Less than 60 minutes

These eggplant and haloumi skewers with roasted tomato sauce are the perfect easy finger food to serve at your next gathering. This kind of cheese is just begs to be fried and served warm.

For this slice recipe you can buy passionfruit pulp from the supermarket, or, if you have an abundance of fresh passionfruit, this is a great way to put them to good use.

This tomato and capsicum soup will have you wondering why you ever bothered with the tinned stuff. The addition of the beans and the chilli give a hearty and spicy kick. Enjoy with fresh crusty bread.

For something a little different, try our baked veal with potato pea mash. The cornflake crumb provides a delightful crunch to the tender meat, and the potato and pea combo is fresher alternative to the usual mash.

Stollen is a traditional German cake-like bread eaten at Christmastime, when it is called Winterbrot (winter bread). Packed with candied and dried fruit, we think it should be enjoyed all year 'round.

Combine this tender beef fillet with a delicious red wine sauce and a generous serving of mashed kumara for a slightly different take on the a traditional beef and vegetable fare. You'll be glad you did.

For a new take on deep-fried fish, try this crispy and delicious whiting tempura. Cut into smaller pieces for finger food and serve alongside the dipping sauce, or with a crisp salad as a main meal.

A delicious twist on our classic cornflake cookies these white chocolate cornflake cookies with peanuts are crunchy and delicious.

An empanada is a stuffed pastry or bread that is baked or fried. They are often filled with meat, but this spiced pumpkin version is a delicious vegetarian take on this classic Latin American snack food.

If you can’t find sausage mince, buy the same weight in sausages and squeeze the mince from the sausage skins. Note

Channeling the flavours of everyone's favourite childhood biscuit, this dark chocolate and peppermint cheesecake is wonderfully sweet, creamy and decadent, with just the right amount of minty zing.

Beef fillet is a beautiful, premium cut of meat. This dish can be created successfully with a boneless mini lamb roast or lamb rump. It's all cooked in the one baking dish, minimising the washing-up, and is so easy it could be delegated to anyone in the family.

In a book dating back to my great-grandmother, there is this recipe for traditional Danish pancakes. It was the one my grandmother used to serve at family gatherings in December. In the part of Jutland, Denmark, that my family comes from, they make a sweet prune compote and add about a teaspoon of it to every aebleskive before turning them over. They are called "aebleskive with music".

This recipe will become one of your go-to meals when entertaining friends.

Jan's never-fail custard cake can be made in multiple varieties, and all work as beautifully as each other.

This easy carrot cake is so delicious with its tangy lemon frosting.

This decadent butterscotch pie will satisfy the cravings of any sweet tooth. The only problem with this luscious dish is trying to decide whether to serve it with lashings of whipped cream, or ice-cream.

The pavlova was so named because it was thought to be as light as the famous dancer, Anna Pavlova. We love that this version reminds us of her brightly coloured ballet tutu. It's almost a shame to eat. Almost.

Give this traditional Aussie bread a boozy, fruity makeover with this rum and raisin damper recipe. Cooked in a campfire oven or in the comfort of your kitchen, it's the real deal. Serve piping hot with lashings of butter.

You just can't beat the flavour and creamy texture of fresh artichokes poached in wine. And there is no denying the irresistibility of hollandaise sauce. This dish is the perfect addition to any antipasto plate.

Winter comfort food has never been better with this effortless soup and irresistible garlic bread, filled with capsicum, tomatoes and beans.

These exquisite quiches are great for picnics, platters or simply as a snack.

Try this delicious Spanish-inspired stuffed squid recipe for an impressive starter or lunch.

Prosciutto, pumpkin and sage are a heavenly trio in this delicious, comforting dish.

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese available from select delicatessens. Note

Bring all the delights of Italian cuisine to your dinner table with this simple, flavoursome dish.

When dissolved gelatine is added to a mixture, both should be roughly the same temperature. Note

Za’atar, a blend of roasted dry spices, is easy to make, but a prepared mix of sesame seeds, marjoram, thyme and sumac can be purchased in Middle-Eastern food shops and delicatessens. Try it sprinkled on your morning toast that’s been spread with softened feta cheese or ricotta. Note

Originating in Scotland, shortbread has become very popular in many parts of the globe and is now eaten all year. Enjoy the crumbly, golden biscuit with a mug of your favourite brew.

Kalonji are also called nigella or black onion seeds. Note

The combination of sweet, light sponge cake with a creamy white chocolate and strawberry filling is utterly irresistible. Cut yourself a slice and enjoy with a pot of tea for morning or afternoon tea.

These little spinach and cheese parcels are very tasty extremely versatile; you can serve them on their own, as a soup accompaniment, or as part of an antipasto platter.

There should be no complaints at the dinner table when you present the family with good old fashioned lamb and vegetables. We've made things a little more exciting with the addition of mint sauce; it goes wonderfully with spring lamb.

Fire up the barbecue with these deliciously spicy vegetarian kebabs.

We used sun-dried capsicum pesto for this recipe, but any bottled “red” pesto, such as tomato, could be used. Note

Puff pastry squares make a light, tasty and adorable case for these delicious and fresh tomato, leek and feta tartlets.

Delicious triangles of lamb kibbeh piled high with bright and refreshing tomato, pomegranate and feta.

Keeping time: 2 days. Note

Thiples (or Diples) are a Greek sweet dessert consisting of pastry that has been fried in hot oil, and a honey drizzle. This recipe uses classic flavours so the dish is true to its origin.

Light and fluffy white chocolate and macadamia cake from Australian Women's Weekly.

Serve this family favourite with a big jug of homemade gravy to pass around the table.

You can use any coloured jelly beans you like. Choose a writing icing to match the colour of the jelly beans. Note

Works well with pancakes, over waffles or as a fondue. Note

This risoni and bean salad is robust enough for a light yet satisfying vegetarian lunch, or perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or steak.

Dried cranberries are sometimes labelled ‘craisins’ and can be found in the baking aisle of supermarkets. Chicken breast fillets can be substituted for turkey, if you like. Coriander is one of the few fresh herbs to be sold with its root attached. It should be readily available from greengrocers. Asian greengrocers will certainly stock it. […]

Try this sweet, spiced classic drizzled in honey syrup for a decadent but light dessert.

White chocolate, pineapple and coconut slice from Australian Women's Weekly.

Do not be afraid of the humble macaron. Yes, they're tricky, but easier than you think. Don't take any short cuts, use a light touch when mixing, and you'll be well on the way to making the perfect cappuccino macaron.

Drizzled with a creamy chervil dressing, this easy dish makes an excellent brunch or lunch.

This dry, fragrant Nepalese curry, traditionally served with steamed rice and lime wedges, is one of this remote Himalayan country's most popular meat dishes.

Banana leaves are sold in bundles in Asian food shops, greengrocers and some supermarkets. Use foil if banana leaves are unavailable. Note

Pop the kettle on and enjoy a thick slice of this beautifully moist apricot cake with crisp macaroon topping.

Baked Middle Eastern meatballs in a homemade tomato sauce with spinach raita.

Warm, hearty and creamy, this potato and bacon soup is packed full of delicious ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food - perfect for Winter evenings.

Greek yoghurt has less moisture than ordinary yoghurt, giving this lovely cake a firmer texture.

If roasted hazelnuts are unavailable, you can roast your own. Place nuts on an oven tray; roast at 200°C about 5 minutes or until the skins begin to split. Rub hazelnuts in a tea towel to remove most of the skins. Cool. Fresh pomegranate seeds can sometimes be found in packs in the fridge section […]

This delicious chicken dish is easy to make and packed full of flavour. Your family will love the addition of a zesty homemade salsa verde to their dinner.

Light and spicy crumbed chicken to share with your friends and family.

Burgers can be prepared 3 hours ahead and refrigerated, covered. Note

Once upon a time, your grandmother made a thrifty bread pudding with leftover bread, and some basic store items. This chocolate pecan bread pudding is something quite, quite different.

Deliciously saucy and packed full of authentic Asian flavours, these char siu and orange spiced beef ribs are perfect to serve your family or friends at a dinner party. Plus, they're made in the pressure-cooker to save you lots of time!

Tasty, salty prosciutto wrapped around the fish helps seal the juices inside and capers add a vinegary bite to the finished dish.

Sour and crunchy, green mangoes are just immature fruit that can be eaten as a vegetable in salads, salsas, curries and stir-fries. They will keep, wrapped in plastic, in the fridge for up to two weeks. Note

Fettuccine comes from the Italian word `fettucina’, meaning ribbon, because of its long, narrow shape. It goes especially well with creamy sauces; you can replace it with tagliatelle or other large egg noodles, if desired. Fresh pasta cooks even faster than dried pasta; you can find fresh pasta in most supermarkets in the refrigerated section. […]

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

This potato, onion and herb pie makes a nice change from more meatier versions. It is delicious either hot or cold.

Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock. Note

Crispy grilled chicken with coriander and chilli; a flavour-packed Asian-style meat dish.

This lip-smacking shellfish dish is perfect for a special occasion.

You could use any Christmas cookie cutter to make these biscuits, but angels and snowflakes work the best.

Both Japanese curry mix and frozen edamame (soy beans in the pod) are available from Asian supermarkets. You will need to shell about 300g (9½ ounces) frozen edamame in the pod for this recipe. Note

When you drop the whoopie pie mixture onto trays ensure that the mixture is in round shape. The shape that the mixture is dropped onto the trays will be similar to the cooked shape. Note

Equipment: 2 x 10cm (4-inch) round cardboard cake boards. 10cm (4-inch) round wooden cake board 2 x 12cm (4¾-inch) round wooden cake boards. 6 wooden skewers. Use ganache instead of butter cream, if you prefer. Once the cakes are covered in butter cream or ganache, they will keep for about a week at a cool […]

The beauty of freeform tarts is that they're incredibly easy to throw together, and taste every bit as delicious as a perfectly primped example.

Marshmallows are best eaten on the day they are made when they are at their softest. Note

This dessert recipe is a great way to show off your baking skills with a beautiful result; remember that room temperature egg whites will beat better than cold ones.

Dust with a little extra sifted icing sugar. Note

Be careful when taking the pumpkin out of the microwave as the bowl will be very hot. Note

It is fine to use just 1 x 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. This recipe also makes 6 texas muffins (¾-cup/180ml); bake about 40 minutes. Note

A dish that looks wonderful doesn't need to be difficult, as is shown by this mushroom tart recipe.

This spiced lentil and roasted kumara soup is just the ticket for those times when you're after a light, meat-free meal full of vitamins and flavour. Serve with crusty bread.

For a simple seafood starter, this dish is one to have in the repertoire. It is so easy to make and tastes great.

Ditch the stodgy cafeteria food for this perfect lunch box staple that's simple, quick and absolutely fool-proof.

A perfect and fun ten soda and pizza cake for you child's birthday party.

A flavour-packed Asian broth with crispy duck and mushrooms from Australian Women's Weekly.