Modern Australian

Give the traditional gingerbread people an Aussie spin with these adorable gingerbread biscuits dressed in their togs!

A classic cheeseburger with caramelised onion, gherkin, tomato and lettuce.

Flat-leaf parsley can be substituted for the basil. A simple covered cooking method replaces the usual labour-intensive non-stop stirring required in more traditional risottos. Best results will be achieved by using arborio rice, but you can use any medium-grain rice, such as calrose. Note

We used Sicilian olives in this recipe. They are smooth and fine-skinned with a crisp, crunchy bite and a refreshingly piquant, buttery flavour. Note

You need about three passionfruit for this recipe. You could layer these trifles in two 1-cup (250ml) glasses, for a prettier look. Note

Use Skittles as an alternative to the mini M&M’s. Store the cakes in an airtight container in a cool darkplace. Refrigerating the cakes will cause the colour on the M&M’s to run. Note

Traditionally served as an accompaniment to spicy dishes, this recipe would also make a great light vegetarian starter. Note

Pies will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They can be frozen uncooked or cooked. Uncooked pies can be baked from frozen. Thaw pies before re-heating. Note

You will need a 30 x 49cm cake board prepared earlier for the cake to rest on. Note

Mizuna, a mild-tasting, crinkled salad leaf, is usually one of the greens found in mesclun, which can also be used in this recipe. Note

This beautiful chef's hat cake is perfect for those who love to cook, or are aspiring chefs.

You need to buy half a small barbecued chicken for this recipe. Note

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

A colourful summery salad with smoked chicken and avocado from Australian Women's Weekly.

Ready made soft icing can be bought from any local supermarkets. We painted the horses with non-toxic paint. The cardboard cylinder must be strong, we used the inside of a baking paper roll. Note

A cracking kids' party wouldn't be complete without a cake to match. Combining everyone's favourite Coco Pops and Mars Bars, this cake from The Australian Women's Weekly's Best-Ever Kids Cakes cookbook will be snapped up in no time!

Ahoy there! Let the birthday child head for the high seas with this pirate creation.

You can also use coliban or lasoda potatoes for this recipe. Note

Oatmeal, also sold as oatmeal flour, is made from milled oat kernels; it is not the same product as rolled oats or oat bran. It is available at health food stores. Note

Was this one a childhood favourite? From the Australian Women's Weekly's famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book' cookbook, decorating ol' Ginger Neville is sure to bring back fond memories.

You need about 2 large overripe bananas (460g) to get the required amount of mashed banana. Note

The perfect side dish to any roast dinner spread, these delicious baked rosemary potatoes will delight the whole family.

Roast chicken pairs beautifully with the flavours of lemon and mint while the broad beans add a touch of green.

This is an easy cake to make and decorat­ use any cake you like­ we prefer a white chocolate mud or coconut cake. Whichever type you choose, the cake will be heavy to move and lift, so get someone to help. Equipment 45cm (18-inch) round wooden cake board 25cm (10-inch) round wooden cake board 20cm […]

EQUIPMENT 35cm (14-inch) round wooden cake board 20cm (8-inch) round wooden cake board 15cm (6-inch) round wooden cake board 10cm (4-inch) round wooden cake board Smoothing tools 19 wooden cake skewers Paper piping bag 3.7cm (1½-inch) perspex measure Pizza cutter artist’s fine paint brush Tape measure It’s important to allow time for the icing on […]

Showcase those gorgeous summer berries with this fresh and creamy cheesecake.

For a milder pistou, substitute flat-leaf parsley for half of the rocket. Note

.Sumac is a purple-red, astringent spice ground from berries growing on shrubs that flourish wild around the Mediterranean. It adds a delightful tart, lemony piquancy to food without the heat of chilli. Available from the spice aisle of most supermarkets and Middle Eastern stores. Note

Make one packet of cake mix at a time. Bake two trays of cakes together and, while they’re baking, put the cake mixture into the next two trays. For the best effect, match the paper cases to the colours of the frosting and jelly crystals. Note

This simple salad will be all the better for using a good quality aged balsamic vinegar in the dressing. The flavour will be more intense and the consistency more syrupy than those of younger balsamic vinegars. Note

Equipment 40cm (16-inch) square wooden cake board 25cm (10-inch) square wooden cake board 20cm (8-inch) square wooden cake board 15cm (6-inch) square wooden cake board 10cm (4-inch) square wooden cake board smoothing tools 16 wooden skewers 3 paper piping bags lace patterns If you prefer, draw patterns of your own to suit the purpose of […]

Sweet but savoury, this delicious tomato and passionfruit jam can be enjoyed with desserts, atop toast or as a chutney-style spread on a cheese platter.

Use a mandoline or V-slicer with a julienne attachment to slice the carrot into thin strips. Baby asian greens are a mix of baby buk choy, choy sum, gai lan and water spinach. Note

Suitable to freeze at the end of step 2. If the potatoes are very small, halve them rather than cutting them into quarters. Note

This adorable birthday cake is perfect for kids who love animals or spending time in the water.

To blind bake, line pastry case with a sheet of baking paper, two-thirds fill with raw rice, bake at 200°C (180°C fan forced) for 10 minutes, then remove paper and rice and return pastry case to oven for a further 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Note

Gin comes in differing styles, with juniper berry the principle flavour. Choose one with added botanicals (components derived from plants), which will give the cocktail a more rounded, complex taste. Note

If you have time, marinate the steaks, covered, for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Note

Helpful hint Pizza cheese is a commercial blend of processed grated mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Use plain cheddar cheese if you like, or use a tasty or mature cheddar for extra bite. Note

You will need some lace, a doily or a stencil for decorating these cakes. Note

Cut a small round from the top of each cake; cut round in half to make two wings (step 7). Note

Cake pops can be made at least two days before the party. Note

Why buy store-bought jam when you can make your own delicious mandarin jelly, perfect spread atop toast with a dollop of butter. This way, you know exactly what's going into it, and your family will love the homely touch.

Work quickly while making the chocolate shells, as the chocolate tends to set quickly. You may need to resoften the chocolate in a microwave oven for a couple of seconds, if this happens. It’s important that the chocolate moulds are thoroughly cleaned and dried before using. Note

You will be able to find the ingredients for this muesli either in the health food aisle at most supermarkets or health food stores. The muesli will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Note

This keeps for 4 days. Note

Do ahead The dough can be made a day ahead. Pear and onion mixture can be cooked 4 hours ahead. Note

This exquisite ruby grapefruit, orange and basil salad brings colour and zest to any dinner table.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Use a pair of clean tweezers to position the tiny Wonka Nerds and other small lollies. Note

It is fine to use just the one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. The meringues are best eaten within 2 hours of baking. Use strawberries or blackberries in place of the raspberries. Redcurrant jelly is a preserve found in the jam section of large supermarkets. Note

Featured in The Australian Women's Weekly's Best-Ever Kids Cakes cookbook, these cute cake pops have put a fun twist on a classic strawberry cheesecake. Sweet and easy to eat, kids will love this adorable addition to their birthday party snacks!

6-hole (¾-cup/180ml) texas muffin pan 12-hole (⅓-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 40cm (16-inch) square prepared cake board 2.5cm (1-inch) round cutter We used cotton wool to create a snowy effect. Use your imagination when you’re “dressing” the snow folk and use whatever “clothes” you like. You could use chenille sticks (pipe cleaners) for arms instead of […]

American-style pork ribs are well-trimmed mid-loin ribs; you will find them at butcher shops and most supermarkets. Note

Rose petal jam is available from Middle-Eastern foodstores and delis. Note

A delicious soup full of seasonal spring vegetables.

Garlic wedges can be made a week ahead. Note