Only fresh blueberries can be used in this recipe, as frozen berries will tint the sangria. Note

A classic cocktail, this timeless combination of tequila and lime will take you to Mexico with every sip.

Serve with seafood or chicken. Note

You can also make this salad with leftover barbecued chicken. Note

Sometimes nicknamed “yuppie Vegemite”, this classic Provençal preparation is used as a dip for raw vegetables, spread on bread and pizza, and served with fish and meats. Note

You need ¼ small pineapple for this recipe. Note

These mango cremes are quick and easy to make and you can pop them in the fridge early in the day, ready for dessert later in the evening. You could serve them with berries for an extra splash of colour, if you like.

Sour cream dressing adds a lemony lift to this smoked trout and avocado salad. If you can't get your hands on any smoked trout, you could substitute smoked salmon. Either way, the crisp leaves, soft avocado and fish bites make a delicious dish.

Fruity and minty, tea and rum punch is a classic lunchtime or afternoon cocktail.

Nothing says decadence quite like a platter of fresh oysters. Drizzle them with these three fresh, fragrant and delicious Asian inspired dressings and watch them disappear.

A classic mix of great flavours!

This creamy and lemony dip is delicious and dead easy to make. You can adjust the lemon juice and garlic to taste.

Frozen yoghurt can be made up to 3 days ahead; keep tightly covered with foil in the freezer. Note

There are few platters more impressive than those piled high with fresh, local seafood. Finish off the jewels of the sea with delicious dipping sauces; serve with chilled white wine, or go all the way with a bottle of bubbles.

Use any combination of melons you like. You could prepare this salad the day before, if you like; keep, covered, in the fridge. Add mint and juice to the melons when you're ready to enjoy.

These pretty jelly parfaits make a delightful kids' party food or dessert. Top with fresh fruit for a colourful flourish.

Crunchy, fresh and full of flavour, this carrot and daikon salad is dressed with lemon, vinegar, mint and black sesame seeds.

Take an eaton mess, replace the pav with macaroons and add some custard and you have this deliciously layered raspberry dessert in mere moments.

Mozzarella can be substituted for the bocconcini; stand 30 minutes before serving. Note

These delicious and refreshing mango and passionfruit ice-cream pops are full of natural colours and flavours and a delightful treat for the kids.

To remove seeds from pomegranate, cut in half crossways. Hold one half over a bowl, firmly tap on the skin with a wooden spoon or rolling pin, the seeds should fall out into the bowl. Any sashimi quality fish will work well. Note

Store rocky road in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Note

Serve with chopped mint or basil leaves. Note

The turkey can be swapped for cooked chicken breast. Vegetables can be prepared a day ahead, cover with damp kitchen paper and plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Drizzle with soy sauce just before serving. You can add or omit the chilli depending on how hot you like your food. Note

It is important to use silken tofu for this recipe to get the right texture. Note

We used the grenadine syrup to add some colour to the punch; you can use any cordial you like, however, the colour may not be as intense as that of the grenadine. Strawberry ice-blocks can be made at least a week before the party. Finish the punch as close to serving as possible. Note

You need 2 oranges and 5 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

This goes well with fish, prawns, pork and chicken. Note

Honey may contain harmful bacteria and is not recommended for children under one year old. Note

The ultimate summer cocktail, this watermelon cosmo is sweet with juice and zesty with lime.

These spicy oysters are sure to win over your guests at a barbeque or cocktail party. You can make the spicy dressing in the morning and dress the oysters just prior to serving.

This recipe can be made a day ahead, but hold off on adding the ginger ale until just before serving. Note

The key to making a success of the meal on a big day is all about planning and preparation. If you’re not already a list-maker, become one; having a list will make everything seem so much easier. The special meals, like this wonderful lobster dish, will come together nicely.

Rambutan & lime cocktail

Low-fat yoghurt and crushed weetbix make this brekky berry smoothie a complete breakfast in its own right.

Cool, fresh and fruity, this tasty kiwi and mint frappe makes the ultimate drink for a hot Summer's day.

If you're looking for a simple, tasty and appealing platter for a party then marinated baby bocconcini with prosciutto is your friend. Salty meat wrapped around mild, sweet cheese and spiked with basil. Perfect.

Creamy, garlicky tzatziki is fabulous served with roast lamb or on kebabs, but also as a dip with a pile of crisp, freshly cut vegetables, crackers or twists.

There's nothing like a piece of homemade rocky road, and the best thing is that you can play around with the ingredients, adding more or less of your favourite bits or choosing to use a different type of nut.

Two dozen oysters on shaved ice topped with our red wine vinegar or spicy lime dressing is a perfect party platter.

Bruschetta is one of those classic dishes that's welcome at just about any meal, from a late breakfast to a late night snack. This garlicky goat's cheese version is a creamy, tasty winner.

This chocolate nougat frozen parfait is incredibly simple to make, but is bound to impress. A great way to end a special dinner party.

Enjoy this cheeky adult's only fruit dish on it's own with ice-cream or cream, or drizzled atop a slice of cake. These beautiful vodka soaked cherries last indefinitely and make a perfect Christmas gift.

This elegant berry nougat cheesecake is dreamy, creamy and irresistible. Just the ticket for a fancy afternoon tea.

A chicken, celery and avocado sandwich is packed with protein and good fats, an excellent option for school lunches.

Dried mix fruit is the perfect healthy snack for the kids to nibble on at school or at home.

Putting a tropical twist on the traditional Italian tiramisu, the combination of sweet mango and zesty passionfruit will keep your loved ones coming back for more.

This goes well with prawns, chicken and pork. 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

To prevent them from drying out, keep finished ura-maki wrapped in plastic, uncut, until ready to serve. Goes well with sesame dipping sauce, and oysters osaka. Note

Be careful when working with silken tofu as it is very soft and breaks easily. Use a mix of basil and mint leaves if you cannot find japanese mint. Note

Also goes well with potato salad; pan-fried beef eye-fillet steaks (omit water so the pesto has a thicker consistency); grilled lamb kebabs. Note

You need 24 witlof leaves for this recipe. Note

Oil needs to be added slowly to prevent mixture separating. Should the mixture separate, whisk in two tablespoons of hot water. Note

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

You can improvise with the ingredients in this trifle. Try sponge finger biscuits instead of biscotti, raspberries in place of cherries and a nut-flavoured liqueur as a substitute for the marsala. Biscotti is available at selected delicatessens, specialty food stores and online. Note

To toast sesame seeds, spread them on shallow tray, bake in a moderate oven five minutes, or until golden. Note

Ready-made rich chocolate fudge frosting is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

An essential on pub menus across the UK, a ploughman’s lunch is at its most basic, cheese, pickle of some kind and bread. It’s thought to have originated as a ploughboy’s lunch, but variations on the theme are wide, with cold meats and vegetables now common features. Any combination of cheese and pickles will work […]

To save time, buy shelled prawns from the fishmonger. Note

Use white Candy Melts in place of chocolate Melts for an extra-white finish. Note

Use any melon and berry combination; just make sure you use the same amounts. Note

Blue cheeses are mould-treated cheeses mottled with blue veining. Varieties range from firm and crumbly stilton types to mild, creamy brie-like cheeses. Use a firm and crumbly blue cheese for this recipe. Note

Instead of piping the cream cheese mixture onto the canapés, you can just use a teaspoon to drop small amounts on top of the mini toasts. Mini toasts are available from delis, groumet food shops and some supermarkets. Note

Wonderfully fresh and light, enjoy these beautiful salmon sashimi stacks as a light lunch, starter on canape.

You can use any combination of berries you like or seasonal fruits such as mango or banana. Note