Simmer

Use a mixture of cauliflower, carrots, celery, green tomatoes, cucumber and pickling onions. If the mixture seems too wet, drain away some of the liquid before bottling. Note

A creamy beef and coconut cream soup that packs a big spicy punch.

Beautiful bite-size cakes with succulent syrup and subtle saffron flavour.

Sweet pastilla is traditionally served with sweetened warmed milk to reduce the crunchiness of the layered pastille. We like to use the pastilla to dip into the sweet yogurt cream. 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

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

You need to cook about 1¾ cups of white medium-grain rice to get the amount of cooked rice required for this recipe. 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 […]

If red curry paste is a little too fiery for your taste buds, use a milder curry paste, or less of the red curry paste­.

Rogan josh, traditionally made with lamb, is an Indian tomato-based curry, and literally means "meat in spicy red sauce".

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

Cake will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. Note

Granita made from the musky, fresh-grape muscat grape with figs and a sweet honey and fennel syrup

Serve the pears and syrup with thick yoghurt or whipped thickened (heavy) cream. Note

Oozy and delicious Italian-style risotto packed full of pork, pine nuts, cointreau and lemon thyme.

If fresh plums are not available, use drained canned plums. Yellow rock sugar is available in Asian supermarkets; it has a richer, subtler flavour than granulated white sugar. It is used mainly for braises and sauces as it gives them a beautiful lustre and glaze. Note

Toffee is best made just before serving or up to 1 hour beforehand. Note

You need a medium piping bag fitted with a 2cm fluted tube. Note

For a refreshing summer cocktail, serve plum granita in martini glasses topped with sparkling wine Note

You will need 1kg rockmelon and about 2 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Saganaki, is the traditional Greek name for a snack or entrée of floured, herbed then fried cheese which is sprinkled with lemon juice and eaten with bread. Note

Bring out this tree with the coffee, suggesting to your guests that they snap off bits of the branches. Or, for an impressive gift, wrap the whole tree in cellophane and deliver it on the day. Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture along all the crosses to make branches. Note

Use a bland tasting vegetable oil or a light olive oil for the remoulade; it can be made a day ahead and kept, covered, in the fridge. Note

Eggs contain 11 essential vitamins and minerals and are choc-full of protein. While egg allergy is one of the most common allergies in children, researchers from the University of Melbourne have found that introducing eggs early is thought to provide protection. Note

A cheesecake pan is similar to a texas muffin pan, only the base is removable. Note

We used a mild curry powder for flavour but use what you like. Freeze any leftover coconut milk and store it in user-friendly portions for future meals. Note

We used Grand Marnier in this recipe, but you can use Cointreau or any other orange-flavoured liqueur, if you prefer. You need a small, new paintbrush for this recipe. Paper cases can be found in confectionery stores and some supermarkets. Note

You can substitute 2 cups (400g) dried brown lentils, soaked overnight and boiled until just tender, for the canned lentils, if you prefer. Note

This recipe is best made close to serving. Note

Potato and onion bhaji is a spicy and delicious fast food dish from Maharashtra, India.

Rich and salty caramel treats made all the better with the addition of cashew nuts.

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

The piñata is quick and easy to make, but make sure the top edge of the shell doesn’t have any weak spots. If the piñata does break, re-melt the chocolate and start again. The piñata can be made several days ahead of the party. Note

Cute little green Thai chicken curry bowls that pack an aromatic and flavourful punch.

Serve with warm naan and yoghurt. Curry can be made 2 days ahead. Curry pastes vary in heat, so adjust amount to suit your taste. Okra, also known as bamia or lady fingers, is a green, ridged, oblong pod with a furry skin. Native to Africa, this vegetable is used in Indian, Middle-Eastern and southern […]

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

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

We used blue-eye in this recipe, but any firm white fish fillet is fine. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta available from Greek delicatessens and specialty food stores; if unavailable, use risoni. Note

Fresh samosas are sold in Indian food shops and delicatessens; frozen samosas can be found in most supermarkets. Note

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.

Recipe is best prepared as required. Note

When cooking risotto, it is vital to use Arborio or Carnaroli rice as these grains release the starch that gives risotto its creaminess. Swap the vegetables in this recipe for whatever is in season. 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.

You could add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger to the broth for extra flavour, if you like. Note

Makrut lime leaves, aromatic leaves of a citrus tree, are used similarly to bay leaves or curry leaves. They are available from major supermarkets and Asian food stores. If you can’t buy snake beans, use regular green beans. Laksa pastes vary in heat, so use only as much as suits your heat tolerance. Note

Rich tomato sauce, smoky meat, herbs and cheese ­ the very best of fresh ingredients ­ that’s the Italian way. Put the pot on and let it bubble its way to a delicious infusion of flavours. 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!

Add a little sugar to the ratatouille to reduce any acid taste, if you like. If you want to reduce or eliminate the oil, the ratatouille can be cooked in the oven. Combine all the ingredients in an ovenproof dish and bake at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for about 30 minutes. Note

A delicious soup full of seasonal spring vegetables.

Italian arborio rice from supermarkets will hold its shape better than locally grown arborio. Canned caramel filling is found in the baking aisle in supermarkets. Any sweet sherry is fine, however one of the nicest is Pedro Ximénez, a sweet dark sherry with a rich raisin-y taste. Note

You can substitute the almond meal for hazelnut or pecan meal if you prefer. The orange caramel sauce is best served immediately once prepared because it will separate on standing. Note

This deliciously fragrant and warming Italian soup combines zucchini flowers and sweet peas to create a brilliant vegetarian meal. Serve topped with a crumbly pangrattato for a restaurant quality dish at home.

Chapatis are available in packets of 6 from the bakery section in supermarkets. You can substitute any variety of flour tortillas, if preferred. Note

You will need 3 large overripe bananas (690g) for this recipe. Note

Cut the pizza so your guests get a slice of pear per piece. Note

This recipe can be made in a traditional paella pan if you own one, otherwise a deep frying pan or wok with a tight-fitting lid will suffice. Serve the paella straight from the pan at the table. Note

Cooking salt is coarser than table salt, but not as large-flaked as sea salt: it is sold packaged in bags in most supermarkets. Note

Delicious and crispy pork loin with a spiced orange relish from Australian Women's Weekly.

Sweet and crispy French-style mango soufflés with chocolate collars from Australian Women's Weekly.

Soufflé can be made ahead through the end of step 4. Just before you intend to fold in the egg whites and bake the soufflé, warm the prepared egg yolk and spinach base by standing the bowl in warm water a few minutes. Note