Leek and potato are natural allies when teamed in a satisfying winter soup. Take care to wash the leeks well under cold water to remove any gri Note

The basil mixture, without the lemon rind and juice, can be made several days ahead; keep tightly covered in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Add the lemon just before serving. Make sure you cook the haloumi just before serving, as it becomes tough and rubbery on cooling. Note

Potato starch is similar to cornflour but stronger, so use a little more cornflour if you cannot find any potato starch Note

This recipe is inspired by the Russian passion for kasha, cooked grains such as buckwheat, millet or oats. Buckwheat kernels or groats are available from health-food stores. Note

We used cryovac-packed ready-to-serve sweet chilli tofu, available from many supermarkets and Asian food stores. Note

Use any rice you like for this recipe, just make sure it’s cooked properly so every grain is separate. You could use about 3½ cups of cold leftover rice if you happen to have it, if not cook, rinse and drain the rice the day before the picnic. Keep the rice in the fridge. Assemble […]

You need 12 skewers; if using bamboo skewers, soak them in water 1 hour before use to prevent splintering or scorching. Note

The same amount of ingredients used to top a 30cm pizza will top four mini pizza bases. Note

Chickpea flour (besan) is available from the health food aisle of supermarkets or health food stores. Note

Line quiche pans one at a time. Keep the remaining pastry sheet covered with a damp clean tea towel, to stop it drying out while lining the first quiche pan. Note

A bright and summery salad packed full of healthy and crunchy raw vegetables.

With a rich, tomato-based vegetarian filling and a bubbly, golden cheese topping , these buttermilk potato pancake rolls are our delicious take on Italian cannelloni.

This recipe would also be delicious using cauliflower instead of broccoli, or a mixture of both. 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

Bacon option; place a halved cooked bacon rasher on top of heated beans and continue layering as above. Note

You could use tahini (sesame seed paste) instead of grinding the toasted sesame seeds. Beans or watercress can be used instead of spinach in this salad, and peanuts or macadamia nuts could be substituted for the sesame seeds. If you like, you can sprinkle the cooked spinach with smoked dried bonito flakes. Note

Any kind of dried beans can be substituted for canned beans, if preferred. Soak beans overnight. Boil until tender; drain. Use patience when spreading polenta into prepared pan; it tends to move and slip but can eventually be worked into corners of pan. Polenta can be made 1 day ahead to the refrigeration stage. 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

Choose an oyster-flavoured sauce without any seafood content such as mushroom oyster sauce. Check the label if you are unsure. Note

Use a lemon zester to make lemon rind strips for decoration; soak them in iced water to make them curl. Note

Use roti bread instead of the naan, if you prefer. Note

Canned whole baby beets can be substituted for fresh beetroot, if preferred. Potatoes, beetroot and peas can be cooked in advance and refrigerated, covered. Combine salad just before serving or beetroot will “bleed” into egg and potato Note

We used a chardonnay-style wine in this recipe. This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

Canned tiny new potatoes are a nifty shortcut in this recipe. Tortilla can be eaten hot or cold and makes great picnic fare. Note

Sandwiches can be prepared several hours ahead. Keep wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until required. Bread is an excellent source of energy-giving carbohydrates. Wholemeal and wholegrain breads are also a rich source of dietary fibre and other nutrients because they contain the natural goodness of the entire grain. Note

Create the flavours and textures of a slow-cooked meal in under an hour by using your pressure cooker. This delicious chickpea and lentil soup can be ready in no time at all, perfect for a cool weeknight dinner.

You may use any type of mushrooms for this recipe, we used a combination of oyster, swiss brown, shiitake and button mushrooms. Note

Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce and is often used for dipping in Japan. It is readily available from Asian food stores and some major supermarkets. Note

Garlic is easy to roast and has a more mellow taste than it does raw or fried. Make it and freeze it by the tablespoon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Roasted garlic beaten with softened butter adds a whole new dimension of flavour to mashed potato or steamed corn cobs. Note

Chermoula spice mix (chermoula spice blend) is a North African spice blend that gives a spicy Moroccan flavour to food. It is a blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, parsley, salt and pepper and is available from specialty spice shops and most major supermarkets. Note