Modern Australian

These char-grilled vegetables are healthy, delicious and pack a real spicy punch.

You could also make this cake in a deep 18cm round cake pan. This cake is best made on day of serving. Note

This rich combination of spices cooked in coconut cream is classic Malaysian cooking, combining the country’s Indian and Straits-Chinese influences. This recipe uses black mustard seeds (sometimes sold as brown mustard seeds), which are more pungent than the white (or yellow) seeds used in most prepared mustards. Not suitable to freeze. Note

A tasty snack or finger food for entertaining, these deliciously crispy potato skins are great served with our homemade dips. We've given you three recipes to choose from. Or, make them all!

Use any remaining cake mixture to make some extra cupcakes for the party. The cake can be completed at least two days ahead. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

EQUIPMENT 12-hole (⅓ -cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 12 standard paper cases (5 green, 4 brown, 3 blue) 40cm x 50cm (16-inch x 20-inch) cake board You’ll have ¾ cup of the cake mixture left over, enough for another three cakes. Many children like gardening, so take-home treats could be small gardening tools. Use the handle […]

This loaf keeps for 3 days. Note

We used black tea leaves, but you could also use a smoky tea such as lapsang souchong. It’s a good idea to do the smoking on the barbecue. Note

Gorgeously sweet orange and maple glazed baby carrots. The perfect accompaniment for your next dinner party.

Watercress has deep green, clover-shaped leaves that have a peppery, spicy flavour. It is highly perishable and should be used the day it is bought. Note

Lasoda or sebago potatoes can be used for this recipe. Potato flour can be used in place of wheat flour for a gluten-free version; make sure to use a gluten- free chicken stock as well. Note

Delicious little burgers with grilled beef sausages and a crunchy slaw.

Equipment two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans 30cm (12-inch) round prepared cake board or plate shell-shaped chocolate moulds Note

Make the filling in advance, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note

Build it and they will come…and eat it with gusto. The toy tools are readily available from most toy stores. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

You can substitute any fruit for the strawberries and mangoes in this recipe. Mixed berries are another great option, remember frozen berries are full of flavour and are just as delicious as fresh ones, so this is a good year round alternative. Note

Preserved lemon is available at delicatessens and some supermarkets. Note

Use metal skewers to pierce through the hard core of the corn slices. Note

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Potato skins can be served hot or at room temperature; use scooped out flesh in potato salad or bubble and squeak. Note

Remaining garlic-infused oil can be used in salad dressings. Note

Make this stunning side dish in spring to take advantage of delicious in-season artichokes and peas.

Gem strings on wire are available from craft stores. If you can’t find them, use small lengths of pink ribbon. Note

Fontina is a smooth, firm Italian cow’s-milk cheese with a creamy, nutty taste and brown or red rind. It is an ideal melting or grilling cheese. You can use swiss, cheddar or gouda cheeses instead. Note

Kalonji, also known as nigella, are tiny, angular seeds, black on the outside and creamy within, having a sharp nutty flavour that can be enhanced by a brief toasting in a dry hot pan before use. Kalonji can be found in most Asian and Middle-Eastern food shops. Note

Equipment 22cm x 30cm (9-inch x 12-inch) baking dish 12-hole (⅓-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 12-hole (1-tablespoon/20ml) mini muffin pan 12 mini muffin paper cases 6.5cm (2½-inch) Heart-shaped cutter 4cm (1½-inch) Heart-shaped cutter 30cm x 40cm (12-inch x 16-inch) rectangular prepared cake board This cake is at its best made a day ahead of the party. […]

A light and summery spiced sponge cake with a delicious pistachio honey cream.

Persian fairy floss, also called Pashmak is available from delis and specialist food shops. If unavailable, ordinary fairy floss can be used. Note

Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Note

Keep an eye on the syrup towards the end of the cooking time; as it reduces, you need to reduce the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer. Use any leftover pomegranate seeds in salads or sprinkle over desserts. Note

Gelato flavours used for this recipe: lemon, green apple, strawberry and mango although any flavours can be used. A very firm ice-cream may be used in place of the gelato, scoop it directly onto the ice-cream cones just before serving. Make sure the oven trays and cake board fit in your freezer before starting. Note

Tie a small pink ribbon in a bow around each cake, if you like. Note

A puff of fairy floss makes a soft and cuddly chest for this lovable southern visitor. Note

We used scrap-booking decorations available from craft and hobby shops. This cake can be assembled directly onto a table or covered 24-inch square cake plate. Note

We found that using a cheese slicer is an easy and effective way of making large chocolate curls. You can use this recipe as a guide to make the boxes smaller or larger. Who wouldn’t love to receive a gift as wonderful, and as delicious, as this chocolate box? It’s the perfect present for any […]

While this is easy to make, it may take a bit of experimentation with your oven to determine the best temperature and to perfect the timing ­ two elements that are critical for the success of this sponge cake. Every oven is slightly different to another, be guided by your oven manufacturer’s instructions. As a […]

You can use apple puree instead of the apple sauce in this recipe. Note

We used car patches available from craft and sewing stores. You could use small diecast cars from toy shops. Be aware of choking hazards if using small plastic cars. If you want a daytime scene, colour the icing light blue and use a yellow jube as the sun and the sugar pearls to represent sun […]

You will need about 4 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Give cereal a miss and try these prosciutto and feta baked eggs instead!

The fish can be marinated and threaded onto skewers a day ahead, store, covered, in the refrigerator. You can use any large fish fillets or steaks, such as ling, gemfish, snapper, kingfish or silver warehou, for this recipe. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to avoid scorching or […]

You’ll have about ½ cup of the cake mixture left over; make more cakes for a longer serpent, if you like Note

Wear gloves when peeling beetroot to stop the juice from staining your hands. Note

We used a 250ml carton of pineapple juice for this recipe. Note

Chicken puffs should not be reheated more than once. Puffs can be baked several hours ahead. Cool slightly then refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly in a 160°C preheated oven just before serving. Note

This indulgence chocolate cheesecake recipe is made even more sweet with the addition of rich ricotta cheese. We've also swirled through juicy grapes and runny honey for a burst of natural sweetness.

You will need approximately 1 cup (120g) pecans to make enough ground pecans for this recipe. Note

You will need 12 strong wooden toothpicks, tips broken off into 1.5cm lengths. Note

Rich and delicious mocha trifle with a kick of Tia Maria or your favourite liqueur.

To avoid the overnight soaking, microwave the tea and fruit mixture on high (100%) power for 5 minutes, allow to cool and serve. Note

12-hole (-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 12 dark green paper cupcake cases 4 paper piping bags plastic wrap We made the cupcakes here, instead of buying them, so we could tint the mixture in camouflage colours. To save time, decorate the tops of store-bought cupcakes with the camouflage icing. Vanilla frosting is available in tubs from […]

Delicate coffee biscuit hearts, smothered in chocolate either side of a generous dollop of mocha cream will have you feeling the love.

A classic dessert, this wonderfully chocolatey sacher torte is perfect for birthdays, weddings or anniversaries.

Start the recipe at least a day ahead, as the fruit mixture needs to stand overnight. Note

Shredded or flaked coconut take longer to toast than desiccated coconut. You can toast it in the oven or in a dry frying pan – either way, you have to watch it carefully. If you’re using the pan method, stir the coconut the whole time, then take it out of the pan the second it’s […]