Spanish chicken stew
This rich Spanish chicken stew is infused with saffron, a popular spice in Spanish cooking. The best saffron is the most expensive spice in the world as it must be harvested by hand.
Seafood platter with dipping sauces
Showcase the jewels of the ocean at your next gathering with this magnificent seafood platter. The spicy harissa and fresh salsa verde dipping sauces provide the perfect accompaniment. Serve with chilled white wine.
Chocolate and cinnamon affogato shots
Affogato is a hugely popular Italian dessert that is composed of a small bowl of ice-cream, a shot of espresso and, sometimes, a shot of liqueur. These chocolate and cinnamon affogato shots are our cheeky take on the original.
Cucumber and fetta salad with za’atar
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically including roasted sesame seeds, thyme and sumac, although its exact combination varies according to its maker. It is delightfully tart and fragrant, and adds a unique flavour and kick to many dishes.
Braised baby leeks
Baby leeks are sweeter and less stringy than the grown-up version. Braising them in this way gives them a beautifully soft texture. Serve alongside your next roast dinner with all the trimmings.
Roast pork and apples with mustard fruits
Once again we must thank the Italians. This time, it's for mustard fruits which provide a sweetness along with a uniquely spicy accent to any dish they are added to. Here, it's roasted pork.
Asparagus and smoked chicken salad
This bright and zesty salad will tickle your taste buds. Smoked chicken and asparagus salad with a buttermilk dressing makes a great lunch or light dinner.
Mango macadamia meringue cheesecake
The beauty of this layered mango macadamia meringue cheesecake is second only to its delicate flavour. It takes some time to create but it's easier than you think, and your guests will love you for it.
Lemon and craisin bread pudding
For a modern take on mum's old bread and butter pudding, try this slightly more sophisticated lemon and craisin bread pudding. It's delicious served warm with cream or ice-cream.
Barbecued lamb chops with vegetables
Fire up the barbecue with these juicy marinated lamb chops. Served with crisp and colourful vegetables and a dollop of your favourite mustard, they're sure to please.
Carrot dip
Cumin gives a lovely hint of spice to this sweet carrot dip. Serve as part of an after-school snack with blanched vegetables such as snow peas, baby corn or red capsicum (bell peppers).
Fish pie
On the days where only comfort food will satisfy the hungry masses, this delicious fish pie topped with the creamiest of mashed potato and baked to brown, crisp perfection will fit the bill like no other.
Spicy Mexican vegetable and bean soup
Get a good portion of your five-a-day along with a healthy dose of protein with this vegetarian Mexican extravaganza. Serve soup with warmed or toasted tortillas and if you like, a dollop of sour cream.
Chive wontons in Asian broth
Chive wontons in Asian broth is surely the perfect example of Chinese comfort food. One taste of this soup, and you'll understand precisely why 'wonton' translates, quite literally, to 'swallowing a cloud'.
Salmon fillets with wasabi and coriander butter
Increase your oily fish intake with our salmon fillets with wasabi and coriander butter. Adjust the wasabi amount to taste, and serve with fresh lime and a side salad for a light and healthy meal.
Asparagus hollandaise
A well made hollandaise sauce is irresistible, especially when spooned over fresh, barely cooked asparagus. The trick to a prefect sauce is to whisk vigorously and constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Gado gado
This traditional Indonesian vegetable salad is a great snack to include in kids' lunchboxes. Fried firm tofu can be included in gado gado, making this a perfectly substantial meal for vegetarians, too.
Dinner rolls
Break open the perfectly crunchy outer layer to reveal the warm, soft, fluffy goodness inside. You can use wholemeal flour instead if you prefer, or add some whole seeds to the flour when making the dough.
White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake
Brew a cup of good coffee, or warm up the teapot, and sit back with a slice of this fabulous white chocolate and raspberry baked cheesecake for an afternoon tea to savour.
Pork pie
Pork pie is a classic British dish made with hot water pastry that is traditionally eaten cold. This makes it perfect for picnics or even as a quick snack snatched from the fridge while you're on the go.
Veal cutlets with green olive salsa
Green olive salsa, with fresh, fragrant oregano and lots of lemon juice, makes a great topping for a juicy barbecued veal cutlet. Served with kipler potatoes, this is a great recipe for when you feel like a bbq with a difference.
Valentine heart cupcakes
These deluxe valentine cupcakes look and taste amazing. Filled with the sweetness of chocolate cake and the tartness of fresh raspberries, your loved one will be surprised and delighted this Valentine's day.
Baked garlic and chilli quail
Serve this spicy, sticky baked quail for a mouth-watering starter or light meal.
Beef empanadas
Full of flavour and a hint of spice, these beef empanadas are the ultimate snack or party food. Share them around the next time you entertain family and friends.
Rhubarb and almond jalousie
It's not quite a turnover, and not quite a strudel, but this rhubarb and almond jalousie is rather delicious. This crispy sweet delight certainly proves that French know their stuff when it comes to making pastries.
Veal scaloppine with salsa verde
The elegant taste of veal is perfectly offset by this salsa verde accompaniment. The key to cooking this tender meat is not to overdo it. Fry until just done, and you'll be rewarded with the most delicate of flavours.
Asian-style fish cakes
Serve these crispy Asian-style fish cakes with spicy dipping sauce for a tantalising starter or light meal. If you like the extra kick, add some more chilli.
Fig and cranberry bread pudding
Back in the day, bread pudding was a practical (but uninspiring) way to use up cupboard ingredients, and fill hungry bellies. This cranberry and fig bread pudding will show you just how far we've come since then.
Salt and pepper prawns
These salt and pepper prawns look and taste fabulous. They are easily and quickly prepared and can be served as part of a casual seafood barbecue or as finger food for a cocktail party.
Pavlova with berries and cream
Named after the Russian ballerina, the pavlova is a familiar and well loved Antipodean dessert. You can experiment with all kinds of fruit toppings, but berries and cream is always a winner.
Hoisin pork with greens
Give your family a taste of Asia with this heavenly hoisin pork recipe. Served alongside crispy green vegetables it is healthy and delicious. Any leftovers can be used up for school lunchbox sandwiches.
Pasta with smoked salmon
This pasta with smoked salmon is a quick and easy go-to dish when you're after something speedy. Smoked salmon off-cuts are inexpensive and sometimes available from seafood stores, some supermarkets and delicatessens.
Stir-fried asian greens with mixed mushrooms
These stir-fried greens with mixed mushrooms are deliciously healthy. The unmistakeable Asian flavours lift an otherwise ordinary dish to a tasty and satisfying light lunch or dinner.
Risoni marinara
Risoni is a small, rice-sized pasta often used in Italian soups; it goes perfectly with a marinara sauce accompaniment as its texture allows the delicious seafood to remain the 'hero' of the dish.
Mocha creams
These mocha creams are perfect in their simplicity. Beginners in the kitchen can make them with ease and sit back and enjoy the praise. Make sure you serve them in glasses to get the wonderful visual effect.
Asian fish patties
You can whip up these Asian fish patties in no time. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, they are sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. We've used blue-eye, but any firm white fish will do.
Malted milkshake cheesecakes
If the feeling of being torn between having a either malted milkshake or a cheesecake is familiar to you, fret no more. These delectable little glasses of heaven are the answer to your dilemma. You're welcome.
White choc panna cotta with passionfruit sauce
Panna cotta translates from the Italian as "cooked cream", but this dessert is far more delectable than these simple words. The addition of passionfruit adds a refreshing tropical, tangy flavour. You'll need about 6 for this recipe.
Lemon and garlic rack of pork
We love this succulent lemon and garlic rack of pork. Score the fat on top diagonally before baking, and you'll be rewarded with an extra crispy crackling that is easy to snap into pieces and share.
Greek lamb cutlets with skordalia
Affectionately known in some parts as 'chops with handles' or 'meat lollipops', lamb cutlets are always a hit with the kids. Accompanied here with the Greek style mashed potato dip, skordalia, there'll be no complaints.
Fresh peaches and dates with orange blossom water
When you are blessed with an over abundance of beautifully ripe and juicy stone fruit, consider taking a culinary trip to the Middle East with this fresh peaches and dates with orange blossom recipe.
Prawn cocktail with lime aïoli
We've given the traditional 70's prawn cocktail a modern twist by using baby rocket leaves rather than iceberg lettuce and accompanying it with a light and zesty garlic and lime aïoli.
Poached chicken with ruby grapefruit salad
Poaching chicken in this way keeps the meat lovely and moist. Make sure you cover with a tightly fitting lid to prevent too much liquid from evaporating, and simmer, rather than boil. Boiling will make the chicken tough.
Turkish bread vegetable pizza
Take a different approach to making pizza with this Turkish bread vegetable pizza recipe. Loaded with healthy vegies, and quick to make, it makes a fab mid-week dinner.
Smoked trout salad with salsa verde dressing
Salsa verde compliments meat or fish beautifully, and gives a really punchy flavour to this salad. Smoked trout is a delicious and convenient ingredient and is widely available. Make sure you remove any bones during preparation.
Beef and rice salad
This healthy and filling warm beef and rice salad packs a punch with a chilli soy dressing and crisp vegetables. It makes a great lunch, and packs well if you're looking for something to pop in a lunch box.
Beef ribs with stout and caramelised onion
This is a lovely one-pot set and forget meal that will taste even better then next day. Serve on a cold winter's evening with creamy mash and a lovely glass or two of red.
Strawberry sorbet
The addition of the liqueur of your choice to this luscious strawberry sorbet takes this icy delight to new levels of decadence. Serve your guests this ruby red and refreshing dessert at your next dinner party
Mango, raspberry and makrut lime sorbets in dacquoise
This dessert is a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Sorbets are deceptively easy to make, but never fail to impress. These tropical flavoured, brightly coloured versions are particularly splendid.
White chocolate and honeycomb mousse
These simple, quick to prepare mousse desserts are as delicious as they sound. Take care when heating the white chocolate mixture; if the heat is too high, the chocolate will "seize"Â or become lumpy.
Roast pumpkin and goat cheese salad
As a side dish, or light and healthy lunch or dinner, try out this roast pumpkin and goat cheese salad. It's a perfectly satisfying meat-free dish, packed full of vitamins, minerals and flavour.
Dobos torte
These striking caramel hazelnuts are really eye-catching, adding an extra dimension to this famous European layered cake. Perfect for any occasion where you need to make an impact.
Little chocolate and cherry puddings
If you're dreaming of satisfying your craving for chocolate, why not try these delectable chocolate and cherry puddings. Serve them piping hot from the oven with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla ice-cream.
Warm asparagus and egg salad with dressing
Light yet satisfying, this warm asparagus and egg salad is perfect for a special weekend brunch, or a late night supper.
Mongolian lamb cutlets
These marinated Mongolian lamb cutlets are beautifully succulent and full of flavour. Serve them with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for an easy mid-week meal.
Prawn ravioli with mint and pea puree
Bring a burst of colour and light, fresh flavour to your dinner party table with this prawn ravioli and mint and pea puree. There will be some fancy finger work involved but just look at this delightful result.
Mixed berries with sponge fingers
If you're looking for a super easy dessert, something to whip up in a matter of minutes, this mixed berries with sponge fingers recipe is perfect. Like a deconstructed trifle in a pudding glass.
Beef and vegetable curry
There is nothing quite like the aroma of this beef and vegetable curry simmering on the stove, except perhaps the satisfaction of having made it yourself from scratch.
Beef sausage and lentil salad
Lentils have a nutty, earthy flavour that helps ground the strident richness of the sausages and pungency of the mustard and spices in this robust salad.
Angel hair pasta with tomato, tuna and capers
Angel hair pasta, also known as barbina, or "capelli d'angelo" in Italian, are long, delicate strands of spaghetti-like pasta. This tomato, tuna and capers angel hair pasta recipe is fresh and tasty.
Chilli prawn salad with noodles
Make the most of alfresco dining with this simple and healthy chilli prawn salad with noodles. It is packed full of the fresh, distinctive flavours of Asia and makes a healthy and delicious light lunch or supper.
Pork, olive and egg empanadas
Empanadas are the perfect snack to serve at a barbecue or cocktail party. They are also delicious cold and make a tasty addition to the kids' school lunch boxes.
Beetroot, asparagus and feta salad
This easy beetroot, asparagus and feta salad is packed full of colour and goodness and makes an appetising addition to the barbecue table. The tangy dressing and walnuts add an extra depth of flavour and texture.
White chocolate rocky road
A slender slice of grown-up rocky road is great to have with coffee. Use milk or dark chocolate if you like and change the nuts to suit your taste.
Barbecue lamb kebabs
These lamb kebabs are perfect for a lazy summer barbecue. The addition of a fresh mediterranean style tomato, olive and fetta salad completes the dish.
Smoked salmon finger sandwiches
These elegant, simple little finger sandwiches are easy to make and full of flavour, the chives and shallots cutting through the rich oiliness of smoked salmon. Perfect for an afternoon-tea party, or when you fancy something small and tasty for lunch.
Biscotten torte
An easy, make-ahead dessert for six to eight people, biscotten torte (biscuit cake) is a luscious ending for a dinner or lunch party. Layers of biscuits are brushed with a rum-milk mixture and sandwiched together with a delicious almond cream.
Beef and zucchini red curry
The use of scotch fillet steak means that this beef and zucchini curry will be ready in no time. Sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top, together with a generous squeeze of lime and serve with jasmine rice.
Tiramisu cheesecake
This Tiramisu cheesecake is pure decadence. Creamy, smooth, rich and delicious, with all the passion, flair and attitude of the original Italian dish.
Lemon curd crepe cake
This lemon curd crepe cake is a deliciously sophisticated version of pancakes with lemon and sugar. Be sure to cook the curd gently over simmering water, and don't let the bowl touch the base of the pan.
Poached eggs with truffle polenta and salsa verde
Try these poached eggs with truffle polenta and salsa verde for your next brunch gathering. Just the smallest amount of truffle oil adds an incredible layer of taste and sophistication to this dish.
Asian grilled chicken with green beans
Hoisin sauce is a thick, strongly flavoured sauce that is very common in Chinese cuisine. Its sweet and salty taste works well as a glaze for meat, an addition to stir fries, or as dipping sauce. It is perfect with grilled chicken.
Traditional daiquiri
The daiquiri was created in a small Cuban town of the same name by an American engineer, who combined the local spirit (rum) with native limes to make the ultimate pick-me-up after a hot day in the iron mines.
Crepe triangles with ricotta and caramelised oranges
If you thought crepes are best served with cream and chocolate sauce, think again. The combination of sweetened ricotta, caramelised oranges and passionfruit will knock your socks off.
Coriander chicken
You will need about 1 large bunch of coriander for this recipe. Note
Nepalese pork mince curry
Nepalese pork mince curry
Heart-healthy seafood with tomato rice
A marriage made in heaven, blending hearty prawns and salmon with tomatoes and a brown rice mixture coated in garlic and onion flavour. Great for a dinner party with friends or a wholesome family meal
Bread and butter pudding with banana and almonds
Bread and butter pudding is as old as the hills and it's great for using up stale bread. There are many different ways of making it. This recipe is a bit of a departure from the traditional, with the addition of bananas.
Baked fig pudding
As the weather cools off, a luscious hot dessert really hits the spot. This baked pudding is simple and tasty - a fine old-fashioned treat.
Afghani lamb and spinach curry
Slivered almonds and lemon zest add an extra dimension to this savoury, satisfying curry.
South African bean curry
This traditional South African bean curry is a wonderfully warming vegetarian dish that is packed full of flavour and goodness to keep you fueled for longer.
Passionfruit sponge roll
The taste of summer, all wrapped up.
Lamb cutlets with char-grilled vegetable salad
Give your meat and three veg a facelift with this delicious and healthy plate of lamb cutlets and char-grilled vegetables. Full of colour and flavour, this dish will have the kids running to the table.
Roasted hazelnut brownies
These deliciously moist and sweet roasted hazelnut brownies are so rich you'll need just a half-slice with your morning tea to be completely satisfied. Save the other half for afternoon tea!
Baked eggs with brie
Surprise your brunch guests with baked eggs, delicately flavoured with prosciutto and brie. Serve with steaming hot mugs of coffee or tea, together with lightly toasted sourdough.
Summer berry clafoutis
Clafoutis is a traditional French baked dessert, often made with cherries. We've used the best of in-season summer berries in this recipe, but any combination of berries would be equally delicious.
Liqueur custard
Make your custard adults-only by giving it a kick with the liqueur of your choice. We've chosen orange flavoured liqueur for this recipe, but brandy, drambuie or even rum would work, too.
Tuna tartare
This Japanese-style tuna tartare has fragrant Japanese mint and a heady hit of spicy wasabe. Served with a soy and dashi dipping sauce, it's a bite-sized mouthful of powerful flavours.
Scallop and spinach salad
For a perfectly cooked scallop, heat the pan to medium-hot. You should hear an audible sizzle when you place them in the pan. Cook just two minutes either side for this fresh, healthy and luxurious salad.
Lamb kofta platter
Just a few moments on the grill and these perfectly spiced lamb koftas will fill your senses with the smells of a Middle Eastern celebration. Team them with traditional dips and warm pita, and you'll have a platter fit for a king.
Mississippi mud cake
This rich chocolate cake is based on the Mississippi mud pie, believed to have originated in the 1970s. The "mud" part of the name comes from the fact that the dense cake looks like the thick, muddy banks of the Mississippi River.
Kumara, rocket and pine nut fritatta
Frittata is an excellent option for a light, yet satisfying lunch enriched with healthy ingredients. For a low-carb option try this version with kumara, rocket, and pine nuts.
Potato and rosemary pizza
Paleo devotees look away! This delicious carb on carb fest would have had our ancestors rolling in their graves, but oh, how we love the combination of potato and rosemary on a crisp pizza base.
Coppa and ricotta panini
Coppa is a traditional Italian pork cold cut and is delicious with ricotta on this toasted panini. Experiment with different fillings like pastrami, sun dried tomato, mushroom and different types of cheese.
Prawn croutes with lime aioli
Add a touch of sophistication to your next gathering with these prawn croutes with lime aioli. They look and taste amazing. Lime aioli can be prepared in advance, and prawns can be shelled several hours ahead.
Honey and tamarind pork spare ribs
At a minimum you'll need plenty of napkins, and possibly a bib for these delicious honey and tamarind pork spare ribs. Don't scrimp on the marinading time, because that is what gives these ribs their amazing flavour.
Almond honey nougat
These almond honey nougats are beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. They make the perfect Christmas gift or after dinner sweet to enjoy with family and friends during the festive season.
Seafood and vegetable tempura
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish in Australia, and for good reason. This seafood and vegetable version, done well, results in the merest hint of light, crisp batter coating that melts on the tongue.
Coconut cherry slice
This coconut cherry slice manages to be just a little bit posh while at the same time packing a delicious chocolatey punch. Enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Little gift cakes
Put these lovely little gift cakes on pieces of thick cardboard, measuring about 9cm-square, covered with special foil or glossy paper or wrapped with brightly coloured ribbons. They can be made a month ahead.
