Depending on size of the food processor, the apricots can be processed in two batches. Place saucepan over a small gas jet or element to prevent burning mixture on edge of pan. Note

Have a crack at this easy scone recipe then try different flavour variations - from lemon and currant, cumin and oregano to apricot wholemeal.

Recipe can be made up to 1 week in advance. White chocolate and white chocolate melts are suitable to microwave. Note

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, this sticky dessert is perfect for those who want to delight their guests. The added ingredient of cardamom provides unique flavour and spice that'll have people begging for more.

fish option Grill white fish cutlets. Cool; flake into pieces. Top rice salad with fish. Note

Store purée, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days. Purée is suitable to freeze in 1-tablespoon batches in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Note

A delicious, buttery slice with a crumbly topping.

A fruity delight to share.

These desserts look gourmet, but without the fuss. Simple to put together and delicious!

This divine pie has a crunchy almond crust and is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or melting ice-cream.

Plump with fruit, this delicious apricot fruit cake is perfect with your morning or afternoon cuppa.

This easy-mix pie is called `impossible’ because it sorts itself out in the oven into 3 layers. Note

These crunchy muffins are delicious served with a slather of apricot butter and a cup of hot coffee.

For a more intense brandy flavour, stir up to two tablespoons of brandy into the jam mixture before pouring into the jars. Note

Sponge-finger biscuits are also known as savoiardi biscuits, savoy biscuits, lady’s fingers or sponge fingers; they are long, oval-shaped Italian-style crisp fingers made from sponge-cake mixture, and are available from supermarkets. Recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

These crunchy Italian treats are perfect with hot espresso coffee.

Amaretto is a sweet almond flavoured liqueur that is made from a base of apricot pits or almonds, sometimes both.

Fragrant and flavour-packed Moroccan chicken with couscous, raisins, apricots and mint.

Mixture is not suitable to freeze. Note

You will need a 300g carton of sour cream for this recipe. Note

These chewy gluten-free treats are perfect with coffee.

Put the kettle on and treat yourself to a thick wedge of this gingery lemon and apricot cake, best served with a dollop of yoghurt or whipped cream.

Fruit can be cooked a day ahead, keep, covered, in the refrigerator. Make bread topping and bake puddings as required. Note

You can use the stone fruit of your choice to make this delicious dessert. As a rule, it's best to go with whatever is best in season, but personal taste always plays a role!

These tarts are the perfect expression of sumer. When cooked, the nectarines and apricots soften and slightly caramelise, becoming the perfect foil to the buttery crunch of the pastry and the nuts. Note

If in season, use halved and seeded fresh apricots. Note

This stunning lattice-topped pie is delicious served with warm custard or ice-cream.

Sweet brandy-spiked apricot is topped with a gingery almond topping in this delicious take on the classic crumble.

This dessert is something else, sweet, crisp and fragrant champagne jelly studded with ripe stone fruit and juicy raspberries. A sophisticated end to a lovely dinner party.

Can be made two weeks ahead; keep refrigerated. Note

A great source of both fibre and vitamins, plus calcium.

Substitute cashews for pistachios if you like. Also goes well with pan-fried white fish fillets; grilled beef fillets. Deglazing is the initial step in making a sauce that incorporates the browned bits sticking to the bottom of a pan in which meat has been cooked. A small amount of liquid is added to any remaining […]

You will need about 2 limes for this recipe. Note

Delicious little French confectioneries that literally mean 'small oven'.

To test if turkey is cooked, insert a skewer sideways into the thickest part of the thigh then remove and press flesh to release the juices. If the juice runs clear, the turkey is cooked. Alternatively, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching bone; it should reach 90°C. This […]

Rolled rice is a gluten-free flaked cereal similar to, and a good substitute for, rolled oats. It is available in supermarkets and health-food stores. Note

siena cake is a perfect accompaniment for after-dinner coffee. Cut into thin wedges or slices about 1cm thick,then into small pieces Note

A light and summery Moroccan-style beef salad packed full of apricots, sultanas, pine nuts, mint and dill.

To make chocolate curls, run a cheese slicer down the back of a slightly warmed block of chocolate. For smaller curls, run a vegetable peeler down the side of a block of chocolate. Note

Any small jubes or jelly sweets can be used. Use lightly oiled scissors to cut the jubes. Note

You can find both pepitas and craisins in most supermarkets. Rolled rice is available from health food stores or the health food section of your local supermarket. Note

Keeping time: 3 days. Note

Blow on the candles on this delicate and beautifully styled birthday cake.