Homemade ice-cream is swirled with caramel sauce and topped with crushed amaretti biscuits in this impressive, decadent ice-cream cake.

Quince adds a new kind of flavour to this spicy veal and caramelised onion tagine. Using veal knuckle adds richness to the finished dish as the marrow melts during cooking.

You could use apricots as well or instead of either fruit for this divine peach and nectarine trifle. As a rule of thumb, just go with whatever is best in season.

Kibbeh is a classic Lebanese dish made from minced lamb and burghul (hulled, steamed wheat kernels). Fragrant spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg give this popular snack its distinctive Middle Eastern flavour.

Warm apple cake with a lip-smacking brandy butterscotch sauce is a properly indulgent winter dessert. You could substitute whisky for brandy if you prefer. Serve with vanilla ice-cream for the full monty.

This easy lamb curry takes a little time to cook so that those lovely flavours develop sufficiently, but apart from the initial preparation it's pretty much hands off. And not a jar of curry paste in sight.

Give your child's birthday a fun nautical theme with this delightful Wally whale birthday cake, if you make the cake the day before and freeze it, it will be easier to decorate.

These lovely textured lace wedding cakes will make a stylish and sophisticated display on your big day. You can mix and match the colours of the plates, cakes, flowers and decoration to suit any occasion.

Celebrate summer's seasonal vegetables with this colourful and healthy vegetable terrine. Make sure you remove it from the fridge well before serving, as it is most delicious when enjoyed at room temperature.

There are some occasions that justify pulling out the big guns. When an event calls for a spectacular dessert you can't go past these little cups of toffee apple sorbet with pecan rosemary crumble.

Otherwise known as char siu bao, barbecue pork buns are a traditional Cantonese comfort food. The soft, pillowy exterior hides a delicately flavoured filling. You won't stop at just one.

Fill your kitchen with the heady aroma and taste of Italy with this healthy and colourful eggplant, tomato and basil pizza made with your own thin and crispy pizza base. Just like mama used to make!

Duck is not the first meat that comes to mind when you think of a Thai salad, but its gamey flavour and rich texture are actually perfect, contrasting beautifully with the rest of the crisp, spicy salad.

This Sichuan pork with peach and chilli salad is typical of this style of Chinese cuisine, with its bold flavours and particular kick that comes from the classic Sichuan pepper seasoning.

If you don't already have a go-to recipe for chocolate cupcakes, you do now. This classic version is made even better when topped with the rich, fudgy frosting. Perfect for kids' parties or an after school treat.

You'll need to make this coconut and passionfruit tart a day ahead as it will need to be refrigerated overnight to be ready for serving. Serve topped wtih extra passionfruit and thick (double) cream.

The tamarind and honey work together in this dish to create a lovely sweet and sour flavour combination that compliments the delicate flavour of the prawns beautifully. Your dinner party guests will love it.

This lamb and apricot tagine with citrus couscous has so many of the characteristics we love; spicy, fragrant, savoury and sweet. The traditional lengthy cooking method ensures a depth of flavour and tender, juicy meat.

We used Grand Marnier in this recipe, but you can use any orange or citrus flavoured liqueur, such as Cointreau. Scrape a knife over the top of the soufflé before baking, for a nice even top.

Like a spaghetti pie with an eggplant, parmesan and breadcrumb crust, this Sicilian spaghetti is rich, earthy and very satisfying. Perfect for filling up on a cold evening or for lunch after a stiff weekend walk.

We've given a spin to this classic rending, cooking the lamb slowly until the coconut milk sauce thickens and is quite dry, the succulent meat becomes so tender it virtually falls apart.

Our pistachio bread, or biscotti, would make a thoughtful gift for friends or family. For a different spiced version, omit the cardamom and use ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg instead.

The time and effort of proving and kneading your own dough brings with it a certain sense of achievement. The first bite of this tasty date fig and walnut loaf can only add to the contentment that comes with a job well done.

Scoff your way through these delicious white wine and garlic mussels to find a tasty broth at the bottom. Keep the shell, still hinged, from the first mussel you eat and use this to remove the remaining mussels from their shells.

These delicately flavoured pear crisps make a great snack on their own, but are also excellent served on top of yoghurt and muesli, or used to decorate a pear cake or pudding.

Cold meatloaf makes a delicious sandwich filling on sourdough bread. Serve with melted cheese, mixed salad leaves and a chunky beetroot relish. This barbecue-glazed meatloaf also makes a good lunchbox addition just sliced cold and wrapped.

The secret to our delicious lasagne is the pork and veal mince in the meat sauce, which gives it a balanced and rich flavour. The ricotta in our white sauce gives it an extra creaminess and lusciousness without the guilt.

Perfect as a finger food for your next cocktail party, these deep-fried prawns with dipping sauce won't last long. If you pre-prepare the dipping sauce and buy the prawns pre-shelled and de-veined, the dish can be prepared in just a few minutes.

This dish is a stand-out recipe, not just because it's quite spectacular, but because the taste of fish baked in a salt crust is incomparable. The perfect centrepiece for a celebratory meal.

Our profiteroles with chocolate liqueur sauce are the perfect end to your next dinner party. For best results, don't forget to perforate each profiterole with the tip of a sharp knife before the last 5 minutes of baking.

Home made baked beans, with bacon, sausages and eggs really is the full monty when it comes to a great breakfast. Toast a couple of slices of good bread, brew a cup of your favourite joe and you're set for the day.

Panettone, a sweet Italian loaf, has been brilliantly re-purposed for this decadent dessert dish. Spread with almond topping, the baked panettone slices are gorgeous soaked in peachy juices.

Making your first Swiss roll is a rite of passage for keen bakers, and if you haven't given it a go yet this chocolate log recipe is a great way to try. Covered in chocolate ganache, even if you don't roll straight, the end result will taste amazing.

This quick and easy apricot crumble slice makes a great afternoon snack, and is perfect for packing in lunch boxes. For something slightly fancier, serve warm with a spoonful of sour cream.

Impress your guests and feast on this succulent baked ham with redcurrant and balsamic glaze, from Christmas through to New Year. Store it in the fridge in a damp pillowcase while you work your way through it.

Give your family midweek meal with an exotic twist with this Moroccan lamb with couscous. The aromatic spices combined with a sprinkle of coriander just before serving give this dish its unique flavour.

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.

Serve this delicious hot seafood platter at your next gathering. Simply arrange the seafood on a large white serving platter with plenty of lemon wedges and watch it disappear.

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.

This is the perfect cake to serve at the end of an Italian meal, or with a cup of espresso when friends drop by in the late afternoon.

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.

This slow roasted pork with fennel dish will fill your kitchen with the type of aroma that will have the hoards running to the dinner table. Any leftovers can be sliced and used for the kids' lunchbox sandwiches.

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.

Making your own pasta dough is incredibly satisfying and easier than you might think. You do need a pasta machine, but the investment is worthwhile; just one bite of freshly made pasta and you'll see why.

This deliciously green soup is full of complex flavours, the sweetness of green peas, peppery rocket and the iron-green of spinach, all topped off with mustardy grilled brie croûtes.

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.

A heartier version of a classic spanakopita with the addition of tender lamb.

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.

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.

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.

This delightful spiced ginger and orange biscotti gives a lovely Christmassy twist to this favourite Italian biscuit.

Prawn cutlets make an ideal first course or light meal. This is a particularly crisp, tasty batter thanks to the panko crumbs, parmesan and herbs. Serve as soon as they are cooked.

Packed with omega-3, protein and fibre this smoked salmon and poached egg on rye is a delicious and healthy breakfast or brunch. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the poaching water will help keep the eggs together.

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

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

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.

Brioche is one of the most popular French breads, delicious served fresh as a sweet treat with jam or toasted with foie gras or pâté. It also makes wonderful French toast or a luxurious bread pudding.

This lightly spiced fennel and tomato couscous salad makes a lovely lunch or side 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.

This rich and hearty soup can be whipped up in about half an hour. Evaporated milk (not to be confused with condensed milk) is canned unsweetened milk from which some of the water has been evaporated.

Recipe is best made just before serving. Old-fashioned cast gem irons are available from specialty cookware shops or second-hand shops. Note

Brown lentils can be substituted for the puy lentils, although they do require longer cooking. Note

Who doesn't love a good steak sandwich? This one is so much more gourmet than the usual, though. Think: creamy ricotta, fresh roasted capsicum and tender steak fillets... Yum!

Kalonji are also called nigella or black onion seeds. Note

Simple, herbed prawn skewers make a great starter for a dinner party, or share platter for a celebration or barbecue.

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 rustic barbecue seafood baskets are guaranteed to deliver on flavour and presentation.

It is fine to use just one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. Note

This delicious pressure-cooker dish makes the most of tender spring lamb, and fresh spring vegetables.

The sweet, savoury, sticky and thick teriyaki sauce is a staple of Japanese cuisine. It compliments chicken, fish and meats equally well. Team it with a light and fresh udon salad and you have a perfect light meal.

It’s important to measure the closed springform pan, the measurement appearing on the base of the springform pan sometimes refers to the measurement of the pan when it is open. Note

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

Succulent figs add interest, depth and flavour to this deliciously easy chocolate caramel slice.

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

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

This five-star main course will wow any guests you serve it to.

For a milder pesto, substitute baby spinach leaves for rocket. Note

Bake pine nuts on oven tray in moderate oven about 5 minutes or until toasted. Note

Forget strawberyy or raspberry jam, kiwi fruit and apple jam is the perfect preserve. Elevate your dishes in four simple steps.

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. […]