Be sure to remove skewers before cutting and serving cake. This cake is not difficult ­it is, however, time consuming. Note

Use ground hazelnuts instead of almonds, if preferred. Cover with foil if cake starts getting too dark. Note

If using butter cream instead of vanilla frosting, you will need half a quantity of butter cream. We used a selection of small jelly beans, rainbow choc chips and M&M’s for the treasure. You will need 3 x 4-pack (460g) double chocolate chip muffins for this cake. Note

Peppered beef

The dough can be shaped into a log, wrapped tightly in plastic and frozen. Defrost in the refrigerator and slice into 1cm rounds, place on an oven tray and bake as above. Note

You’ll find it best to make the citrus mixture in a large frying pan rather than a saucepan, so that the citrus slices fit in a single layer. This cake doesn’t actually contain marmalade as an ingredient, but its artful use of citrus rind strikes a similar visual chord. It is slightly painstaking to make […]

We used purple jubes, small jelly beans, Smarties and fizzers, but you can use any lollies you like. Note

We used plain un-iced Golliwog buscuits and an Aero peppermint chocolate bar in this recipe. Creme de Menthe is a mint- flavoured liqueur. Note

We used 2 bananas for this recipe. Keeping time: 2 days. Note

It is fine to use just one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. You can make the pastry using a food processor. Process flour, ground macadamias, sugar, salt and butter until coarse breadcrumbs, with motor running, add water. Process until dough comes together. As the pastry is very short, it’s important to refrigerate it […]

If using butter cream instead of the vanilla frosting, you will need one quantity of butter cream. Note

Fondant carrots are available from specialty kitchenware shops or cake decorating shops. Alternatively, make your own using flower-moulding paste. Colour with liquid colour and shape into mini carrots ­ use a small amount of paste, coloured green, to make the curly tops. Note

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 […]

Corn or vegetable oil can be used instead of the peanut oil. Note

You will need a piece of pumpkin weighing approximately 750g for this recipe; we used butternut, but you can use whatever pumpkin variety you like. Note

With only five ingredients, all purchased easily from a supermarket, this sophisticated version of the classic bacon and egg pie is the perfect fuss-free midweek dinner. Note

equipment two deep 15cm (6-inch) round cake pans 20cm (8-inch) round prepared cake board (page 110) or cake stand 2 piping bags fitted with small plain tube and small fluted tube Mud cake can be made two days ahead; store in an airtight container. Assemble and decorate up to six hours ahead of the party. […]

Rosewater pistachio crêpes

A perfect grilled porterhouse steak atop a pile of creamy blue cheese mash served with delicious caramelised red onions.

If you have a sugar (candy) thermometer, use it for these recipes. These nuts are so moreish it will be hard to hand them over; to prevent such a dilemma, double the quantity and the problem is solved! Note

Cook vegetables slowly to prevent them blackening before they have softened. Before adding lamb to the grill, increase heat to medium-high. Note

Delicious roast chicken, just like your grandmother used to make it.

It is important to slice pears as thinly as possible; if the slices are too thick, the cake will sink in the centre. Note

Remember this rockin' cake from The Australian Women's Weekly's famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book' cookbook? It's sure to be a favourite among the kids, even after all these years.

You will need about 2 limes for this recipe. Note

With a dash of mustard, this flavourful pork makes for the perfect sandwich filling.

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

You can use char-grilled capsicum from a jar, if you prefer. Note

Use your favourite mountain bread variety or pita (lebanese) bread for this recipe. Note

This goes well with prawns, chicken and pork. Note

Grilled swordfish with a tangy and delicious olive paste from Australian Women's Weekly.

These maple-glazed vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to any roast dinner.

Soak the skewers or toothpicks in cold water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from splintering and scorching during cooking. Note

If the chocolate topping is too firm to cut, stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This is very easy to make but impressive. It can also be served as a dessert with vanilla ice-cream. Note

50cm-square prepared cake board. Most children love lamingtons. We’ve used a lot of them to make this spectacular pyramid ­ just watch it be devoured. Don’t forget a desert-sand coloured background. For an Egyptian-themed party have the guests come in fancy dress. Note

The lamb and vegetables can be prepared, ready for roasting, a day ahead of time. serving suggestion Note

The pineapple was cut in half lengthways, then sliced thinly. Note

Spicy date pudding with butterscotch sauce

This slice can keep for 3 days. Note

equipment two deep 18cm-round cake pans 20cm-round covered cake board (page 110) decorations 24 ALLEN’S Strawberries & Cream 6 caramel ALLEN’S Milk Bottle Mania 12 ALLEN’S JAFFAS pink edible glitter dust 1.6 metres ribbon, approximately paper scrapbooking flowers Note

This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

Gluten-free bread mixes are available in plain and wholegrain, we used plain in this recipe. Note

This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

You need two large (460g) overripe bananas to get the amount of mashed banana. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, boil the syrup until it’s thick with heavy bubbles. Remove from heat, let bubbles subside, then reassess the thickness of the syrup. Note

A very quick and easy family meal with sweet and sticky maple pork sausages.

Use regular beef mince, not lean, for a nice, juicy patty. Note

Meat filling can be prepared a day ahead. Note

Wrap the steamer lid in a clean tea towel to avoid condensation drops falling onto the custards. Cook custards in two batches if they don’t all fit in your steamer. Note

Use a melon baller to scoop watermelon into bite-sized balls, if desired, for a more decorative look. Note

The term palliard' means a quick-cooking, thinly sliced or pounded piece of meat, usually veal, beef or chicken. It may also be known as an escalope’. Remove the tenderloin from chicken breast; this is the thin strip of meat lying just under the breast. Using a large sharp knife, cut each chicken breast in half […]

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