In these enlightened times we feast in all manner of ways on the 25th. But the traditional New Zealand Christmas dinner of a perfectly glazed ham, carrots, spuds and peas followed by a berry-packed and boozily indulgent trifle is still incredibly hard to beat. Sophie Gray aces a classic
Spreads tastes so much sweeter when you've made them yourself with less preservatives and more of the good stuff like quality rhubarb and strawberries.
Put a healthy swing on hot chips with these beautiful home-baked kumara chips. We've used sweet potato in this recipe to lower the starch content, but maximise flavour. Enjoy!
Of all the fruit and nut loaf recipes, this one by Woman's Day has to be in the top 5. Gluten-free, stuffed with your favourite dried fruits and richly sweetened with brown sugar, it's irresistible.
Chunks of tender pork steeped in the the earthy warmth of ginger and coconut milk - you can't go wrong with this moreish meal to beat the winter chills.
The secret to this simple dish is the ratio of water to rice. Follow the instructions carefully and you'll be rewarded with soft, fluffy and flavoursome ginger rice.
Hot, savoury and tasty egg, bacon and parmesan pies make a great lunch or after-school snack. They're also great for popping in lunch boxes the following day.
Imagine you're on holiday at your favourite Asian destination as you whip up our stir-fried seafood with ginger. If you fancy some heat, add a few slices of red chilli and enjoy with an icy-cold beer or white wine.
Savoury mince on toast is an all-time family favourite; kids and adults of all ages love it. Serve on buttered toast or, to extend the meal even further, mix the mince with cooked pasta. Use any vegetables you like.
Green tomatoes aren't a particular variety, they're simply unripe; they can be picked off the vine at any time. They don't taste very nice raw, but as the main ingredient in this relish, they are a taste sensation.
Salted caramel took the world by storm a few years ago, and as a go-to sweet treat, it's not going anywhere anytime soon. These salted peanut caramels are perfectly sticky, chewy, nutty and salty.
Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for this recipe. The meat casseroles beautifully, leaving a sweet and tender family meal favourite. Serve with a generous helping of new potatoes.
Nothing adds flavour quite like tarragon does. This delicious chicken with tarragon and peppercorn dressing recipe will prove just how perfectly this herb can finish off a dish. Chicken and chips never tasted so good.
This delicious tuna dip is versatile enough to be a healthy quick and easy after school snack or part of your next cocktail party repertoire. Serve with tortilla chips or sticks of carrot, cucumber and celery.
The pancetta and pea combination lift an otherwise ordinary dish to new heights. Serve with mashed potato and sweet potato for a crowd pleasing family meal.
The kingfish is deservedly known for its sweet, rich flavour and firm flesh with few bones. It is well suited to a range of cooking methods. Here, it is grilled and served with tamarind flavoured vegetables.
Prawns are packed with protein, a good source of omega 3 fatty acids and a delicious way to increase your intake of iron, zinc and vitamin E. Try these prawns with fennel salad and mustard dressing, alfresco style.
Beautifully light yet perfectly hearty, consider this char-grilled chicken, vegetables and haloumi salad as slightly more exciting mediterranean alternative to your meat and three veg family meal.
If you're looking to splash out and spoil that special someone, what better way than to prepare this delicious lobster with champagne sauce? The sprinkle of chopped dill adds the perfect finish to this luxurious dish.
Rabbit is not easy to come by; if your local farmers' market doesn't have it you can order on-line from a number of game meat specialists in Australia. It is a tough meat, but turns beautifully tender when slow cooked. You'll be glad you tried it.
Fried rice is a traditional dish of pre-cooked rice stir-fried in a wok, often mixed with other ingredients, such as eggs, vegetables, and meat. We think our best ever pork fried rice is as good as any you'll find at a Chinese banquet.
When it comes to this chilli crab dish, the reward is worth the effort of getting to that sweet and tender meat, which is deliciously complimented by the spices and fresh coriander. For best results, serve with plenty of napkins and a crisp white wine.
Caperberries, although from the same plant, are quite different to capers. Don't be tempted to omit them. Scattered over this rustic ham, mustard and parsley terrine, they add a delightful piquancy to this dish.
Apple sauce certainly has its place when it comes to roast pork, but our pork loin with fresh peach chutney will give you a new twist on this old favourite. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten the crackling!
Pork kway teow is a popular dish with distinctive Asian flavours and is very quick and easy to prepare. Add extra chillies to spice things up, or go easy on the heat, depending on your taste.
Ceviche is truly one of the most delicious ways to serve fish. The combination of Thai flavours with the citrus juice used to 'cook' the fish makes this version especially fabulous.
Add a touch of India to your week-day fish meal with this masala flavoured dish. Served with green beans and rice, it can be on the table in under 30 minutes. We've used cod here, but any firm white fish will do.
Nutritionists suggest that we consume at least two servings of fish per week. What better way than these individual fish pies, topped with creamy mash.
Showcase the jewels of the ocean at your next gathering with this magnificent seafood platter. The spicy harissa and fresh salsa verde dipping sauces provide the perfect accompaniment. Serve with chilled white wine.
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.
Cumin gives a lovely hint of spice to this sweet carrot dip. Serve as part of an after-school snack with blanched vegetables such as snow peas, baby corn or red capsicum (bell peppers).
Get a good portion of your five-a-day along with a healthy dose of protein with this vegetarian Mexican extravaganza. Serve soup with warmed or toasted tortillas and if you like, a dollop of sour cream.
Chive wontons in Asian broth is surely the perfect example of Chinese comfort food. One taste of this soup, and you'll understand precisely why 'wonton' translates, quite literally, to 'swallowing a cloud'.
This traditional Indonesian vegetable salad is a great snack to include in kids' lunchboxes. Fried firm tofu can be included in gado gado, making this a perfectly substantial meal for vegetarians, too.
The elegant taste of veal is perfectly offset by this salsa verde accompaniment. The key to cooking this tender meat is not to overdo it. Fry until just done, and you'll be rewarded with the most delicate of flavours.
Give your family a taste of Asia with this heavenly hoisin pork recipe. Served alongside crispy green vegetables it is healthy and delicious. Any leftovers can be used up for school lunchbox sandwiches.
These stir-fried greens with mixed mushrooms are deliciously healthy. The unmistakeable Asian flavours lift an otherwise ordinary dish to a tasty and satisfying light lunch or dinner.
You can whip up these Asian fish patties in no time. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, they are sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. We've used blue-eye, but any firm white fish will do.
Salsa verde compliments meat or fish beautifully, and gives a really punchy flavour to this salad. Smoked trout is a delicious and convenient ingredient and is widely available. Make sure you remove any bones during preparation.
The addition of the liqueur of your choice to this luscious strawberry sorbet takes this icy delight to new levels of decadence. Serve your guests this ruby red and refreshing dessert at your next dinner party
These lamb kebabs are perfect for a lazy summer barbecue. The addition of a fresh mediterranean style tomato, olive and fetta salad completes the dish.
Surprise your brunch guests with baked eggs, delicately flavoured with prosciutto and brie. Serve with steaming hot mugs of coffee or tea, together with lightly toasted sourdough.
For a perfectly cooked scallop, heat the pan to medium-hot. You should hear an audible sizzle when you place them in the pan. Cook just two minutes either side for this fresh, healthy and luxurious salad.
This coconut cherry slice manages to be just a little bit posh while at the same time packing a delicious chocolatey punch. Enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Yellow curry is a lighter, less spicy style of curry that gets its colour from the ground turmeric that forms part of the paste. This Thai-style fish and potato version is creamy and mild.
Carrot cake is always a winner, and the addition of a little mixed spice to this recipe takes it to a new level. This gluten free version is super moist and perfect for the kids' lunch boxes or after school snack.
Chermoula is a fragrant and flavourful marinade made from a combination of spices mixed with lemon juice. It is commonly used in North African cuisine to flavour seafood or meat. We've used trevally for this recipe.
Try these prawns with chilli, coriander and lime butter for a refreshing twist on this Aussie seafood staple. It works beautifully as a starter or even as a main, along with fresh, crusty bread.
These macadamia and ginger fingers make a lovely gluten-free alternative to cakes and biscuits for morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy as part of your 'elevenses' routine, or treat the kids for their afternoon snack.
We know by the end of Christmas day you'll be swearing you could never eat another morsel of turkey. We also know you'll have changed your mind by Boxing Day. Especially if you give our turkey rillettes recipe a try.
These barbecue prawn and chorizo skewers are so easy to prepare and assemble. The the tangy lime flavoured mustard dressing will have your guests coming back for more. Serve with a cold beer or crisp wine.
Snapper is an incredibly versatile fish. It can be barbecued, grilled, steamed or fried with equally delicious results. This pan seared version with buttery capers results in tender flesh and tasty, crispy skin.
Beef carpaccio is a fantastic appetiser to serve when entertaining guests. Buy the best quality beef you can afford for a luxury, melt in the mouth texture and flavour.
Full of creamy coconut flavour and packed with jewels of the sea, this seafood curry is a celebration of all things tropical. Adjust the chilli for more or less kick, and serve with rice to mop up that delicious sauce.
Give your morning pick-me-up orange juice a little extra zing with the addition of ginger. You'll be treating yourself to a hefty dose of vitamin C and manganese. Plus, it tastes great.
Give your family a taste of Southeast Asia with these garlic prawns and buk choy with herbed rice. Buk choy is becoming a common vegetable in many Australian kitchens and not without good reason. It's healthy, delicious and versatile.
Give your next children's party that authentic movie experience by rolling out the red carpet, dimming the lights, popping on a blockbuster, and serving this delightful assortment of colourful candied popcorn.
Sure it's convenient to buy liquid or cubed beef stock from the supermarket, but nothing quite beats the natural goodness and flavour of the home made version. Freeze in convenient batches to use in sauces and gravies.
You'll know when this lemon and passionfruit marmalade is ready, because when you put a teaspoonful on a very cold plate (put it in the freezer for a few minutes) it will set, or 'jell'. Further boiling will make it thicker.
This easy lamb curry takes a little time to cook so that those lovely flavours develop sufficiently, but apart from the initial preparation it's pretty much hands off. And not a jar of curry paste in sight.
This herbed beef fillet is exceedingly good. We've cooked it to a rare finish in this recipe. Whichever way you decide cook it, remember to rest it for at least 10 minutes to get the most out of this delicious cut of meat.
Celebrate summer's seasonal vegetables with this colourful and healthy vegetable terrine. Make sure you remove it from the fridge well before serving, as it is most delicious when enjoyed at room temperature.
Rice vermicelli, also known as "bee hoon", is a very thin, versatile noodle used throughout South-East Asia in many dishes. Children tend to love their texture; these noodle and vegetable rolls will be a lunch-box hit.
This moist sage-roasted pork loin is a deliciously simple mid-week family meal. Serve it sliced thickly with roasted vegetables and keep the leftovers for the kids' lunchbox sandwiches.
The spices we've used here are used extensively in Moroccan cooking and bring a particular depth of flavour and vibrancy to meat dishes. Cooked in this way, the lamb will be perfectly moist and tender.
Ceviche is a centuries-old Latin American dish using citrus juice to 'cook' seafood. We used kingfish fillets in our recipe, but you can use whatever you prefer. ÂJust be certain to buy the freshest sashimi grade fish you can find.
Stuff these bananas with chocolate and bake them in the oven or the bbq until they have turned into melted chocolatey banana goodness. They come in their own packaging and even count as one of your five-a-day!
Our pickled vegetables make a lovely and colourful gift for friends or family. We've used a variety of vegetables here, but you can experiment with your own combinations.
A jar filled with this mango and strawberry jam will make a delightful gift for family and friends. It also tastes delicious, so don't forget to keep a jar or two for yourself
Duck is not the first meat that comes to mind when you think of a Thai salad, but its gamey flavour and rich texture are actually perfect, contrasting beautifully with the rest of the crisp, spicy salad.
The tamarind and honey work together in this dish to create a lovely sweet and sour flavour combination that compliments the delicate flavour of the prawns beautifully. Your dinner party guests will love it.
One of the true classics from cocktail history, a Tom Collins is a gin based cocktail spiked with lemon, sweetened with sugar and finished off with a maraschino cherry.
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.
These delicately flavoured pear crisps make a great snack on their own, but are also excellent served on top of yoghurt and muesli, or used to decorate a pear cake or pudding.