Pistachio

The three types of nuts used here are tossed with the spice mixture then toasted, a process that infuses the cake with their combined flavours. The secret to a successful teacake lies in the beating of the sugar, egg and butter ­ the mixture must be very light in colour and full of air.

A delicious and easy recipe for spiced fried fish with lemon pistachio couscous. We used bream here, but you can use any firm white fish fillet, such as perch, blue eye or ling.

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.

Slices of creamy camembert on pumpernickel topped with pear compote make sophisticated canapes for a cocktail party.

Crisp and flaky French pastries, palmiers are so-named because they are folded and shaped to resemble the leafy arc formed by palm tree branches. Honey, pistachio and rosewater add a touch of the Middle East to these quintessentially French pastries.

Mignardises date back to 18th century France, when pastry chefs baked small treats at the end of the day in the low residual heat of their ovens. The name comes from an old French word meaning cute', pretty’ `graceful’. They are served at the end of the meal to extend the pleasure of the evening. […]

Blood oranges are in season for all too short a time in winter. They have red-streaked, salmony-coloured flesh with a sweet, non-acidic pulp and juice with a slight berry taste; even the skin is not as bitter as other citrus. Note

Rosewater pistachio crêpes

If you can’t buy shelled pistachios, soak shelled nuts in boiling water for about 5 minutes, drain, then pat dry with absorbent paper. Rub skins with a cloth to peel. Note

A light and summery spiced sponge cake with a delicious pistachio honey cream.

Persian fairy floss, also called Pashmak is available from delis and specialist food shops. If unavailable, ordinary fairy floss can be used. Note

These caramels are easy to make for a school fête and gorgeous to serve with after-dinner coffee. Note

Silver leaf, available from cake decorating stores, is delicate and fiddly to handle but worth the effort. Note

You need 25 foil petit four cases for this recipe. Note

Old-fashioned cast gem irons are available from specialty cookware shops or second-hand shops. Note

Make sure the rose petals are chemical-free. Organic petals can be found at specialist cake decorating shops and some delicatessens. If fresh organic rose petals are unavailable, sprinkle cake with chopped rosewater-flavoured turkish delight. Rosewater will vary in strength between brands. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. If using rosewater essence, start […]

The cake and persimmons can be made a day ahead. Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature; store persimmons in an airtight container in the fridge. Note

A rich and sweet Turkish pastry held together with dark chocolate, pistachios, walnuts and honey syrup.

Preserved lemon can be bought in delis and some supermarkets. Remove and discard the flesh then wash and dry the rind before chopping. Note

Tender lamb forequarter stuffed full of exquisite Mediterranean flavours.

For a citrus twist, add a little finely grated orange rind and replace the apple juice with orange juice. Replace the raspberries with blueberries and sprinkle with lightly roasted hazelnuts. Note

Dried rose petals are available from specialist food stores. Note

These crispy and crunchy chicken strips are unbeatable with pistachio and chilli crumbs.

Dried lavender is available from gourmet food stores and cake decorating stores. Note