Dinner party

Uncooked marinated octopus suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. You could also use baby octopus. Rigani is Greek oregano, available at some delicatessens or spice stores. If it’s unavailable, substitute dried oregano. Note

This Chinese classic is fresh and delicious. And it's easier to make than you think.

Not suitable to freeze . Cherry Compote suitable to microwave. Note

Set aside for 4 hours or overnight for the syrup to be absorbed. Serve with any remaining syrup drizzled over. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

A sugar (candy) thermometer, from kitchenware stores, is essential for this recipe. Nougat can be made a week ahead. Store nougat in an airtight container between layers of baking paper in a cool, dry place. If the weather is humid, make close to serving. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Croutes are best assembled close to serving. Note

Ice-cream can be made several days ahead. Apricot mixture can be made a day ahead. Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

This recipe can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble just before serving. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Kofta suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

You will need about eight to 10 limes for this recipe. Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Un-iced cakes can be made four days ahead; store covered in an airtight container at room temperature or suitable to freeze. Ice cakes on the day of serving. Chocolate and butter suitable to microwave. Note

Green prawns can be used in place of scallops. If a small piece of wonton wrapper dropped into the oil sizzles immediately, it is ready to use. Note

If the skin of the chicken doesn’t get crispy enough in the cooking time, simply place the chicken under the grill for about 2 minutes. Note

This delicious creamy soup is packed full of earthy mushroom flavour, making the perfect lunch or light dinner in the cooler months.

Nashi – the main variety being nijisseiki – are ready for eating when their skin is a light yellow-green colour. When over-ripe they turn a richer yellow and begin to loss their crisp texture. Note

An alternative to stuffing the tubes for this spinach and ricotta cannelloni is to use fresh lasagne sheets and roll each one around a line of filling.

There's no need to wait for a family gathering or until you get a group of friends together before you can enjoy a roast meal. Sit down together to our roast chicken for two and enjoy!

Must be made at least six hours ahead. Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave Note

Cool, fruity and refreshing, this beautiful pomegranate cosmopolitan is perfect for a night out with your friends or relaxing afternoon drinks on a hot Summer's evening.

This recipe is best made close to serving. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Stuffed with tender fish, prawns and scallops, these Asian inspired ravioli are a must try for all seafood lovers.

Not suitable to freeze. Potatoes and peas suitable to microwave. You will need about 350g whole broad bean pods for this recipe, or use frozen broad beans. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Curd will keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three weeks. Use 3 lemons in place of oranges to make lemon curd. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. You will need about 5 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

A tasty and textural vegetarian pasta everyone can enjoy.

You will need 1 2/3 cups raw rice to make 5 cups of cooked rice for this recipe. Note

You won't miss the bacon, we swear.

Tender melting pork and delicious crackling. This recipe is the ultimate Sunday roast dinner. You're welcome!

To purge vongole. rub any sand from the outside of the shell and soak them in a large bowl of cold salted (not fresh) water for about an hour. Often they’ve already been purged by the fishmonger. They will release some salty sea water while cooking so make sure you taste the sauce before adding […]

For salad, use either white rice or wild rice blend; reduce cooking time according to packet instructions. Use any firm white fish fillet, such as snapper, ling or barramundi. Don’t leave fish to marinate in the lemon mixture; the acid in the lemon will start to cook the fish white standing. Note

A French take on the Italian pizza, a pissaladiere is traditionally made with a thin trust, topped with fragrant olives, caramelised onions and anchovies.

Tomato and wine seem to compliment mussels so well, and this dish is no different. Add some linguini to the mix and you have a deliciously hearty seafood and pasta dish.

Recreate a popular Chinese-restaurant favourite at home with this crispy golden deep-fried ice-cream recipe. Try it topped with chocolate syrup for ultimate indulgence.

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.

These sticky chicken drummettes are super easy and incredibly versatile. They're great for lunchboxes, as finger food, for a protein-packed after-school snack or as a meal with rice and veges.

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

Wrap leftover silverbeet in dampened paper towels; store in vegetable crisper for up to 3 days. Use in pasta dishes, soups and stews. Note

To make vegetarian, use 250g mashed firm tofu instead of chicken, and swap fish sauce for soy sauce. Don’t overfill dumplings, as some fillings expand during cooking. Note

The fresh herb blend contains lemongrass, ginger, coriander and chilli. Buy it in the fresh food aisle. Note

Turn one of the cheaper cuts of beef into a melt-in-the-mouth tender, flavoursome and hearty meal. Serve with steamed rice.

This classic Aussie pub-style dish is given a delicious makeover using fresh, good quality ingredients to produce a rich, creamy sauce.

When you have extra lemons, freeze juice in ice-cube trays for later use. You’ll need about 4 lemons. Note

Beef vindaloo is a classic curry most famous in India's Goa region. Not for the faint hearted, the chilli packs a particularly spicy punch. To balance the dish, serve with a side of riata and an ice cold beer.

Add some spice to your life with this enticing, quick seafood dish that packs on the flavour but not the calories.

If desired, use fresh or frozen corn kernels. “Egg flowers” can be omitted if preferred. Note

The supremely clever culinary folk over at Woman's Day have created the most delicious Eton mess. We're lucky they left enough for us to complete the shoot. It didn't last very long!

Add some extra chopped walnuts or pecans to cake mixture if desired – but remember this will increase the fat content. Light evaporated milk, thickened with cornflour, can be substituted for cream in many dishes, sweet and savoury. Note

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

This quiche can also be made in a 23cm quiche pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Note

The slightly astringent flavour of quince is softened during the slow-poaching, drawing out its richness. The fruit is soft and syrup drenched and delicious served with crisp, sweet filo fingers.

Just for you: a simple recipe for a standing rib roast. For a perfect result, bring the meat to room temperature before roasting, season it well, and rest before serving.

Taste the dressing before serving to ensure it is a perfect balance of hot, sour, sweet and salty. If it is too hot, add extra lime juice and sugar. If desired, you could a little crushed peanut brittle or bean sprouts for extra crunch and sweetness. Note

You’ll need 1 1/2 packets of biscuits for the base. The filling will keep cooking after the oven is turned off, so it should be just set in the centre, with a slight wobble. Note

To prepare pappadums quickly and easily, spray with oil and arrange on the turntable of your microwave oven. Cook on high (100%) power 1 minute, until puffed and crisp. Cool before serving. Note

To prepare hokkien noodles, loosen slightly and place in a large heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Set aside 2-3 minutes, stirring with a fork to separate noodles. Note

Micro herbs can be found at specialist grocery stores, or some supermarkets. If you can’t find micro herbs, simply replace with chopped chives. Note