Zucchini lentil pasties
Make your own delicious and healthy treats of zucchini lentil pasties. Have them cold on a picnic or warm for a meat-free dinner or after school snack. Smaller ones can be made for cocktail parties.
Rosemary and tomato barley risotto with mozzarella
Mozzarella is rather delightfully known as 'fior di latte', literally meaning 'flower of the milk'. It provides a wonderfully creamy and mild balance to the spice in this rosemary and tomato barley risotto.
Chicken with creamy pea and pancetta sauce
The pancetta and pea combination lift an otherwise ordinary dish to new heights. Serve with mashed potato and sweet potato for a crowd pleasing family meal.
Chocolate gelato and honeycomb terrine
Impress your guests with this surprisingly easy, yet elegant chocolate gelato and honeycomb terrine. Topped with a deluxe, warm chocolate fudge sauce, this is the dessert that just keeps on giving.
Borscht
Perhaps the most famous of Russian soups, borscht can be served in a variety of ways. When the Ukraine was the beet-growing centre of the Russias in centuries past, this soup became a traditional part of the region's daily diet.
Oysters with mirin and wasabi
Fire up your oysters with a shot of mirin and fierce wasabe. Finely chopped cucumber adds a cool edge to this spicy little concoction. Great as a starter, or for handing round a platter with a difference at a party.
Chicken teriyaki brown rice sushi
There may well be some time investment here, but your efforts will be worth it. These chicken teriyaki brown rice sushi rolls look fabulous and the brown rice filling makes it an extra nutritious snack.
Crying tiger (seua rong hai)
The Thai name for this crying tiger dish is 'seua rong hai'. It translates to ‘crying tiger’, as the dipping sauce is supposed to bring tears to your eyes. But don’t be nervous! It's actually not that hot.
Sichuan steak with mushroom salad
Rare, grilled steak with sichuan pepper is gorgeous served with a spicy mushroom, fennel and onion salad. A light, savoury and satisfying meal.
Iskender kebab
The utterly delicious iskender kebab is most famous in northwestern Turkey, and is traditionally served on a bed of lavash bread and smothered in a spicy tomato sauce and yoghurt.
Baklava cigars
We have many things to thank the Greeks for, baklava is but one of them. These cigar shaped treats drenched in syrup go perfectly with a steaming hot cup of espresso.
Sweet corn soup with ginger
This Asian-style sweet corn soup is based on a clear broth made fragrant with fresh ginger and bulked up with ribbons of egg and green onions.
Grilled kingfish with tamarind stir-fried vegetables
The kingfish is deservedly known for its sweet, rich flavour and firm flesh with few bones. It is well suited to a range of cooking methods. Here, it is grilled and served with tamarind flavoured vegetables.
Prawns with fennel salad
Prawns are packed with protein, a good source of omega 3 fatty acids and a delicious way to increase your intake of iron, zinc and vitamin E. Try these prawns with fennel salad and mustard dressing, alfresco style.
Marbled cupcake magic
Give your next batch of cupcakes a special lift with this beautiful looking marbled frosting. Get the kids involved and decorate with 100s and 1000s, cachous and little icing flowers.
Martini
Is there a more classic cocktail than the martini? With this recipe we've gone all 007 with a gin martini, shaken not stirred, one olive added.
Chinese barbecued pork and mushroom stir fry
This Chinese barbecued pork and mushroom stir fry contains the lovely red-coated sticky pork, commonly known as char siu, that is a staple of Cantonese cuisine. It is widely available in Asian food stores.
Ladybird birthday cake
Made famous in our ever popular Women's Weekly Birthday Cake book, the ladybird birthday cake is surprisingly easy to decorate, and looks marvellous.
Apple cake
This simple apple tea cake is dense, moist and delicious. Glazed with apricot jam and studded with tender apple pieces, it makes a great afternoon tea treat.
Brie and quince matchsticks
Sticky, gooey, sweet and astringent in all the right measures, these baked brie and quince matchsticks are made from light, flaky puff-pastry. Fabulous finger food for a party.
Afghan biscuits
These chocolatey Afghan biscuits are absolutely delicious enjoyed with a mug of coffee for afternoon tea. They keep well covered in the fridge for up to a week, but we don't think they'll last that long.
Steamed chocolate and golden syrup pudding
There is quite possibly nothing more decadent and rich than this steamed chocolate and golden syrup pudding. Served with a velvety butterscotch sauce, it will send you straight to dessert bliss.
Raisin and honey oat bread
There is nothing quite like the smell and taste of raisin bread with lashings of melted butter. Try this honey and oat version for something different this weekend.
Sweet and sour relish
This relish is sweet and tangy with a nice note of ginger. It's perfect for jarring up and handing out as a lovely gift to family and friends. Serve it with cold meats such as ham or pork.
Vietnamese chicken rice paper rolls
Fresh and tasty.
Char-grilled chicken, vegetables and haloumi salad
Beautifully light yet perfectly hearty, consider this char-grilled chicken, vegetables and haloumi salad as slightly more exciting mediterranean alternative to your meat and three veg family meal.
Almond shortbread drops
These easy, buttery cookies are delicious served with hot espresso. If you can't get blanched almonds, just use normal, unsalted almonds in their place.
Lobster with champagne sauce
If you're looking to splash out and spoil that special someone, what better way than to prepare this delicious lobster with champagne sauce? The sprinkle of chopped dill adds the perfect finish to this luxurious dish.
Braised artichokes with tomato vinaigrette
Surprisingly, the humble artichoke is part of the thistle family. Served here topped with chopped pine nuts and fresh chervil, with a tomato vinaigrette, they'll make a sophisticated, mouth-watering appetiser at your next dinner party.
Apple and almond biscuits
Thin and crisp, these apple and almond biscotti-style biscuits are perfect for dunking and therefore fabulous with coffee or tea. If you prefer you could use candied orange peel instead of the dried apple.
White chocolate mud cakes
These white chocolate mud cakes look and taste absolutely divine. Select brightly coloured icing flowers to decorate the top of the cakes and arrange beautifully on a cake stand for that extra 'wow' factor.
Italian-style lamb cutlets
Not only are these Italian-style lamb cutlets served with mediterranean vegetables packed full of vitamins, they are a one pot dish. Win, win.
Apricot and pine nut biscotti
Originating in Italy, biscotti is a traditional biscuit that is mostly enjoyed with a strong coffee. A batch of these twice-baked goodies wrapped in coloured paper makes a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Rabbit stew
Rabbit is not easy to come by; if your local farmers' market doesn't have it you can order on-line from a number of game meat specialists in Australia. It is a tough meat, but turns beautifully tender when slow cooked. You'll be glad you tried it.
Pistachio and lime friands
In France, friands are better known as financiers because they were originally baked in tiny, gold-bar shaped pans. These dainty little pistachio and lime friands are perfect for morning or afternoon tea.
Camembert fondue
If you're a fan of the classic Swiss style of serving cheese, this camembert fondue ticks all the boxes. Enjoy plunging crispy slices of toasted baguette into this creamy, oozy disc of deliciousness.
Caramel self-saucing pudding
If you fancy a decadent dessert for those long cold winter nights, consider this indulgent caramel self-saucing pudding. Serve it with lashings of thickened cream or ice-cream for a truly warming end to the chilliest of evenings.
Tomato and rocket bruschetta
This tomato and rocket bruschetta would make a lovely fresh starter to your next summer barbecue. For a variation, replace the dill with basil and add a little garlic.
Best ever pork fried rice
Fried rice is a traditional dish of pre-cooked rice stir-fried in a wok, often mixed with other ingredients, such as eggs, vegetables, and meat. We think our best ever pork fried rice is as good as any you'll find at a Chinese banquet.
Fresh apple soufflés
The fresh flavour of these airy apple soufflés is perfectly suited to the lightness of this classic dessert. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or brandy butter if you like.
Smoked trout dip
The potato in this smoked trout dip adds a lovely robust flavour and a creamy texture. It goes beautifully with tostini, crackers, or vegetable sticks
Chilli crab
When it comes to this chilli crab dish, the reward is worth the effort of getting to that sweet and tender meat, which is deliciously complimented by the spices and fresh coriander. For best results, serve with plenty of napkins and a crisp white wine.
Tofu and vegie burger
This tofu and vegie burger recipe is a great stand-by for nights when you want or need to produce a vegetarian meal. They're packed with protein and totally yum.
Seafood platter
Offer your guests this seafood platter as part of a selection of tapas or share plate dishes at your next gathering. Serve with a bowl of olives, crusty bread and a glass of icy cold, crisp white wine.
Lemon garlic chicken on ciabatta
Poaching chicken in this way guarantees a tender and moist result. Served on ciabatta, this lemon garlic chicken is a perfect protein filled lunch with a tangy finish, and just the right amount of heat from the chilli.
Hazelnut pinwheels
If you're looking for a quick and tasty sweet afternoon tea snack these hazelnut pinwheels are the answer. They look and taste delicious and go perfectly with a steaming mug of coffee or tea.
Banana split
This classic American dessert is always an all-time favourite. Don't be shy with the chocolate sauce, and if you'd like a grown up version, you can lace the topping with your favourite liqueur.
Cioppino
Cioppino is an Italian-American fish stew originating in San Francisco's fishing community. It is traditionally made from 'catch of the day' seafood and has become a popular staple at Italian restaurants in the area, and for good reason. It's delicious!
Peach bircher muesli
For just a few moments of preparation the evening before, you'll be rewarded with this delicious peach bircher muesli and a great start the following day. We think you'll thank us in the morning.
Orange, fennel and haloumi salad
The citrus flavour in this beautiful salad, together with the unique blend of fennel and haloumi make for a delightfully tangy dish with more than just a hint of the Mediterranean.
Panettone with ricotta and caramelised peaches
Amaretto, originally from Italy, is an almond-flavoured liqueur and can be purchased from liquor stores. If small panettone are unavailable, cut 7cm rounds from large panettone, brioche or fruit bread.
Cherry parfait
Topped with crunchy toasted oats, these layered yoghurt and cherry parfaits are a quick, delicious and healthy dessert. You can add a handful of slivered almonds to the toasted oats for extra crunch if you like.
Grapefruit and brandy marmalade
Marmalade is really jam for grown-ups and our grapefruit and brandy marmalade is especially sophisticated. Spread it liberally on your hot buttered toast or scones for an elegant morning snack. Serve with tea for two.
Slow-cooked pork neck with cider and pear
Stuffed with the meat of spicy Italian sausages and slowly roasted on a bed of onions, pears and cider, this slow-cooked pork neck is rich, fragrant and absolutely full of flavour.
Ham, mustard and parsley terrine
Caperberries, although from the same plant, are quite different to capers. Don't be tempted to omit them. Scattered over this rustic ham, mustard and parsley terrine, they add a delightful piquancy to this dish.
Chilli and garlic spaghettini with breadcrumbs
For such an incredibly simple dish, this chilli and garlic spaghettini is just loaded with flavour, and crunch thanks to the toasted breadcrumbs. A great pick-me-up dish when you're short on time.
Pork loin with fresh peach chutney
Apple sauce certainly has its place when it comes to roast pork, but our pork loin with fresh peach chutney will give you a new twist on this old favourite. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten the crackling!
Rhubarb frangipane tarts
These gorgeous little rhubarb frangipane tarts are simple to make but taste divine. Appealingly tart rhubarb is dripping in syrup and nestled on a layer of sweet frangipane. Serve warm with cream.
Surf and turf
Surf and turf is a hearty combination of the jewels of both land and sea. Not for vegetarians, this version combines marinara mix (ask your fishmonger to put it together for you) with a juicy steak. The result is divine.
Spicy pork ribs with ginger and soy
Any pretence of refined dining can be abandoned when it comes to these succulent spicy pork ribs. Cutlery will only hinder your enjoyment so dig in with fingers, make sure there are plenty of napkins, and enjoy!
Bagel chips
These bagel chips are just perfect served alongside soups or dips. The sprinkling of the dried oregano turns the humble chip into a fragrant and tasty snack just right for dipping. You might also add a touch of salt.
Baked ham with cherry glaze
There's no need to restrict baked ham to Christmas, this cherry-glazed baked ham makes a magnificent centrepiece for any party or celebration.
Warm potato and chorizo salad
Fill up on something substantial and incredibly tasty after a long weekend walk with this warm potato and chorizo salad. With spinach, red onion and cherry tomato too, it's full of nutrients as well as energy.
Cranberry, almond and cherry nougat
A sugar (candy) thermometer, available from kitchenware stores, is essential for this recipe. Yes, you need to get your timing just right, and making nougat can be a little fiddly, but it's totally worth it for the real deal.
Little dampers with herbs
Just a touch of dried mixed herbs adds something special to these little dampers. Serve them on their own warm with butter, or with a piping hot bowl of vegetable soup.
Spaghetti with chilli & leek
There's loads of flavour in this quick, throw-it-together spaghetti with leeks, bacon and chilli. This is the perfect recipe to have on hand when you need to cook a mid-week dinner in a hurry.
Toad in the hole
From the great British repertoire of recipes with amusing names comes one of the top contenders, toad in the hole. The link between the name and a dish of sausages cooked in batter is obscure, but that doesn't stop it being a tasty, filling plate of comfort food.
Handbag cake
One of the most important accessories for any young glamourette is her designer handbag and this stunning cake will be the envy of all the guests. It can be completed a day ahead, and decorated on the big day.
Stuffed chicken wings
Crispy crumbed chicken wings stuffed with a spicy chicken mince stuffed and served with a chilli peanut dipping sauce are the very definition of finger-licking good!
Muesli bars
These muesli bars are a particularly high energy food, great for kids on the go. Serve them up as an after school snack, or keep them handy on the weekends to refuel in between sporting commitments.
White wine risotto cakes with smoked chicken
Smoked chicken has a lovely robust flavour and a soft texture. It marries beautifully with the white wine risotto cakes. This dish makes a lovely light lunch and is perfect for dining alfresco style.
Frozen margarita
Don't wait until your next trip to a tropical island to enjoy this classic cocktail. Just 5 minutes' preparation will have you imagining you're already there.
Poached eggs on sourdough
Current evidence tells us that eggs are one of nature's super foods. Because they are protein packed and contain omega-3, plus 10 vitamins and minerals, we can enjoy up to 6 a week. So go on, eat your eggs!
Lamb cutlets and black-eyed bean salad
Lamb cutlets go beautifully with this black-eyed bean salad. The beans are the dried seed of a variant of the snake or yard bean, and can be found at your local supermarket.
Pork kway teow
Pork kway teow is a popular dish with distinctive Asian flavours and is very quick and easy to prepare. Add extra chillies to spice things up, or go easy on the heat, depending on your taste.
Ceviche with Thai flavours
Ceviche is truly one of the most delicious ways to serve fish. The combination of Thai flavours with the citrus juice used to 'cook' the fish makes this version especially fabulous.
Spicy veal pizzaiola
Veal pizzaiola is, roughly translated, veal served pizza style, in other words topped with a tasty tomato sauce, herbs and, sometimes, cheese. This spicy veal pizzaiola recipe uses veal cutlets rather than the more commonly used schnitzel cuts.
Beef fillet with chermoulla
This lean and tender baked eye fillet will literally melt in your mouth, while the herbs and spices that make up chermoulla are busy having a party there.
Spinach, bacon and pine nut pasta
This spinach, bacon and pine nut pasta can be on the table in under 20 minutes. Pappardelle is a wide ribbon pasta perfect for this kind of dish but you can substitute fettuccine or tagliatelle, if preferred.
Seafood chowder
Delicious seafood chowder, rich with all the flavours of the ocean and spiced with hot paprika makes a deeply satisfying lunch dish. Definitely serve with crusty bread to help you wipe the platter clean.
White chocolate, Irish cream and berry trifle
Topped with strawberries, raspberries and white chocolate curls, this Irish cream and berry trifle is a triumph. Creamy, fruity and spiked with alcohol, it's a celebration in a dish.
Crisp-skinned snapper with stir-fried vegetables and black beans
Serve this healthy and delicious crisp-skinned snapper with stir-fried vegetables and black beans accompanied with a small bowl of finely chopped red chilli in soy sauce. It will add some extra zip to the fish.
Veal shanks with honey and lemon
These braised veal shanks come in their own pretty little paper packages and make a delicious winter meal. Serve with mashed potato and plenty of greens.
Roasted pork belly with plum sauce
It doesn't get much better than our roasted pork belly with plum sauce. The added aromatics and spices result in a rich and exotic sauce with a depth of flavour you just don't get with a regular gravy. Oh, and crackling. Enough said.
Beetroot chutney
This natural sweetness of this beetroot chutney is leavened with spices and cut with vinegar and lemon juice. We used Granny Smith apples in this recipe and they're the best variety to use by far.
Oaty apple pikelets
For a new take on a traditional treat that nana used to make, try these delicious oaty apple pikelets. The oats, apples and ricotta add a hearty and healthy element to this lovely breakfast or brunch dish.
Apple puree
Home made puree is a great first food for babies, and apple is an eternal favourite. You can make this same recipe using pear if you prefer.
Poached eggs and mushrooms
Sometimes you need real, proper energy food for breakfast or brunch, the kind of meal that can last a hike or help you recover from last night. Poached eggs and mushrooms on toast is it.
Smoked trout potato cakes
These tasty smoked trout fish cakes are delicious served with a big wedge of lime to squeeze all over them. With salad and bread on the side, they make a great lunch or light dinner.
Rhubarb and pear custard cake
We have rhubarb. We have pear. We have custard. We have cake. Put them all together and we have rhubarb and pear custard cake. What's not to love? Not much, in our view. Serve it warm, with cream.
White chocolate and raspberry bread puddings
Years ago, when the cupboard was almost bare and sweet dishes were simple, your nana made pudding from stale bread and a few cupboard staples. These white chocolate and raspberry bread puddings show just how far we've come since those days.
Baked potatoes with salmon and peas
This baked potato packed with salmon and peas constitutes a great little meal combining all the 4 food groups in one stomach satisfying, kid friendly package. Smoked or tinned salmon works equally well.
Banana cake with passionfruit frosting
A lovely, moist banana cake is always a winner. Upgrade your usual topping with this sweet, tangy and tropical passionfruit cream cheese frosting.
Raspberry and white chocolate friands
It's always lovely to finish a meal with a little something sweet. Here, we've taken these raspberry friands to a new level of decadence by adding white chocolate.
Soupe au pistou
Soupe au pistou is a classic Provençale recipe, usually made with white and green beans, and flavoured with pistou, a French spin-off of its near-neighbour Italy's pesto. Not dissimilar to Italian minestrone, this soup also benefits from being made a day in advance.
Fish masala
Add a touch of India to your week-day fish meal with this masala flavoured dish. Served with green beans and rice, it can be on the table in under 30 minutes. We've used cod here, but any firm white fish will do.
Grilled scallop salad with lime dressing
Quick, simple, tangy and delicious, this scallop and lime salad is a perfect accompaniment to summer days. Serve as a starter at your next barbecue alongside a glass of icy cold, crisp white wine.
Beef and mushroom pies
These delightful beef and mushroom pies are the ultimate comfort food.
Individual fish pies
Nutritionists suggest that we consume at least two servings of fish per week. What better way than these individual fish pies, topped with creamy mash.
Smoked salmon sushi bites with pickled green onion
Perfect for passing around as finger food at a cocktail party or other celebration, these delicious little sushi bites are given added bite by their pickled green onion topper.
