Use an accurate candy thermometer for perfect results. They are available at selected department stores or online. Note

Quick, easy and totally delicious, this chilli prawn linguine will quickly become a family dinner favourite.

We used sirloin for this recipe, although fillet and rump are also suitable. Note

Veal schnitzel is thinly sliced steak available crumbed or plain (uncrumbed); we use plain schnitzel, sometimes called escalopes. Note

You can also use peaches, apricots or plums instead of nectarines. Keep any leftover poaching liquid to poach other fruit; or simmer the liquid until it's reduced and syrupy, stir in 1 tablespoon orange-flavoured liqueur then pour over ice cream.

You can use vegetable stock if you prefer. You could use verjuice or dry white wine instead of vermouth. This soup can be served cold or at room temperature, cover, refrigerate until required. Note

If you would like to make your own delicious pastry cases, see the recipe for pastry in blueberry apple crumbles. Note

We used dried cannellini beans in this recipe. Note

Delicious duck broth with noodles, gai larn, green onions and fresh coriander.

Pink grapefruit syrup turns these delectable little lemon cakes into something rather special.

To sterilize jars, wash the jars and lids in warm soapy water. Rinse well. Place jars in large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and boil for 10 minutes. Carefully drain water from jars; transfer jars and lids to a baking tray lined with a clean tea towel. Cover with a sheet […]

Soba noodles are a low-GI japanese-style noodle made from a mixture of buckwheat and wheat, making them high in dietary fibre and protein. The sodium content is high, however, this is reduced significantly after cooking. Asparagus spears vary in thickness; if the ends are really thick, peel them from the bottom up to within 5cm […]

This recipe is best made close to serving. White balsamic vinegar is slightly sweet, and is available in the vinegar section in selected supermarkets and grocery stores. Note

Farfalle pasta, also called bow-ties or butterflies, have frilled edges and soft pleats to help contain the sauce; use orecchiette or fusilli, if preferred. Note

Damper is a crusty Australian flat bread, originally cooked by the early settlers. Note

The following butters and creams make enough to serve with a dozen freshly baked muffins or scones. Note

The veal can be marinated overnight. Note

A citrus-flavoured liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, can be substituted for the coconut liqueur, if you prefer. Note

We used corella pears for this recipe. You will need a bunch of watercress weighing about 350g in total to yield the leaves required for this salad. Note

To make a simple pesto, pound 2 garlic cloves with a good pinch of salt in a mortar. Add 2 tablespoons pine nuts and a bunch picked basil leaves, pounding until a creamy paste forms. Blend in ⅓ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan. Season with black pepper to taste. Note

A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, prosciutto and poached eggs.

A warming and zesty classic Mexican soup, called sopa de lima, from the Yucatan region.

Wild rice blend is a pre-made mixture of white long-grain and wild rices. It is available from most supermarkets. Note

Hearty and meaty, these flavour-packed lamb and rosemary pies are perfect for a hungry family on a cooler evening or weekend. They'll taste amazing enjoyed straight from the oven.

We used snapper fillets for this recipe but you can use any white fish fillet you prefer. Note

A huge hit at parties, fresh rice paper rolls also make an excellent lunch, or after-school snack.

A healthy and hearty warm pasta and lamb salad from Australian Women's Weekly.

We suggest you make your own stock for this recipe; see the recipe on page 112. Arborio rice, otherwise known as white short-grain rice, is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its high starch level, making for a deliciously creamy soup. This soup is our take on the classic Greek avgolemono (which translates […]

Chutney will thicken on standing, it should be quite runny after cooking. Note

Frittata tastes great hot, cold or at room temperature; it’s perfect at breakfast time or for lunch and is a hit with kids and adults alike. For a splash of colour and extra flavour, cut up some fresh parsley, basil or chives (or a combination of all three) to sprinkle on top. Note

This apple and red capsicum chutney takes a little while to make but it's easy as pie and mostly a hands-off operation. Enjoy with cold meats and cheese.

A quick and easy zucchini and corn pasta from Australian Women's Weekly.

Spiced, grilled chicken on delicately herbed couscous makes a lovely lunch or light dinner.

A fresh and vibrant zesty lemon and rocket pesto spaghetti from Australian Women's Weekly.

Warm pasta provençale salad, a dish cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, artichoke and olives.

Chunks of spicy chorizo add flavour, texture and heft to this delicious chickpea soup.

The heat of this salad brings out the flavour of the onion and herbs. You could add bacon or blue cheese if you like.

This traditional Italian pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed full of flavour to nourish the body and soul. Crispy bacon, button mushrooms and chives are tossed in a creamy sauce with perfectly cooked fettuccine.

An exquisite duck confit with pan-fried kipflers and pear and watercress salad for special occasions. The simple and centuries old process of cooking duck in this way has changed very little.

800g canned, rinsed, drained brown lentils can be used instead of the green lentils. Add them to the salad in step 5. Note

You can use any short pasta you like instead of teh farfalle, especiallly short tubular types, such as penne or rigatoni. Cook the pasta until it’s firm to the tooth or, as the italian say ‘al dente’. Note

Sweet Asian-style duck salad with mandarin and pomegranate.

Granny Smith apples are best for this recipe. Refrigerate relish after opening. Use a wide vegetable peeler or mandoline to cut celeriac and zucchini into long thin ribbons. Note

Flavoured and fragrant Vietnamese tomato rice from Australian Women's Weekly.

Ravioli or gnocchi can be substituted for the tortellini, but spinach and ricotta is better than meat-based fillings for this sauce. Note

Quick and easy teriyaki chicken rice paper rolls; the perfect starter dish to share with dinner guest.

In just over half an hour this fresh and simple pea and pancetta pasta can be on the dinner table. We can guarantee there'll be no complaints, especially if it's served alongside some hot and crusty garlic bread.

A quick and simple pasta that brings a surprising depth of flavour, chilli, garlic and oil are a sauce in their own right.

The ginger broth can be made ahead and kept, covered, for several days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to six months. Note

Give your usual roast lamb dinner an extra protein kick with a side of broad bean mash. Finish off with a generous helping of mint sauce, and a glass of your favourite red.

These soft noodles and crispy fish bites make a delicious main or dish to share.

You may need only half a clove of garlic in the dressing depending on the strength of the garlic. Note

This pie is suitable to freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can replace the carrots, celery, mushrooms and peas with a 400g packet of fresh diced vegetable soup mixture – this is found in the vegetable or refrigerated sections of most larger supermarkets, as well as many greengrocers. Note

This recipe will leave you with plenty of leftover café de paris butter, you can use it to make a spectacular kind of garlic bread or freeze it until you next cook steak.

Tapenade, a paste of pureed olives, is available from supermarkets and delicatessens. Note

Veal schnitzel is thinly sliced steak available crumbed or plain (uncrumbed); we used plain schnitzel, also called escalopes, in this recipe. Note

Manhattan clam chowder

We used Grand Marnier in this recipe but you could use any citrus-flavoured liqueur you like. Serve warm with lashings of cream, custard or hard sauce.

Creamed corn, as I knew it, came from a can and I loved it on toast for a winter lunch. Fresh creamed corn is a world away – give it a try.

Surprisingly light, this creamy pumpkin, artichoke and prosciutto pasta makes a great lunch or light dinner.

A deliciously creamy sweet potato, pumpkin and potato soup from Australian Women's Weekly.

Gingerbread cases can be made 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container. Assemble tarts on the day of serving. Top with caramel shards just before serving, as they will slowly melt, especially in humid weather. Note

store Recipe best made just before serving. Note

Pumpkin makes traditional gnocchi even softer and more tender, while the rocket pesto adds a blast of flavour to the finished dish.

dairy-free egg-free nut-free Note

Hearty and warming, this harissa and mint spiced veggie stew is the ultimate comfort food for a cool Winter evening in.