Moderate

Pinwheels are a great idea for kids school lunchboxes. Note

To make certain your biscuits are of uniform size, weigh the dough before rolling – measure 30g for each biscuit. Greek Almond Shortbread biscuits are delicious when served with coffee. Note

For a simple icing, spread cake with vanilla frosting and drizzle with cherry conserve. Note

Budget tip: Use curry powder instead of paste. Use chicken thigh fillets if you like. Add broccoli instead of snow peas. Note

This will certainly satisfy your protein requirements for the day. Bring family and friends together with a steaming serve of this Spanish classic and enjoy.

You could use macaroni instead of risoni, if preferred. For extra flavour, add spices such as ground cumin or fennel. Note

Rich, sweet and decadent, this gluten-free dessert is beautiful served with a dollop of cool ice-cream or fresh cream.

Gently scrub then rinse citrus fruit under warm water before preparing. You can freeze strips of citrus peel and portions of juice. Note

A French take on the Italian pizza, a pissaladiere is traditionally made with a thin trust, topped with fragrant olives, caramelised onions and anchovies.

Ratatouille is a staple of vegetarian cooking and now, in a a tart, it's even better.

Love bruschetta but find it a bit too messy to eat for lunch? This salad is perfect for you with doughy bread pieces, balsamic vinegar and a medley of juicy tomatoes.

Tomato and wine seem to compliment mussels so well, and this dish is no different. Add some linguini to the mix and you have a deliciously hearty seafood and pasta dish.

This hazelnut ripple log by recipes+ is drenched in marsala laced juice and smothered in rich cream dotted with cherries. Shaved chocolate adds extra decadence, texture and richness.

Sweet, sticky raspberry is beautiful topped with a crumbly, golden almond topping in this brilliant streusel slice. Enjoy a piece with a mug of tea or coffee for a mid-morning or afternoon treat.

Leave salmon bones in; they’re a good source of calcium. Note

You could replace banana lollies with 1 cup finely chopped dried figs or raisins. Note

Bacon and vegetable loaf

They don't call it a classic for nothing. This Italian spaghetti dish is so effortless and simple yet so delicious you'll soon see why it's such a staple.

Uncooked gnocchi suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

This is one of those dishes you can turn to when a hearty, yet quick and easy meal is required. Save some leftovers to heat up for lunch the following day.

Wrap leftover silverbeet in dampened paper towels; store in vegetable crisper for up to 3 days. Use in pasta dishes, soups and stews. Note

Vegetarian: Omit bacon. Top frittata with 200g crumbled fresh ricotta before grilling. Note

If desired, add dried chillies for a little heat. Note

Make ahead: You can make pie up to 4 hours ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Low fat: Use reduced-fat or skim milk. We used a frozen chunky vegetable mix of cauliflower, broccoli and carrot. Choose a potato variety that’s suitable for mashing. Note

Omit balsamic vinegar. Use brown or apple cider vinegar instead. Use floury potatoes. Note

Make ahead: Cook slice up to 4 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Note

Traditionally made in autumn to coincide with the harvest, this apple custard cake is a delightful marriage between the tartness of apples and the sweetness of custard and cake.

Cantonese food comes from the Guangdong province in China; it is characterised by well balanced flavours and modest use of spices.

This creamy chicken, potato, leek and bacon casserole is packed full of flavoursome, hearty ingredients to create a warming family dinner for the cooler winter evenings.

To make vegetarian, use 250g mashed firm tofu instead of chicken, and swap fish sauce for soy sauce. Don’t overfill dumplings, as some fillings expand during cooking. Note

To test that jam gels: Place a teaspoon of marmalade on a cold saucer; place in freezer for 2 minutes. Run finger through marmalade. If surface wrinkles and jam separates, it’s ready. Note

Any firm white fish like sea perch or barramundi will do for these Moroccan fish parcels by recipes+. Baking it in this way seals in all of the flavours, and saves on the washing up!

Panko are Japanese dried breadcrumbs, available from the Asian food aisle of supermarkets. Use packaged dried breadcrumbs; the colour and texture will vary. Note

You can prepare silverbeet leaves up to 1 day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before filling. You’ll need 3/4 cup long-grain white rice to make 2 cups cooked. For a vegetarian option, omit mince and replace with 2 x 400g cans rinsed brown lentils. Note

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in cheesecake. Note

The fresh herb blend contains lemongrass, ginger, coriander and chilli. Buy it in the fresh food aisle. Note

To keep beef tender, cook quickly over high heat. To blanch carrots and zucchini, plunge separately into boiling water for 1-2 minutes; drain. Refresh under cold running water. Note

Don’t discard the baking paper used for rolling out pastry. Use one to bake pastry blind, the other to line the tray for roasting the vegetables. Quiche is cooked when a knife inserted at centre comes out clean. Note

Use pork and veal mince, beef mince or a combination of your favourites. Note

Packed full of delicious flavours and topped with an oozy cheese sauce, this macaroni and bolognese pasta bake is perfect for a hungry family. Serve straight from the pan as a warming Winter dinner.

To reheat: Boil for 1 hour in a greased pudding basin. Check label to make sure the custard is gluten free. Note

Turn one of the cheaper cuts of beef into a melt-in-the-mouth tender, flavoursome and hearty meal. Serve with steamed rice.

You’ll need to cook 1 cup jasmine rice. Note

A delicious spinach pie made with a filo pastry crust.

Replace dates with 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts; price will vary. Note

Cut the lemon used for grating zest into wedges, then serve with pizzas. For a tasty alteration, add canned artichoke hearts, pitted olives or semi-dried tomatoes to pizzas. Note

For crudites we used celery sticks, peeled baby (Dutch) carrots, seeded cucumber sticks and halved baby red radish. Try smoked salmon instead of prawns. Price will vary. Fresh prawns should smell like seawater and be free of black marks. Avoid frozen prawns with freezer bum marks. Make sure packaging isn’t tom and is firmly sealed. […]

Celebrate the birth and naming of the newest princess born to the British Royal Family with this delicious chocolatey dessert. A fitting tribute to little Charlotte, we think!

This classic Aussie pub-style dish is given a delicious makeover using fresh, good quality ingredients to produce a rich, creamy sauce.

Lightly spiced with cinnamon, this carrot cake slice is always popular. Piping the decorations is easy if you use a little sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.

No friand tray? Bake in a 12-hole (1/3-cup) muffin tray. Replace hazelnut meal with almond meal, and use leftover egg yolks in omelets and custards. Note

Use a small paring knife or tweezers to remove bones from salmon. Note

When you have extra lemons, freeze juice in ice-cube trays for later use. You’ll need about 4 lemons. Note

You’ll need to steam or microwave about 300g peeled pumpkin for this recipe. You can also make this in a 19cm (base measurement) square pan. Note

Warm caster sugar by placing in baking tray in warm oven (160°C) for 2 minutes. Jamsetta is available from the baking aisle of any supermarket. To test if jam is set: Place a teaspoon of jam on a chilled saucer; cool. Push jam with a finger; if it wrinkles, it’s ready to bottle. Note

3 medium mashed bananas equals 1 1/2 cups. Note

Make sure butter is well creamed before adding sugar. This incorporates air and makes for a lighter cake. Use unsalted butter at room temperature, if preferred. For a richer cake, use 185 grams unsalted butter, 3 eggs and reduce milk to 1/4 cup. Continue as directed. Note

Equal amounts of sugar and fruit must be used to achieve a good gel. Test if jam is ready by placing a teaspoon of it on a cold plate. Touch with your fingertip – if the top wrinkles, the jam is ready to jar. Note

There is little sugar in the dumplings as the sauce is very sweet. Note

Other canned fruit of choice may be used, such as peaches or cherries. Note

No carrot cake is complete without walnuts and cream cheese frosting and this one is no different.

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

Roast duck with cherry sauce

Run out of time to make a proper Christmas pudding? You can still have a tasty treat on your festive table with this last-minute recipe thanks to Julie Goodwin.

The glaze can be made in the microwave. If glaze becomes too thick to brush on, reheat until correct consistency. To keep leftover ham fresh and moist, cover with reserved rind. Alternatively, dip a clean tea towel or calico bag in a solution of 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, squeeze out the […]

Un-iced cake suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

This classic salad pairs grilled chicken, salty bacon and a runny poached egg with a creamy Caesar sauce to create this iconic cafe-style dish. Serve warm for ultimate flavour impact.

Just because you don't eat gluten doesn't mean you have to miss out on Christmas treats - try this delicious glace fruit cake.

This gorgeous macadamia filo tart is topped with sweet pineapple. Enjoy it warm or cool with a dollop of ice-cream for an indulgent dessert.

Is there anything better than a scrumptious chocolate cheesecake covered in fresh berries? The same cheesecake with no baking required is definitely one step better.

This Italian dish is quick to whip up but with proscuitto, zucchini, shaved parmesan and tender pasta you'll be savouring every mouthful.

This divine adult's-only mousse combines the perfectly paired flavours of creamy chocolate and rich liqueur to create this utterly indulgent weekend dessert.

Use a finely chopped onion if you don’t have a leek. Make croutons by toasting crestless bread and cutting into cubes. Alternatively, fry cubes of bread in a little oil or butter until golden. Note

These gorgeous cupcakes by Woman's Day are exquisitely delicate and absolutely perfect for a fairy themed birthday party or even an afternoon tea. Serve them on your daintiest china.