No cooking required

You could use lime zest and juice instead of lemon. Note

You must make the cassata in stages, making sure each layer is firm before topping with next layer. To make it easier to remove cassata from the pan, dip pan briefly in warm water. Note

Use a flat-based drinking glass to help press crumbs evenly into pie dish. Note

Use writing icing that sets hard; it’s available from the cake decorating aisle of supermarkets. Note

Wrap individual puddings in clear cellophane and tie with ribbon to hang on christmas tree. Use red and green sprinkles instead of cachous if serving to young children. Note

For littlies, remove cachous before serving. Note

Instead of separating choc buttons into colours and having leftovers, use all colours and arrange over cake, alternating colours. Use scissors dipped in icing sugar to cut marshmallow. You’ll need 1 1/2 of the sponge cakes for this recipe. Note

You’ll need a 45 x 30cm cake board. Note

You’ll need a 25cm (diameter) round plate or cake board. Turn flowers into butterflies by adding musk sticks and licorice antennae. Note

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

You will need 1 small barbecued chicken for this recipe. Note

Soup will separate on standing, so stir it well before serving. Note

Use fresh or frozen blueberries or sliced fresh strawberries instead of raspberries. Note

Stand plastic cups in 2 loaf pans; this will keep them steady when setting in the freezer. Note

You can use any type of plain biscuit for the base. Note

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

Makes 6 You’ll need 2 passionfruit for this recipe. You can use canned passionfruit pulp if fresh is unavailable. You’ll find tartlet cases in the bakery aisle of the supermarket. Note

We used a jar of char-grilled antipasto vegetables comprising capsicum, eggplant and zucchini. Alternatively, buy char-grilled vegies of your choice from the delicatessen. Use a vegetable peeler to shred carrot into thin ribbons, then cut ribbons into long matchsticks. Note

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

This layered ice cream log takes neapolitan ice cream to the next level, packing it with the tastiness of chocolate, cherries, strawberries and fruit cake. Could it get any better?

You can freeze the cake, wrapped in 3 layers of plastic food wrap, for up to 1 month. 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 […]

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

For an adults-only Summer cocktail, spoon sorbet into glasses and top with sparkling wine or clear spirits. Note

We used extra virgin olive oil for added flavour; you can use vegetable or olive oil instead. Assemble beans just before serving to prevent avocado becoming soft. Save time: Combine beans and avocado with a 300g jar of bought mild tomato salsa. Note

This dessert is best prepared just before serving. 1/4 cup of passionfruit pulp will equate to about 3 passionfruit. Try fresh mixed berries instead of mango, if you like. Note

Chill glasses before serving. Note

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

Use shredded barbecued chicken breast instead of smoked chicken. Note

You can use cream cheese instead of mascarpone. Note

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

You can replace the Balmain bugs with prawns, lobster or cooked fish. Note

Makes about 20 Keep the condensed milk at room temperature for easy mixing. You can crush the biscuits in a food processor. 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.

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

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

makes 2 litres This ice-cream is delicious served in waffle cones. When removing zest from limes, remember to avoid the white pith – just remove the colourful skin – the pith is bitter. Note

Crush biscuits in a food processor, or in a plastic bag using a rolling pin. It is imperative to beat the softened cream cheese well, to ensure a smooth end result. Gelatine and cream-cheese mixture should be combined when they are at a similar temperature, to prevent lumps forming. Note

Prepare up to 1 hour ahead and keep chilled. Note

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

You will need about 500g each of honeydew melon and watermelon flesh. If you’re taking this salad to work, pack dressing separately from salad. Keep chilled until serving. Note

Add some sliced barbecued steak to salad to make it a complete meal. 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

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

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

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