Quick & Easy

Pavlova nests can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Fill with cream just before serving. Note

Mediterranean-style lamb meatballs with a fresh and herbaceous chutney.

Substitute the fresh corn with a 420g (13½-ounce) can of drained corn kernels, if you prefer. Polenta can be prepared a day ahead; store, covered, in the fridge. Note

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.

If you don’t have leftover mashed potato, prepared mashed potato is available from the vegetable section of most large supermarkets. 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

An exquisite Asian-style duck dish with citrus peaches and duck fat potatoes.

A sweet and nutty satay pork and noodle stir-fry from Australian Women's Weekly.

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

A quick and easy authentic Italian ravioli with tomato, pea and basil sauce from Australian Women's Weekly.

Take care not to over-mix the batter. 16 strokes is usually enough to achieve the rough appearance and texture of muffins. Note

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

We used large (25cm diameter) packaged pizza bases for this recipe. Be sure to use prepared horseradish rather than horseradish cream, the latter is a commercially prepared creamy paste made from horseradish, vinegar, oil and sugar. Prepared horseradish is preserved grated horseradish root. Note

An authentic Italian spaghetti with homemade basil pesto sauce.

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

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

We used green, black and vine-ripened tomatoes. For an extra indulgence, use the larger buffalo-milk mozzarella instead of bocconcini. Note

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

An exquisite lunch dish of parmesan polenta with a delicate walnut and capsicum salsa.

Meat & three veg

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

Either maple syrup or maple-flavoured syrup can be used in this recipe. Note

A bright, colourful and fresh Vietnamese salad with pan-fried tofu.

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

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

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

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

Any whole white fish would be fine to use in this recipe. Ask the fishmonger to clean and scale the fish for you. Use herbs such as tarragon, chervil, lemon thyme, dill and chives. 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.

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

This recipe can be made a day ahead store covered, in refrigerator freeze not suitable 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

Makes enough for six 210g servings of fried chicken drumettes. 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

Try this healthy and simple Asian noodle stir fry for a midweek dinner.

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

A rich and delicious sausage and cannellini bean bake from Australian Women's Weekly.

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

Recipe is best prepared as required. Note

Chicken can be prepared and stuffed with cheese a day ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Remove toothpicks before serving. 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

Ask the butcher to score the pork skin for you. Note

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

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

You can use a mixture of grilled eggplant, capsicum and sun-dried tomatoes for the antipasto vegetables. Grilled artichokes and mushrooms could also be used. Note

Recipe is best prepared as required. For a light meal (that serves four), serve with some crusty bread. 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

Don’t assemble or cook pizzas until just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy. Note

This keeps for 4 days. Note

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

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

You need 12 medium passionfruit for this recipe. Note