Other

Replace glacé ‚ cherries, currants and mixed peel with 2/3 cup chopped sultanas. You can omit almonds and food colouring in icing. No cinnamon? Use mixed spice or a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg. Note

Omit almonds. To ensure berries keep their shape during cooking, use them frozen, not thawed. Don’t overcook the berries or they’ll become mushy. Use frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries or halved frozen pitted cherries instead of mixed berries. Price will vary. Best flavour: Choose fresh fruit that’s ripe, with no soft patches. Golden colour: For a […]

Packed full of delicious flavours and the goodness of beans, this hearty bolognese sauce is beautiful served over freshly cooked pasta.

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

Pear cooking time depends on how ripe they are. Rinse a spoon under water before measuring honey, so the honey won’t stick. Note

Make ahead: Cook pots a day ahead. Loosely cover, then refrigerate. Custard pots should wobble at the centre when you take them from the oven, as they’ll continue cooking while they cool. Note

You’ll need 4 large rhubarb stalks. If pastry is a little dry when processing, add 2-3 teaspoons chilled water. Butter temperature: Use chilled butter in pastries and crumbles. For cakes, biscuits and slices, use butter at room temperature. Note

Make ahead: You can make, then store cooled cookies, for up to 1 week, in an airtight container at room temperature. Try a different chocolate bar, for example, a chocolate-coated cherry bar or a choc-coated caramel filled bar. Note

Dip biscuits into lukewarm hot chocolate instead of coffee if making for kids. You’ll need 2 x 250g packets of biscuits. Store leftover biscuits for up to 1 month in an airtight container at room temperature. Note

This baked pork meatballs in tomato sauce recipe is the perfect family meal!

Make ahead: Cook soup a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Smoked paprika is in the spice aisle. If unavailable, use sweet paprika. Note

Swap baguette for sourdough Note

This recipe is a fresh take on fruit crumble that sees ginger-spiked oranges baked to perfection with a golden crumble topping and served with freshly whipped cream.

Health tip: For better heart health, use reduced-fat dairy spread instead of butter. Note

Use a non-stick frying pan to ensure rice doesn’t stick. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped preserved lemon to chicken mixture before serving. To warm honey, place in a small microwave-safe bowl, then microwave on High (100%) for 30 seconds. Note

Make stock using a chicken stock cube. Cooking time for fish will vary depending on thickness. To prepare fennel: Cut bulb in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into slices of desired thickness. Note

These are best eaten the day they are made. Try putting vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an ice cream sandwich.

This easy and light breakfast is a healthy start to a summer's day.

We all love roasted Italian vegetables when dining out, but so often do not prepare them at home. It’s a pity, as the roasted veges in this pasta dish are as appealing...

You'll go ape for this sure-to-please sweetie pie.

Veges won’t go to waste with this traditional recipe.

The summer hols never last long enough. Soon it’s back to school or work. Sophie Gray sends you on your way with a smile and this tasty lunch option

Pack your family this hearty picnic lunch by Sophie Gray, slip, slop, slap and head for the great outdoors

These icy sensations from Sarah Bowman are perfect to keep in the freezer for unexpected guests

You’ll need 8 skewers. Soak bamboo skewers in water before using. Note

Replace dates with 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts; price will vary. Note

You’ll need to cook about 1 1/3 cups rice. Drain, then rinse under cold running water Drain; refrigerate until cold. Leftovers Wrap individual loaf slices in plastic food wrap, then refrigerate. Pack them in lunch boxes the next day. Note

For an adults-only version, add 2 tablespoons kirsch to syrup. Note

Slightly under cook the muffins so they don’t dry out when you return them to the oven to brown the meringue. Use eggs at room temperature. This will give the mixture more volume and help the muffin aerate during cooking. Don’t over mix Muffin batter should be light and fluffy; a few lumps in the […]

For best results, make tart close to serving time. For easy handling, use pastry when it has just that thawed Use anchovy fillets instead of sardines if preferred. Note

Only have tuna in spring water? Drain; add flaked tuna and 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil to salad. Make a double batch and keep half for lunch the following day. Cover, then refrigerate. Choose a fennel bulb with fronds attached. Use the fronds to garnish the salad. Note

Vegetarian: Replace bacon with 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips. Replace jalapenos with 1 finely chopped fresh long green chilli. To make buttermilk Place 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice in a measuring jug. Add enough reduced-fat milk to make 1 cup; stir. Mixture will thicken slightly. For 1 1/2 cups, place 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon […]

Use a flat-based glass to evenly press crumbs over base of pan. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. When ready to serve, place cooled sauce in a resealable food storage bag; snip a corner, then drizzle over cake. Note

Use brown sugar instead of demerara sugar. Note

To test honeycomb, remove pan from heat. Dip a teaspoon into mixture, then drop into chilled water. Mixture should solidify and when removed from water, snap easily. It should not feel sticky. Note

Garam masala is an Indian spice blend in the spice aisle; you can use mild curry powder instead. To shallow-fry, add oil to a depth of 4cm. Note

This is a delicious quick and easy starter or side for any meal. The combination of salty, crisp bacon with sweet honey roasted carrots is a match made in heaven.

To remove excess moisture from raspberries, thaw on paper towels. Powder puffs are best assembled just before serving. Flouring the pans after greasing makes the sponges easy to remove. To flour, sprinkle greased pans with flour. Rotate pans to coat evenly. Discard excess. Note

Glucose syrup is in the baking aisle with essences and cooking chocolate. Note

To butterfly chicken using kitchen scissors, cut each side of backbone; discard. Flatten chicken. Note

Save time Use bought basil pesto. Make this dish with your favourite pasta Make ahead Prepare pesto up to 1 week ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

When handling beetroot, wear disposable gloves to avoid staining hands. No sultanas? Use dates or raisins instead. Price will vary. Sour Cream Frosting: MAKES 1CUP Don’t be tempted to use low-fat sour cream – frosting will be too runny Note

To scald milk: Heat milk in a saucepan over low heat; simmer until almost boiling. Note

Use chopped bacon instead of pancetta. You can use regular white vinegar. Omit bread croutons and serve eggs on toasted sourdough. Note

You’ll need 8 skewers. To prevent scorching bamboo skewers during cooking, soak them in cold water for 20 minutes before threading. When serving to kids, remember to use strong kitchen scissors to remove the sharp end of skewers. Note

Use mango instead of pineapple, or use a combination of these. Wrap leftover mint in damp paper towels; store in fridge crisper for up to 5 days. Note

Try pork medallions. Cooking time will vary. To deep-fry, pour oil into a saucepan to a depth of 10cm. Note

Use a pinch of ground turmeric instead of saffron. Paneer is afresh firm cheese used in Indian cooking. If unavailable, use well-drained fresh ricotta and 1/4 cup yogurt. No pomegranate? Use pomegranate juice instead. Colour may vary. Note

Save time Serve drizzled with bought chocolate topping. Add chopped dark chocolate, toasted desiccated coconut or your favourite crushed nuts to ice-cream instead of orange-coated chocolate balls. Note

You’ll need 4 egg rings. If you don’t have egg rings, try using round cookie cutters. Note

Always bake a cake as soon as batter is ready so it rises well. When done, stand in the pan to cool. Note

Brought to you by Recipes+, these vanilla and chocolate flavoured checkerboard biscuits are light and buttery. These would be perfect for tea time or any special occasion.

Use medium-grain rice instead of arborio. Make ahead Cook puddings up to 2 days ahead. Cool. Cover with plastic food wrap and store in fridge. Swap white chocolate for milk chocolate. Delicious served with poached fruit. Note

Reserve chicken poaching liquid to make soups or casseroles. Note

To make scooping and rolling ice-cream into balls easier, dip ice-cream scoop into hot water. You can melt chocolate in the microwave. Place chocolate in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High (100%) in 30-second bursts, stirring, until melted and smooth. Swap out with any flavour ice-cream you wish. Note

Cut potatoes and kumara into 3mm-thick slices or use a mandolin. Note

Make ahead: Prepare mince mixture up to 2 days ahead; keep, covered, in fridge For great party food, try chat (baby) potatoes; cooking time will vary. Which potato? Floury potatoes are best for roasting. Check package details or ask your greengrocer. . Save time: You can microwave potatoes. Pierce with a skewer before cooking. Microwave […]

Use standard tomatoes cut into wedges. Cooking time may vary. N0 baby trussed tomatoes? Use cherry tomatoes. Make ahead. Cook rice a day ahead, then cover with plastic food wrap and chilli. Use chickpeas, batter beans, borlotti beans or kidney beans instead of lentiis. Try brown rice instead. Cooking time will vary. Note

Kumara is orange sweet potato. You can use any small pasta shape. Save time: Use bought char-grilled vegetables from the deli counter. Note

You’ll need to grate 1 small carrot. Swap carrot for zucchini. Note

Ready in 25 minutes, serves 6. 4 red capsicums, seeded and cut into 2cm wide strips; 3 tbsp olive oil...

A fresh and delicious combination of ingredients make this salad one to remember!

This simple twist on traditional plum pudding tastes fresher and is a lot lighter than the original, and can be made a day or two ahead.

Succulent king prawns are served with a sweet, tangy dressing and fragrant salad. Perfect for a special occasion starter.

‘Tis the season to get baking, so try these gorgeous Christmas treats.

Treat your Christmas guests to something special with these baby caesar salads.

Cinnamon oysters are small, spicy sponge cakes that are split then filled with cream. Let the kitchen be your oyster as you whip up these cinnamon treats

Your friends and family will marvel at these artistic and clever Christmas hazelnut cookies.

These are so good – imagine a full chocolate flavour and sweet chewy fruit. Just make sure you leave some for Santa! They are also ideal for junior samplers as the recipe contains no alcohol.

These moist and full-flavoured muffins will fill your house with their aroma during cooking.

Make ahead: Make cookie dough up to 1 week ahead. Roll into balls; store in an airtight container, then refrigerate. To add extra fibre to the dish, use half wholemeal self-raising flour and half white self-raising flour to make dough. If you would like to omit eggs, substitute 1/4 cup apple puree. Note

Choose fruit that’s free from bruising, with firm smooth skin and is brightly coloured for its variety. Store for up to 4 days in the crisper of your fridge. Core apples, then use as required. To prevent browning if cutting before use, place in a bowl of water with fresh lemon juice, then chill. Leave […]

For maximum flavour, use juicy ripe tomatoes. Replace bacon with crumbled fetta. Note

No self-raising flour? Add 2 teaspoons baking powder to 1 cup plain flour. Note

Risoni is small rice-shaped pasta available from the pasta aisle. Note

Make a double batch for lunch the next clay. Low fat Omit oil and use 1/3 cup lemon juice. Low fat Omit oil and use 1/3 cup lemon juice. Vegetarian Omit tuna. Use a vegetable stock cube and 2 x 400g cans beans. Add 150g crumbled fetta. Gluten free: Use a gluten-free stock cube. Swap […]