12-hole (-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 12 dark green paper cupcake cases 4 paper piping bags plastic wrap We made the cupcakes here, instead of buying them, so we could tint the mixture in camouflage colours. To save time, decorate the tops of store-bought cupcakes with the camouflage icing. Vanilla frosting is available in tubs from […]

Delicate coffee biscuit hearts, smothered in chocolate either side of a generous dollop of mocha cream will have you feeling the love.

A classic dessert, this wonderfully chocolatey sacher torte is perfect for birthdays, weddings or anniversaries.

Start the recipe at least a day ahead, as the fruit mixture needs to stand overnight. Note

We used a large (25cm diameter) thick-based packaged pizza base for this recipe. Pizza can be prepared and frozen in its unbaked form. Place frozen pizza in hot oven; allow about 10 minutes extra cooking time. Note

Sweet and fluffy pastry puffs filled with a rich chocolate and coffee cream and drizzled with sweet toffee.

Shredded or flaked coconut take longer to toast than desiccated coconut. You can toast it in the oven or in a dry frying pan – either way, you have to watch it carefully. If you’re using the pan method, stir the coconut the whole time, then take it out of the pan the second it’s […]

Cake will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. Note

Crispy Swiss rösti with pan-fried ham and cherry tomatoes from Australian Women's Weekly.

A rich brownie cake packed full of the flavours of the muscat grape in both wine and vine form.

This recipe is also nut-free and gluten-free Note

Mini versions of an old classic dessert that are perfect for individual serving.

A Western-influenced Japanese rice dish with prawn and fish in a creamy sauce.

his sensuous curves are easily achieved with simple savarin pans Cut half of one cake in half at an angle without cutting through the base; reserve for the snake’s head. Position butter cream-covered cakes on cake board, with the snake’s head peeking through. Cut even-sized diamond shapes from Roll-ups using kitchen scissors. Place diamond-shaped Roll-ups […]

Silver lustre is a shimmer dust that gives a slight sparkle and helps create a wet look. It is available from cake decorating supply stores in 5g (¼ ounce) screw-top pots. This recipe also makes 6 texas muffins (¾-cup/180ml); bake about 1 hour. Note

Tia Maria, Kahlua and crème de caçao are all coffee-flavoured liqueurs; any one of them can be used in this recipe. Note

Make your own Italian-style gourmet roasted beetroot pizza from scratch in no time at all!

Dulce de leche is a caramel spread. Vienna almonds are toffee-coated almonds. Note

Oozy and delicious Italian-style risotto packed full of pork, pine nuts, cointreau and lemon thyme.

We painted a branch of real holly roughly with melted dark chocolate to make the inedible decoration on the cake. Remove cake from fridge, then top with the chocolate decoration. Note

Cute little mini quiches that pack a huge blue cheese punch.

These golden mushroom fillo triangles are the perfect cocktail party snacks.

Frittatas can be eaten cold or warm. Store frittatas, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to three days. Note

Roasted zucchini, eggplant and capsicum can be bought loose from delis, making the job even easier. Slice the stick as close to serving time as possible. Note

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

This rakish fellow has a touch of the scamp about him. Note

The cucumber can be sliced with a vegetable peeler for even, thin slices. Note

Equipment 22cm x 34cm number 6 cake pan 25cm x 40cm rectangular cake board If you can’t buy green Bubble Tape, you can use grape Bubble Tape or Roll-Ups. Note

A rich and warming casserole that is perfect for cold winter nights.

EQUIPMENT deep 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan 30cm (12-inch) round cake board (page 334) or cake stand medium piping bag fitted with medium plain tube large piping bag fitted with large fluted tube You don’t need one of those giant cup cake pans to make this cake,­ it’s baked in an ordinary round cake pan. […]

You need about 1 large bunch of rhubarb. Note

This 15 minute dinner uses only 5 ingredients for a hearty dish that's on the table, fast.

Japanese breadcrumbs are also known as panko breadcrumbs. They are found with packaged breadcrumbs in most supermarkets. Note

If you don’t have three patty pan trays, just wash, grease and flour the pan again, and continue using until all the mixture is baked. Note

We used pineapple Allen’s Sour Rush Jelly Beans for the feet, but you don’t have to use all the same,­ just use four same-coloured Jelly Beans on each cake. Note

12-hole (¹/³-cup/80ml)standard muffin pan 11 purple standard muffin paper cases 7cm (2¾-inch) round fluted cutter 3.5cm (1½-inch) round cutter 40cm x 50cm (16-inch x20-inch) rectangular cake board (page 68) You’ll have 1 cup of the cake mixture left over; use to make extra cakes for the party. Use any themed scrapbooking stickers you like. Note

This cake is best made on day of serving. Note

Fit for the king or queen of the day, this cake sparkles with edible jewels. Note

Serve accompanied with potato mash and steamed green beans. Note

This mochacino mud cake is cleverly disguised as a delicious chococolate-infused coffee underneath whipped cream and beautiful latte art!

Meatballs simmered in a sweet and sour sauce are the ultimate comfort food.

Bring out this tree with the coffee, suggesting to your guests that they snap off bits of the branches. Or, for an impressive gift, wrap the whole tree in cellophane and deliver it on the day. Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture along all the crosses to make branches. Note

Sweet potato fries loaded with delicious pulled beef short ribs, candied jalapenos, chimichurri and mozzarella.

Equipment; 30cm (12-inch) square cake board 12 yellow mini paper cases If using butter cream instead of the strawberry frosting, you will need one quantity of butter cream tinted pink. Note

Stand nut rolls, upright in tins, on oven tray The tin needs to be coated thickly with melted butter so the roll won’t stick to the inside of the tin. Don’t use cooking-oil spray, as this doesn’t give a good enough coating and the roll will stick and be hard to turn out. Serve nut […]

A Greek New Year’s cake called vasilopita, this recipe is traditionally made with a single coin baked into it, legend having it that the person who is served the slice containing the coin will have good luck in the coming year. This cake can be baked in a deep 19cm-square cake pan. Mix and match […]

Serve mini baked ricottas warm or cold. Recipe can be made a day ahead, store, covered, in the refrigerator. Note

This mouth-watering salad is full of contrasting flavours and textures, from creamy cheese to crunchy nuts.

This recipe can be made 3 days ahead and stored. Note

Rich and delicious sweet and sour tamarind pork from Australian Women's Weekly.

We used Grand Marnier in this recipe, but you can use Cointreau or any other orange-flavoured liqueur, if you prefer. You need a small, new paintbrush for this recipe. Paper cases can be found in confectionery stores and some supermarkets. Note

Wafers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Note

If you don’t have a baba pan, use a deep 20cm (8 inch) round cake pan; line base and side with baking paper. Wash used vanilla pods and add to jars of caster (superfine) sugar to make vanilla sugar, often used in baking. Note

You will need about 4 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Cook ½ cup (100g) white short-grain rice for this recipe. Note

We used blue sugared almonds, available from confectionery and speciality nut shops, but you can use any colour you like. Note

Chicken can be marinated in cajun mixture overnight. Cook chicken and fill pockets as required. Note

Rich and salty caramel treats made all the better with the addition of cashew nuts.

Pavlova nests can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Fill with cream just before serving. Note

Mediterranean-style lamb meatballs with a fresh and herbaceous chutney.

Give the traditional gingerbread people an Aussie spin with these adorable gingerbread biscuits dressed in their togs!