious in this dish. Note

Try another filling of cream cheese, smoked salmon slices, capers and dill. Prepare sandwiches ahead of time and cook as required. Note

Prawns, lobster, smoked salmon or trout, crab or shredded chicken are also delicious in this salad. Note

Remove cherry stones by using the tip of a cherry pitter, or by slicing off cheeks and ends. Note

You can replace aioli with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Note

A healthy afternoon treat for those hot summer days that children will love! With creamy vanilla yoghurt for the base, these berry yoghurt pops are refreshingly delicious.

Delicious, healthy muesli you can make the night before. Soaking oats and seeds overnight makes them easier to digest, and the muesli will be extra creamy. Great for a quick breakfast.

These rolls make a great lunchbox addition. Note

Makes 6 Note

Gelatine is sold as a powder or in sheets, and they are usually interchangeable. Use two gelatine leaves for every teaspoon of powdered gelatine. Follow packet instructions for dissolving. Note

To make pita crisps, cat pita bread rounds into wedges and arrange on an oven tray. Spray with oil and season to taste. Bake in a moderate oven, 180°C, 4-6 minutes, until lightly golden. Makes 1 1/2 cup Note