This recipe is also nut-free. Note

Rigani is a dried Greek oregano, often sold in dried bunches, which the leaves crumble off easily. It is available from delicatessens or greengrocers. If it’s hard to find, use dried oregano leaves instead. You can also roast the lamb in a 220ºC/425ºF oven for 35 minutes. Note

While it's more commonly paired with apple, pear is a spectacular match for succulent pork.

Spread bread with a little fig jam when fresh figs are not available. Note

The lamb can be cooked in the oven, if you prefer. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F and roast, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Note

Asparagus is a delicious summer vegetable that really comes into its own with the right topping. Try one of these three versions next time you serve this moreish vegetable.

Save time by using char-grilled zucchini slices from the deli section of your supermarket. Note

Rev up lunchboxes for the start of the new school year with these berry and yoghurt muffins.

We used crème de menthe for the mint-flavoured liqueur. Note

Recipe is best made just before serving. It’s important to have the apple mixture as hot as possible before spooning over the sponge topping; the heat from the apple starts the cooking process. Note

If you prefer, substitute 8 chicken legs or 4 chicken marylands for thigh cutlets. Smoked spanish paprika, also known as pimiento, gives this dish its characteristic Spanish flavour. Note

The cooking time of perch depends on the thickness of the fillet. Note

This tasty meal is easy to whip up with a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Perfect for a mid-week dinner.

More than just fancy macaroni cheese, this baked three cheese pasta is cheesy, creamy and crunchy on top. Ok, maybe it is a fancy macaroni cheese, but it's a great one.

You could also use a 6-hole oversized muffin pan, if preferred. Bake larger muffins for a further 5 minutes. Note

Combine these 'brats' - otherwise known as bratwurst sausages - with cabbage and speck and you'll have a hearty and delicious meal. Perfect with a winter evening in front of the fire.

You will need 2 large over-ripe bananas (460g) to get the required amount of mashed banana. Freeze un-iced cupcakes for up to 2 months in single layers to prevent damage; sealable plastic containers are good for this. For best results, try to fill as much of the space in the container as possible to eliminate […]

Recipe can made a day ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator this allows the flavours to develop overnight. Note

Baby spinach is sold in containers of loose leaves rather than in bunches. The leaves are tender and sweet and are the perfect complement to the velvety texture of the egg. Note

Bright, fruity jellies studded with berries and set in martini glasses make a sophisticated dessert for a dinner party.

We like to use green-skinned baby figs, they are very seasonal; check with your specialist greengrocer for availability. The toffee is very hot, so take care when dipping the figs into the toffee. Note

You'll have dinner on the table in no time with this quick and easy stir-fry.

Broccolini is milder and sweeter than traditional broccoli and it is edible from flower to stem. When buying broccolini look for shiny stems with dark green buds and leaves. Note

Why choose between cake and lollies when you can have both in one handy slice?

Beetroot will discolour your skin, so use disposable gloves when handling it. Baby carrots are also called dutch carrots, it’s rarely necessary to peel them. Prepare beetroot, carrots and the yogurt mixture the day before the picnic. Assemble salad at serving time. Note

This is a deliciously healthy ice-cream substitute that can be served as a snack or dessert. Note

Ask your butcher to score, roll and truss the pork neck. Note

Leave the cream cheese to soften or if you haven’t the time, cut it into cubes and beat it with an electric mixer before adding other ingredients. Note

Beetroot might be a love it or hate it kind of vegetable, but this creamy beetroot and yoghurt dip is sure to appeal to all. A great addition to a party table.

Like a warm salad, these French style braised peas with spring onion and bacon makes an excellent side dish.

Sharp and tasty whipped feta toasts make a wonderful contrast to this cool, mild chilled cucumber soup.

Suitable from 6 months Note

These delectably sticky friands are moist and and incredibly moreish. Enjoy them on their own, or with a generous dollop of thickened cream.

Kecap manis is a dark brown, thick and sweet indonesian soy sauce. It usually contains star anise, garlic and palm sugar, giving it a sharp, complex flavour. Find it at supermarkets and Asian food shops. Note

It may seem like a lot of dressing, but the rice will soak it all up. Note

Jazz up your standard family weeknight dinner with this delicious grilled Mexican stack, made by layering tortillas with melted cheese and a tender spiced chicken filling.

A traditional pastry with a savoury filling of lamb, cheese and spinach. Great for a snack or light meal. Don't forget to serve with a good squeeze of lemon juice.

A fresh green salad is given a whole new lease of life with tender baby octopus, olives, herbs and lemon. Baby octopus are much easier to prepare than their bigger brethren.

Spicy, sweet and fragrant, these prawn skewers are great barbecued for lunch and make perfect finger food for parties.

Chicken, asparagus and pea casserole

This lovely green salad packs in heaps of fragrant Thai herbs and spices and the light mint and peanut dressing adds a fresh flavour and loads of crunch. Enjoy as a healthy side, or light lunch or dinner.

For an authentic touch, sprinkle with fried shallots (onions). Available from asian grocery stores and some major supermarkets. Note

Replace half the corn with frozen peas or beans. Instead of shredded chicken, you could flake 100g smoked trout or salmon into the soup in Step 3. Note

Use drumsticks or drumettes instead of wings; cooking time will vary. Rainbow salad mix consists of shredded beetroot, carrot and broccoli stem. Make ahead: You can make satay sauce up to a day ahead; cover, then chill. Note

Having a gathering? Give the frozen party pies a miss and hand around a piping hot batch of these tasty, cheesy hot dog puffs. Snack food never tasted so good.

A classic French dessert, clafoutis combines fruit (usually cherries) in a rich, dense custard. Recipes+ have used blueberries here, and the results are spectacular. Serve warm.

You can use canned or frozen mango when not in season. For extra lemony icing, add 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest. Note

Add some chopped bacon or prosciutto to the mix for extra flavour. Note

Snake beans are popular in Asian cooking. The pods are olive green, round, about 90cm long and 5-8mm wide. They are picked when young and crisp with soft seeds. If they are unavailable, use green beans. This dish would also be delicious with mixed seafood. Note

Kecap manis is an Indonesian soy sauce, thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce. It can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Note

Perfect as an after-school snack, or to meet those bottomless appetites during the school holidays.

Save time by using store-bought barbecued chicken. You won't lose out on any flavour, and dinner will be ready much quicker.

With a name like chocolate love pots, you can't go past these little pots of chocolately goodness when planning a romantic dinner.

Smoked salmon can be used instead of bacon. Note

This is a quick dish – have everything ready before you begin to cook. Note

For this recipe, you can use any Asian greens you have on hand. Roast cashews on an oven tray in a moderate oven, 180°C, for 5-10 minutes. Chop roughly, if liked. Note

Some leftover rice, a can of tuna and a few pantry ingredients are all you need to whip up this simple and satisfying tuna and rice bake for dinner tonight.

You can add herbs, lemon slices or peppercorns to the poaching liquid. For a lunchbox version, add cooked rice vermicelli to the salad and use as a filling for rice-paper rolls. Note

Make these ahead of time and cook when ready to serve. Great for lunchboxes. Note

A classic Aussie dessert, this beautiful meringue is divine topped with a sweet berry compote to create a brilliant pavlova.

You could replace fresh spinach with a packet of frozen, making sure it is well drained. Note

To protect fish flesh from drying out or overcooking when steaming, leave skin on. The flesh will be beautifully moist and you can remove the skin to if you like. Note

When you're not up for an argument, this tuna kedgeree by Woman's Day is the perfect option for hungry but fussy kids. You can spice up your own with some finely sliced red chilli.

More than just a ham, egg and cheese toastie, the classic croque madame is perfect dish for brunch or supper, with a little bit of France in every bite.

This Asian inspired steamed baby snapper with ginger is the perfect way to enjoy this delicately flavoured white fish. The coriander, chilli and peanuts team up to create the perfect trifecta of taste, aroma and texture.

Sōmen noodles are a classic Japanese noodle and can be served hot or cold. Here, we've teamed them with a piping hot savoury dashi broth and shiitake mushrooms. You can add extra ingredients like sliced snow peas or green beans or shallots.