Kitchen tea

Zucchini have a lot of water in them; squeezing the water out of the grated zucchini, prevents the sandwiches from getting soggy. For information about how to grate a carrot see page 121. Put the grated zucchini in a fine sieve over a small bowl. Use your hands to squeeze the liquid out. Use a […]

The layers of choux pastry provide the 'puff' in this recipe. There is some time and effort involved here in the assembly, but if you fancy rolling your sleeves up and spending some time creating something lovely, then look no further.

The beauty of the macaron lies in its versatility; they can be enhanced with all manner of exotic flavours and be equally delicious. Try these lemon and basil beauties for a grown up version of this most delicious sweet treat.

You need a loaf of the larger-sized bread (slices measure 12cm across). Ham slices can be used instead of the shaved ham, if you like. The little cut-out hearts can be used to make fairy bread or sandwiched with a cut-out heart of sliced cheese, held together with a toothpick and grilled until browned. Sandwiches […]

So popular is this delectable French biscuit, that it has its own day on which it is celebrated. March 20 is unofficially 'Macaron Day', and participating bakeries offer customers free samples. With this recipe, you can make your own!

Paper hearts can be bought at newsagents, or you can place a smaller heartshaped cutter, covered with plastic wrap, on each cake before dusting. Dust hearts with icing sugar. Pour mixture evenly into prepared pan. Use a cutter to cut hearts. Note

Use a hot wet palette knife to spread the frosting over cakes. Either run your palette knife under the hot water tap or stand it in a cup of hot water. Note

It is fine to use just the one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. A cheesecake pan is similar to a texas muffin pan, only the base is removable. Note

The frittata can be made a day ahead, and kept, covered, in the refrigerator. Note

Macaroons will keep in an airtight container for about a week. Note

It is fine to use just one 300ml carton of cream for the caramel filling Note

The tart cases we used were bought frozen and unbaked; they come ready-to-bake in foil cases and measure 6.5cm in diameter. They are available from supermarkets. Tartlets can be made a day ahead, keep refrigerated.

You can substitute the fig and ginger jam for any jam of your choice. These biscuits are best served on the day they are made. Store unfilled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Note

EQUIPMENT 12 plain white paper cases texture-embossing mat 7cm (2¾-inch) round cutter new large soft-bristled brush Ensure you have enough cakes for all the guests. If you like, choose a few different cake recipes, so you get a variety of cakes. The ganache and ready-made icing covering will keep the cakes fresh for a few […]

A delicious finger sandwich for your next gathering.

We used very small pink lady apples, the ones suitable for kids’ lunchboxes. You can also make the pastry using a food processor. Process flour and butter until crumbly, with motor operating, add the water and process until ingredients just come together. Or you can use ready-made shortcrust pastry. Note

If you prefer, you can use 11/4 cups (380g) bottled fruit mince instead of the filling in this recipe. Note

To make a cross pattern on the tarts, dust tarts generously with sifted icing sugar, then carefully heat a metal skewer over a flame (from a gas-stove top or a cook’s blowtorch). Sear a cross pattern into the top of each tart with the heated skewer before serving. Note

These heavenly cinnamon and sour cherry macarons are definitely for the grownups. In order to get the pretty 'feet' effect along the bottom of each macaron, make sure you leave them to dry out completely before baking.

Teaming sweet flavours with salt is not a new discovery, but in recent years the combination of salt and caramel has worked its way from the culinary elite to mainstream tastes. And a good thing, too.

Salting the zucchini draws out excess moisture. Some salt will remain after you squeeze out this moisture, so season the fritters lightly. Chop the basil for the fritters just before using as it will start to blacken. The fritters and pesto can be made a day ahead; refrigerate in separate airtight containers. To reheat fritters, […]

What a delightful way to enjoy the flavour of eggnog. These macarons are the perfect, light accompaniment to Christmas dinner, and would make a unique and thoughtful gift for your host.

All this layered honey cake needed to take it from tasty to ridiculously delicious was just a touch of mixed spice and lashings of honeyed cream. You'll love it.

Coffee-flavoured whoopie pies with a delightful dusting of chocolate are a soft and satisfying treat for the coffee lover in your life.

When it comes to sweet treats the French always get it right and this delicate delight is no exception. Somewhere between a meringue and a biscuit, this melt in the mouth tropical macaron is simply délicieux!

Thickly sliced fresh nectarines or peaches can be used in place of figs. Note

These berry frangipane tarts are perfect for a simple afternoon tea celebration. Serve them with a small dish of clotted cream for that little something extra.

Try this delightfully citrusy orange flavoured macaroon cake next time you're asked to 'bring a plate'. The unique combination and texture of coconut and orange will be a sure fire winner.

Top shortcakes with half the berry mixture, then another nutella-topped shortcake; repeat with remaining berry mixture, then top with remaining shortcake. Note

This recipe is also nut-free and gluten-free. Handy hints Instead of the lime, make the curd using lemon, or even orange juice. Make double the curd mixture and use it to fill mini pastry tartlet shells, or use as a topping for scones or pikelets. Note

A classic teacake, the kind you hope to find on the cake stall at a school fete or church bazaar. Raspberry swirl cake is simple to make, looks impressive and tastes wonderful.

When it comes to cuisine the French got a lot right, especially the macaron. This humble sweet is deservedly famous for its chewy texture and delicious array of flavour options. Try this raspberry and cinnamon version, you'll love it.

Macarons can be challenging to make, but the results are worth it. Weigh your ingredients very carefully and sift the almond meal thoroughly, and these peppermint French macarons will be très bon!

Pumpkin + cheese = heaven!

To save time, use leftover chicken or bought barbecue chicken, remove all skin and bones before using. Tarragon is the essential flavouring for many classic French sauces and dishes. It is also blended with parsley, chives and chervil to make fines herbes. Note

To make butterfly cakes, a variation of fairy cakes, cut the circle of cut-out cake in half, replace on the cream like wings. Decorate with silver cachous. Note

You can use pretty much any combination of nuts and glacé fruits for the florentines as long you substitute weight for weight. Note

Give your regular yo-yos a citrusy, nutty twist with these orange and hazelnut flavoured morsels. Perfect to enjoy with your morning or afternoon cuppa with friends.

Full of flavour and pretty as a picture, these prawn sandwiches are perfect for a fancy high tea.

You could use any dried fruit instead of the sultanas. Dried cranberries would be the best combination with apples for this excellent dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to top it off. Note

These cakes supposedly take their name from the powder puffs used by women to dust on face powder. Whatever the provenance, strawberries and cream powder puffs are light, airy and absolutely delicious.

These tasty little Greek-style cheese and spinach filo triangles are delicious served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Great as finger food or for an after-school snack.

Light, crumbly kisses are utterly divine sandwiched together with Vienna cream. These classic little biscuits are make a scrumptious afternoon treat. The hardest thing is trying not to eat them all at once.

Enjoy a bite of heaven with these light and fluffy homemade coffee friands. They are gorgeous enjoyed with your mid-morning or afternoon coffee as a relaxing treat with friends.

Basic cup cakes make a great project when you're looking to bake with the kids on a wet afternoon.

These fragrant sugar and spice shortbreads, infused with all the fragrances of the festive season, make fabulous end of year and edible Christmas gifts. Package in a pretty tin or box, and finish with a fancy label and pretty ribbon.

This very rich cake is perfect for the grand finale to a dinner party, and should be made ahead and served cold. The cake is almost like a huge truffle in texture; note that no flour is used.

Chocolate, lemon and thyme truffles

You can also make this pastry using a food processor: Process flour, icing sugar and butter until crumbly. With motor operating, add egg yolk and enough of the water to make ingredients come together. Turn dough onto floured surface; knead gently until smooth. To segment the orange, use a small sharp knife to cut the […]

To decorate allow for another 200 grams (6½ ounces) fresh raspberries Note

You will need about 3 punnets of raspberries for this recipe. Note

Stollen is delicious toasted lightly under a griller (broiler); serve it buttered. Bread flour is a strong flour, meaning that it has a relatively high gluten (protein) content; this causes the bread to rise, giving it shape and structure. It is available from most supermarkets. Note

You will need a pasta machine, cannoli moulds (8cm long and 2cm wide/3¼-inch x ¾-inch) and a piping bag fitted with a 1cm (½-inch) plain tube for this recipe. Note

Ready-rolled puff pastry can be bought at any local supermarket. Note

For a dairy-free version of this cake, substitute dairy-free spread for the butter and soy milk for the milk. Note

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

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

You need a medium piping bag fitted with a 2cm fluted tube. Note

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

You can find lavender honey (produced by bees fed on lavender) at selected delicatessens. If unavailable, any variety of honey can be used. Note

Equipment: three 12-hole (-cup/80ml) muffin pans 25 paper muffin cases 5 disposable piping bags medium plain piping tube 48cm x 55cm covered cake board Decorations: 8 red ALLEN’S MARELLA Jubes 4 red ALLEN’S SNAKES ALIVE 1 banana ALLEN’S Milk Bottle Mania 3 strawberry ALLEN’S Milk Bottle Mania 6 LIFE SAVERS PEP‘O’MINT, halved 6 LIFE SAVERS […]

Light, fluffy beignets filled with fruity raspberry jam are an adorably sweet afternoon treat.

Make sure the rosebuds have not been treated with any chemical sprays. Note

You can also make this pastry using a food processor. Process flour, icing sugar, ginger and butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and enough of the water to make ingredients just come together. Knead gently on floured surface until smooth. You need 1 small papaya (650g) for this recipe. Note

You will need about six passionfruit for this recipe. Remaining passionfruit curd is delicious spread on scones or used as a filling for pavlovas. These tarts are best made on the day of serving. Note