Cheese

Family favourite, kid friendly Note

If you have the time, drain the ricotta through cheesecloth to prevent the bake being too wet. If the bake is set but the top isn’t quite golden, pop it under a hot grill for a minute or so to give it a bit more colour. For the meat-lovers in your household, you can add […]

No flameproof pan? Cover handle with foil to prevent it burning under the grill. Note

Hunza pie sprang from the myth that it fed the longevity of the Hunzakut people, it became a hippy classic despite debunking. Happily, its popularity endures anyway.

Ling, blue-eye, or Mahi Mahi would work equally well in this creamy fish pie topped with silky smooth mash by recipes+. If you like, you could serve it in individual ramekins.

Instead of brie, crumble 200g ricotta over mixture. Replace capsicum dip with rocket or basil pesto. You need 600g peeled pumpkin. Note

Pinwheels are a great idea for kids school lunchboxes. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

A hint of chilli, capers and sweet paprika give this tuna and ricotta dip by recipes+ a deep, rich flavour and colour. Served with crispy pide bread, it's the perfect grown-up dip.

Use a combination of ricotta and spreadable cream cheese. Note

Whip up these mini savoury tarts the next time you have a crowd over. Give the filling a toss in a little salt and pepper, or add some bacon for extra flavour, if you like.

Combine dissolved gelatine and cream cheese mixture at the same temperature to prevent lumps from forming in cheesecake. Note

Bacon and vegetable loaf

Uncooked gnocchi suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Panko are Japanese dried breadcrumbs, available from the Asian food aisle of supermarkets. Use packaged dried breadcrumbs; the colour and texture will vary. Note

Lattice Biscuits are no longer being made, but any plain un-iced biscuit can be used.

You could use chopped unsalted peanuts instead of hazelnuts. Try goat cheese instead of feta, mixed salad instead of rocket. Price will vary. To slice onion very thinly, use a mandolin or V-shaped cutter. Note

Makes 32 Note

We used milk and water to to make the base, for a lighter result – all milk or all water can also be used. Milk is best for scones/scrolls. Note

If you prefer, you can, use mild pancetta or prosciutto, as well as mild creamy blue cheese in place of goat’s cheese. For a thinner crust, try mountain bread. Note

This delicious savoury pie is extremely easy to make -simply mix all ingredients together and bake. It's great enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a side salad, or cut up and chilled for school or work lunches.

Folding in the egg whites will make sure this spinach roulade retains a light and fluffy consistency. The prosciutto and cream cheese provide a robust flavour and textural balance.

Kumara could be used in place of pumpkin, if preferred. Note

Test muffins with a skewer – if it comes out clean and dry, they are cooked. These muffins are best served warm. Note

If preferred, buy ready-prepared chicken schnitzel and cover, freeze and cook it as required. Note

This colourful loaf is stuffed full of bright and healthy Mediterranean vegetables and makes a delicious change from the usual sandwiches.

Allowing the cheesecake to cool in a turned-off oven helps prevent cracking. Note

This light, flaky golden croissant is beautiful stuffed with fresh ham, eggs and oozy melted cheese to create the perfect lazy weekend breakfast or brunch.

A classic Australian pub dish, the combination of golden crumbed chicken, eggplant and oozy cheese is unbeatable for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Add blanched broccoli florets, asparagus or corn kernels, if desired. Note

This cheat's version of a classic Aussie-style egg and bacon pie uses supermarket ingredients to create a quick and tasty family lunch or dinner.

A well-loved side dish for many years, this simple and classic scalloped potatoes dish by Women's Day is always met with claps and squeals of delight. The kids love it, too.

Chopped capsicum, olives or spinach leaves can be added to the mixture. This versatile slice will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and it also freezes well. Note

A light, flaky treat that's perfect for party platters, a savoury afternoon tea, or just as a snack.

Spread bread with a little fig jam when fresh figs are not available. Note

More than just fancy macaroni cheese, this baked three cheese pasta is cheesy, creamy and crunchy on top. Ok, maybe it is a fancy macaroni cheese, but it's a great one.

Roast tomato and goat's cheese tart

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Having a gathering? Give the frozen party pies a miss and hand around a piping hot batch of these tasty, cheesy hot dog puffs. Snack food never tasted so good.

Warm, creamy and hearty, this tasty four-cheese penne dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family dinner on a cooler evening.

More than just a ham, egg and cheese toastie, the classic croque madame is perfect dish for brunch or supper, with a little bit of France in every bite.

If you're talking about perfect flavour combinations, white chocolate and strawberry has to be pretty high on the list, and never more so than when combined to make a fabulous cheesecake!

Suppli al telefono is a delicious snack from Italy originally named for the melted mozzarella "strings" that resemble telephone wires when one of these croquettes is split open and slowly pulled apart.

Sticky, gooey, sweet and astringent in all the right measures, these baked brie and quince matchsticks are made from light, flaky puff-pastry. Fabulous finger food for a party.

If you're a fan of the classic Swiss style of serving cheese, this camembert fondue ticks all the boxes. Enjoy plunging crispy slices of toasted baguette into this creamy, oozy disc of deliciousness.

This tomato and rocket bruschetta would make a lovely fresh starter to your next summer barbecue. For a variation, replace the dill with basil and add a little garlic.

Topped with strawberries, raspberries and white chocolate curls, this Irish cream and berry trifle is a triumph. Creamy, fruity and spiked with alcohol, it's a celebration in a dish.

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically including roasted sesame seeds, thyme and sumac, although its exact combination varies according to its maker. It is delightfully tart and fragrant, and adds a unique flavour and kick to many dishes.

Brew a cup of good coffee, or warm up the teapot, and sit back with a slice of this fabulous white chocolate and raspberry baked cheesecake for an afternoon tea to savour.

If the feeling of being torn between having a either malted milkshake or a cheesecake is familiar to you, fret no more. These delectable little glasses of heaven are the answer to your dilemma. You're welcome.

Take a different approach to making pizza with this Turkish bread vegetable pizza recipe. Loaded with healthy vegies, and quick to make, it makes a fab mid-week dinner.

Kids will love this cheesy, speedy pizza made with pita bread. If you want to add more protein, make a hollow in the centre and crack an egg into it, then bake.

Both, sopressa and chorizo can be quite spicy. Taste the different varieties on offer at the delicatessen before making this meat lover's pizza.

These crusty cheese and mustard dampers are best served piping hot, straight from the oven. They are the perfect on their own or alongside a steaming bowl of hot soup and will fill your kitchen with the most delicious aroma.

Forget about perfect presentation with these tasty little spinach and ricotta free-form pies because rustic is the order of the day. Dispense with cutlery and enjoy them hot from the oven, or cold as part of your next picnic.

Honeycomb is the structure made of beeswax that houses the honey; this edible chewy comb, saturated with honey, is absolutely delicious and available in health food stores and some supermarkets.

Stay cosy indoors this weekend with this hearty, slow-cooked beef casserole topped with dumplings. A side order of mash and greens completes the meal.

Haloumi cheese is a semi-soft cheese from Cyprus that is simply perfect for grilling. The kids will love these vegetable and haloumi skewers, and the grownups can enjoy them with the zingy harissa and lemon mayo.

If you're looking for something quick, easy and satisfying next time you're feeding a crowd, then this chicken nachos recipe is just the ticket. This beloved and popular Tex-Mex dish is a guaranteed winner.

If you want to serve up a healthy lunch with lots of protein and vegetables, these little vegetable and feta frittata are the way to go. They're also great as after-school snacks, and make a fab packed lunch.

This deliciously green soup is full of complex flavours, the sweetness of green peas, peppery rocket and the iron-green of spinach, all topped off with mustardy grilled brie croûtes.

With a thin base and thin slices of zucchini, this is a crunchy pizza that combines simple yet stunning flavours for an easy and delicious meal.

If you can’t find sausage mince, buy the same weight in sausages and squeeze the mince from the sausage skins. Note

Channeling the flavours of everyone's favourite childhood biscuit, this dark chocolate and peppermint cheesecake is wonderfully sweet, creamy and decadent, with just the right amount of minty zing.

You could serve this tart as a cheese course in a menu, or make a lunch or brunch out of it by serving it with a bitter leaf salad.

Try these cheesy baked bean toasted sandwiches for a delicious, quick lunch or snack. If you don't like smoked cheese, just use ordinary cheddar, or whichever hard cheese you prefer.

These exquisite quiches are great for picnics, platters or simply as a snack.

The contrast between sweet rhubarb and creamy vanilla cheesecake filling is divine in these impressive desserts.

Prosciutto, pumpkin and sage are a heavenly trio in this delicious, comforting dish.

Wrapped in crisp prosciutto, this creamy vegetable terrine would make a delicious side dish or lunch served with salad.

For this easy platter, use your favourite cheddar; we like a sharp-tasting aged cheese.

Puff pastry squares make a light, tasty and adorable case for these delicious and fresh tomato, leek and feta tartlets.

Incredibly quick and easy to make, these pumpkin and feta pizzas are a great option for a fast mid-week dinner.

The ultimate comfort food, this cauliflower cheese has a crunchy cheese and herb topping.

This tasty pizza is ready within minutes and perfect for the whole family.

Perfect as part of a spread of shared starters or just as a snack, this garlic toast with feta and olive dip is also quick and easy to make.

Be careful when taking the pumpkin out of the microwave as the bowl will be very hot. Note

A dish that looks wonderful doesn't need to be difficult, as is shown by this mushroom tart recipe.

Pappardelle with silver beet, goat's cheese, chilli and lemon

This dish was on the first menu at our restaurant Hugo's, at Bondi, and it actually stayed on the menu for years, as it turned out to be one of our best-sellers. It's a recipe that goes to prove that good food does not have to cost an arm or a leg.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Quesadillas can be cooked in a heated sandwich press, just make sure you gently wrap the quesadilla in baking paper before pressing, to stop the filling from burning the press.

These potato and goat cheese puffs will make a moreish and tasty addition to your next dinner party hors-d'oeuvre selection. To save on time, make them in advance and cook just before serving.

You need to soak eight bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour before use to prevent them from splintering or burning during cooking. Note