Workday lunches

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

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

You will need to soak eight 25cm (10-inch) bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour before using to prevent them from splintering or scorching during the cooking process. Note

A delicious soup full of seasonal spring vegetables.

We used ling in this recipe, but any firm white fish fillet will be fine. Note

These large, luxurious ravioli with their light tomato sauce make a lovely opener to a dinner party or, served with a fresh green salad, a stylish little lunch. Note

The rolls can be prepared for baking up to 12 hours ahead; keep, covered, in refrigerator. Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Some butchers sell a pork and veal mince mixture, which is what we call for here. If it is not available as a mixture, buy half the amount in pork mince (500g) and half the amount (500g) as veal mince. Note

A delicious stir-fried salad with spicy Sichuan chilli for some heat.

A quesadilla (from queso, the Spanish word for cheese) is a tortilla “sandwich” containing cheese and any of a wide number of spicy filling ingredients, which is grilled, fried or toasted and usually served with salsa. You need to buy two untrimmed corn cobs (800g) to get the amount of trimmed corn needed for this […]

Check for bones; pull them out with clean tweezers. Serve salmon with steamed rice and a green salad. Note

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

This is my own variation on the simple, classic omelette from Spain which usually has just onions, garlic and potatoes as the basis.

We used flathead for this recipe, but you can use any firm white-fleshed fish fillets. Note

Pearl barley is a nutritious grain that has had the husk removed, and then has been hulled and polished so only the ‘pearl’ of the original grain remains, much the same as white rice. It is available from health-food stores and most supermarkets. Note

Pasilla chillies, also known as 'chile negro' because of their dark brown colour, possess a rich flavour that adds a smoky depth to the overall recipe.

Aromatic Asian-style ginger tuna with an exquisite wasabi cream.

You can also use lasoda or pink-eye potatoes for this recipe. Note

If you don’t have metal skewers, use bamboo skewers ­ soak them in cold water while the prawns are in the fridge. Note

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

Bamboo skewers are good to use as a guide for the knife as you split the cake. If the cake is large, long skewers can be pushed through the cake, from one side to the other. If the cake is small, use toothpicks to mark the layer. Use a sharp serrated knife to split the […]

These small French croquettes make for great snack or cocktail food.

An exquisite side dish that goes perfectly with grilled haloumi and crusty bread.

Fried shallots, often sold by their Thai name of homm jiew, are available from Asian grocery stores in jars or cellophane bags, and will keep for months if stored tightly sealed. They can be added to any number of Western dishes for a tasty bit of surprise crunch. Note

Crunchy crumbed chicken schnitzel with a fresh and zingy coleslaw,

Warm risoni pasta creates a perfect base to let the vegetables shine in this dish fresh and easy dish that only takes 30 minutes to make.

Suitable to freeze at the end of step 4. This dish is traditionally served at Christmas time. Note

Recipe best made just before serving. Coppa is salted and dried pork. Note

For shallow-frying, add enough oil to come halfway up the side of the food to be fried. Aioli is garlic mayonnaise, available from the condiment aisle in most super markets. Note

Pide is a Turkish-style pizza, usually stuffed with a spiced lamb filling.

A quick and easy ricotta ravioli with pumpkin and sage sauce for a busy midweek Italian dinner.

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

Traditionally this recipe is known as char kway teow. Dried chinese sausages, also called lop chong, are usually made from pork. They are red-brown in colour and sweet-spicy in flavour. They are available in all Asian grocery stores. Note

Soba noodles are a popular buckwheat staple in Japan, though can refer to any thin noodle.

Flavour-packed lamb and olive balls served with anchovy aioli and lemon wedges.

Soak the skewers in cold water for at least an hour before using to prevent them from scorching during cooking. For optimum flavour, marinate the chicken overnight. Note

You could substitute the bacon and chorizo with ham and mild salami if you prefer. Note

Feed lots of hungry mouths with these tasty sandwiches. You can use any bread you like such as fresh sourdough, sliced ciabatta or crusty white rolls, as we have here. Note

Crispy Italian-style risotto balls that are fantastic for sharing with friends and family.

Fresh lychees can be substituted for canned ones if you like. You can use pineapple and pineapple juice instead of lychees for a different flavour. This sauce also goes well with fried tofu, grilled chicken breasts or steamed greens. Note

Salad is best prepared on the day of serving. The potatoes can be served warm or cold. Note

A simple slow-cooked version of the classic beef and vegetable casserole.

Rich and delicious Italian-style stew with crushed tomatoes and borlotti beans.

You will need to buy one bunch of spinach (300g) to make this recipe. Note

An exquisite and morish Mediterranean-style mushroom and polenta dish with roasted tomatoes.

This flavour-packed recipe is perfect for an on-the-go lunch or light dinner. The combination of ham and avocado in a wholegrain wrap also makes a nutritious after school snack for kids.

Crispy golden Moroccan pastry filled with spiced eggplant and ricotta and served with a colourful tomato salad.

Frittata can be cooked on top of the stove, in a medium lightly oiled slightly sided frying pan; cook on low heat, uncovered, until almost set, then brown frittata under a preheated grill. Frittata can be served hot or cold Note

Leftover risotto makes great risotto cakes; simply shape cold risotto into patties, then pan-fry until browned lightly on both sides. Note

Instead of topping the salad with sesame seeds and green onion, try using finely shredded toasted nori. Note

From the humble baked bean to the chickpea, legumes contain healthy components linked with protection against diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart problems.

Do ahead The tart and dressing can be made a day ahead. Refrigerate in separate airtight containers. Don’t be concerned if the cooked tart has small cracks in the top these will be covered by the salad. Note

Use frozen spinach, which has been cooked and cooled, for this recipe. Note

A light and healthy pasta salad packed full of salami, bocconcini, olives and cherry tomatoes.

A quick, simple and delicious Mexican-style pizza; great for busy midweek evenings.

You can substitute cooked crab meat for the prawns in this salad. Note

A bright and colourful summer olive salad from Australian Women's Weekly.

A quick and healthy pilaf for a busy midweek dinner.

Kumara slices can be baked several hours ahead. Keep covered. Assemble salad and add dressing just before serving. Note

Ghee is good to cook with as it doesn’t burn as quickly as butter. If you prefer, use 30g unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying. Micro cress is a cress that has been harvested at seedling stage. It is available at speciality greengrocers and markets. Micro cress is highly perishable, so must […]

Substitute any of your favourite vegetables if you prefer them to the ones suggested in this recipe. A hot curry paste will boost the flavour, however, you can use any curry paste you like. Note

An exquisite pork dish with lovely colours and a delicious creamy kumara mash.