If you have guests coming around, this salmon pâté, made from flaky fresh salmon fillets, is ready in just 20 minutes.

Essentially a delightful eggplant dip to eat with flat bread or vegetable crudit�s, this spread gets its pleasant smoky flavour from a deliberate charring of the eggplant skin.

Roasting the vegetables for the ratatouille helps them caramelise and melt in the mouth. Note

Health tip: Even if you’re on a low-fat diet, don’t be afraid to add parmesan to a dish for flavour. It has such a strong taste that you only need to use a little bit. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Rice suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. When cooking cauliflower, a light-handed treatment is best. It contains sulphur compounds similar to that of cabbage, which break down as they cook, releasing an odour that strengthens the longer they are cooked. Note

Frying cauliflower with an aromatic mix of chillli, garlic and anchovies makes it a tasty dish in its own right. Top with parsley and sprinkle with lemon juice.

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. If cooking chicken the day before, reserve some of the cooking liquid to pour over the sliced chicken meat before refrigerating. Note

Falafel can be cooked several hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat in oven at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for about 10 minutes. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Harissa is available at selected supermarkets and delicatessens. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Served either hot or cold, this dish of cauliflower and chilli with salty anchovies, lemon and garlic is a fantastic way to pack a huge amount of flavour into this humble vegetable.

Not suitable for freeze or microwave. For variation, you can add sliced mushrooms when cooking the bacon, or green onions or corn with the capsicum, if desired. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. This salad, without the dressing, can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated, covered. Note

Add a little extra honey to dressing if it is too tart. Toast almonds in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Note

You will need about 2 cups (400g) uncooked jasmine rice for this recipe. The rice is best cooked the day before you want to cook the nasi goreng – spread it in a thin layer on a tray, cover and refrigerate overnight. Note

Nanna's retro recipes

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Spicy Indian mango chutney

Serve this salad as an accompaniment to grilled fish or roast chicken, or with crumbled goat’s cheese as a main meal.

Savory Shortcrust Pastry

Not suitable to freeze. Brussels sprouts suitable to microwave. Note

Beat the Christmas rush with Alexa Johnston’s delicious make-ahead gifts.

Beat the Christmas rush with Alexa Johnston’s delicious make-ahead gifts.

Chilli and herb swede crush

To poach an egg, bring a shallow saucepan of water to the boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar. Stir to create a whirlpool. Break egg onto a plate and slide into water. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Note

Cool, fruity and refreshing, this beautiful pomegranate cosmopolitan is perfect for a night out with your friends or relaxing afternoon drinks on a hot Summer's evening.

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Uncooked meatballs suitable to freeze. Broccoli suitable to microwave. Note

For the perfect balanced lunch, add fresh fruit, grissini (bread sticks) and water. Not suitable to freeze. Pasta suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Risoni is a small rice-shaped pasta very similar to orzo. If unavailable, use any small soup-style pasta. Alternatively, pearl barley, rice or quinoa can also be used in this salad. Note

Rice or risoni can be used instead of barley. Note

Use ,drained canned corn kernels, if you like. To remove corn kernels, hold cob upright on a board,. Using a sharp knife, slice straight down sides. Note

Use prawns and scallops instead of calamari, if preferred. Note

To enhance the flavor of the rolls, add a pinch of salt to the flour when sifting. You can make these rolls in the food processor using the ‘pulse’ action, if you like. Note

MAKES ABOUT 32 Serve cheese fingers with cheese, chutney and fruit. Note

Ensure the rim of the jar is clean before twisting lid on tightly to seal the jar. Chutney will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Chill once opened. Note

For a variation, add chunks of zucchini, capsicum, eggplant and carrot to other vegetables halfway through cooking time. Note

Any type of sausage can be used in the pilaf-even vegetarian varieties (but remember to use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock). Note

Salads with pep, punch and panache by Julie Biuso

Sarah Bowman presents dinners perfect for those who want to lighten up with the warmer weather

Salads with pep, punch and panache by Julie Biuso

Satisfying, without being heavy, this easy dinner is full of flavour.

Make sure to use fresh, crisp apples, as they provide a perfect contrast to the rich, creaminess of the Haloumi cheese.

This vegetarian and gluten-free vegetable dish is quick, easy, and oh so tasty. Whip up as a snack, side or starter accompanied by the creamy lemon, coriander and avocado dip.

Fresh, Summery and packed full of beautiful flavours, this tasty avocado salad is topped with a zesty mojito dressing to create this wonderfully light lunch or dinner idea.

This side salad is made spectacular by adding a little twist to the vegetables. Try pickling for a new depth of flavour.

This colourful, fresh and healthy salad prompts the question: how can something so simple taste so sublime?

A little bit fancy, but still simple to throw together, this intensely flavoursome dish is an absolute treat for any occasion.

Salads fit the bill during summer months because they’re healthy, light to eat and most are quickly put together. Use really fresh ingredients – the contents of the fridge at the end of a week just will not do.

If you don’t have metal skewers, use bamboo ones instead. Just remember to soak bamboo skewers in warm water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the barbecue. Note