Microwave

You can use a barbecued chicken for this recipe; however, you will have to cook the rice in a mixture of water and prepared chicken stock instead of the cooking liquid. Like most Thai sauces and dressings, nam jim is extremely hot. Seed the chillies to lessen the heat, if you prefer. Note

These easy vegetarian pita pockets will be gobbled up by the whole family.

This is our twist on a caesar salad ­ the addition of potato makes this recipe suitable for a quick dinner or an easy option for lunch at work. For a low-fat version, replace the mayonnaise with skim-milk natural yogurt. The breadcrumbs can be toasted in the oven instead of frying them. Note

Broccoli, cut into small florets, can be substituted for broccolini if unavailable. Note

Buy basil pesto, instead of making your own, if liked. Note

Save on cost but not taste with this delectable char-grilled chicken dinner.

On the days when you're pressed for time to come up with the perfect homemade dessert it's perfectly ok to get a little extra help from your local supermarket. Topped with this deliciously tart passionfruit cream, you'd never know the crêpes were store bought.

An easy way to tenderise octopus the night before cooking is to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze. If time is short, bash it with a meat mallet until it is no longer bouncy. Note

Just up your regular mashed potato by adding cheese and spinach for an impressive Christmas side dish

This is a great, fun way to introduce more veggies at mealtimes, and they are delicious as well.

Try this cheat's version of a homely beef casserole, served on fresh fettuccine pasta.

Piquant tomato vinaigrette makes a wonderful dressing for tender steamed asparagus spears. Serve as a starter, or as a side dish for a meat, chicken or fish main.

This recipe is best made close to serving. Note

This Thai seafood soup will certainly warm you up, with plenty of herbs, garlic cloves and red chillies.

This delicious, layered nutty chocolate and coffee ice-cream cake is topped with a layer of tender pistachios and toffee coated almonds. An altogether grown-up take on the classic ice-cream cake.

These tasty little Greek-style cheese and spinach filo triangles are delicious served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Great as finger food or for an after-school snack.

Recipe unsuitable to freeze. Note

You don't need to skip dessert on busy weeknights with this quick and easy self-saucing pudding. And there's no compromising on taste either!

You will need a piece of pumpkin weighing approximately 750g for this recipe; we used butternut, but you can use whatever pumpkin variety you like. Note

The peanut sauce can be made in a food processor or blender instead of a mortar and pestle. You need about a quarter of a small cauliflower for this recipe. Note

Salad can be prepared several hours ahead and kept, covered, in the refrigerator. 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

To fold the cream and egg whites into the chocolate mousse mixture, use a large flat rubber spatula. Note

A healthy and filling Mexican vegetarian dish with a rich and delicious spiced tomato and avocado salsa.

This pudding can be made a week ahead; store, covered, in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Brandy cream sauce can be made a day ahead; store, covered, in the fridge. Note

suitable from 6 months Reheat frozen portions in a microwave oven on MEDIUM (50%) power until just warmed. You could make the combination while cooking the purées; freeze, in 1-tablespoon portions in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Note

If kipfler potatoes are unavailable you can use baby new potatoes. You could also use aïoli, a garlic mayonnaise, instead of plain mayonnaise, and lemon juice instead of warm water to jazz this salad up. Note

For a vegetarian option, add extra beans in place of the chicken. You need to cook ⅓ cup (65g) raw rice to get the amount of cooked rice used here. You could also use the microwave rice now available in most supermarkets. Note

Use a combination of basil and mint leaves if you cannot find any japanese mint (shiso). You will need half a small jap pumpkin for this recipe. Note

Instant mash is a dried mashed potato mix reconstituted with boiling liquid to give a light buttery flavour. It is available from most supermarkets. Note

A super quick and easy pork sausage dish with crispy potatoes and cabbage for those busy midweek dinners.