Warm caster sugar by placing in baking tray in warm oven (160°C) for 2 minutes. Jamsetta is available from the baking aisle of any supermarket. To test if jam is set: Place a teaspoon of jam on a chilled saucer; cool. Push jam with a finger; if it wrinkles, it’s ready to bottle. Note

If you prefer, remove crusts from the bread. You could also use other high-fibre types of bread. Sultanas or chopped dates can be used instead of raisins. Note

If desired, you can substitute thinly sliced pineapple for the bananas and use coconut rum liqueur in place of the irish cream. Fresh or canned sliced pears can also be used. This pudding is also delicious using fruit loaf. Note

Always cover yeast mixtures with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap, and place in a warm, but not hot, place. Note

You can use any sausage of choice, or even frankfurts. Add extra butter or lima beans, if liked. Note

This easy butterfly cake recipe is perfect for making with the kids. This recipe is simple - just slice the tops off each cake, fill with buttercream and dust with icing sugar.

Use any type of nut you like just remember to use unsalted. It is a good idea to bake these on a tray in case you get some drips Note

These dense, sweet scones are beautiful drizzled with a sweet icing glaze. Enjoy one with a cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon tea or mid-morning snack.

Un-iced cake suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Just because you don't eat gluten doesn't mean you have to miss out on Christmas treats - try this delicious glace fruit cake.

Use a hot, sharp knife to cut slice into squares. Note

Have the butter at room temperature for easier creaming. The rice flour adds to the “shortness” or crumbliness of the biscuits. If you don’t have any, use cornflour. Note

If preferred, you can use buttermilk or natural yoghurt in place of sour cream. Store in an airtight container. This cake also freezes well. Makes 12 Note

Biscuits will be soft when removed from oven, but will harden on cooling. Note

makes 24 If the weather is hot, wrap dough in plastic wrap and chilli until easy to handle Note

Forget the takeaway shop and try this tasty old school fish and chips recipe with golden beer battered fish, chips, traditional tartare sauce and served with lemon wedges.

Brought to you by Woman�s Day, this moist fruit and nut loaf drizzled with sweet caramel icing and packed with pecans makes the perfect afternoon treat for any special occasion.

Use any glace fruit of choice, about 1/2 cup chopped fruit and 2 tablespoons blanched almonds. Note

Canned lentils can be used – simply drain, rinse and add to the soup with the meat. This soup thickens on cooling, so add a little water. Note

Don’t add sugar to egg-whites until foam tips bend slightly (soft peaks) when beaters are removed. Note

Bake blind by lining cases with baking paper. Fill with uncooked rice or dried beans. Bake as directed. Note

Wash the chicken before baking by rinsing under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towel inside and out. Note

makes about 3 cups Test by spooning 1 teaspoon of marmalade onto a cold plate. Push with your fingertip and, if it wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling until setting point is reached. Alternatively, if setting is taking too long, it may be that the fruit is slightly over- or under-ripe, affecting the amount […]

A hearty soup that�s perfect for using up festive ham leftovers or as a comforting and warming soup for those cooler winter nights. It�s pea and ham soup at its best.

Use any jam of choice for this dish. If liked, replace evaporated milk with half milk and half cream. Note

This is best made a day in advance of serving. If you don’t want to use alcohol, replace the liqueur with fruit juice. Note

Remember to discard any rhubarb leaves. Apple, pear or pineapple would also be delicious in this cake. Note

Do not make batter until you are ready to cook the puddings. Put them into a hot oven. Puddings will deflate to make a perfect case for the salsa. Note

These biscuits will still be soft when they’re cooked, but will harden on cooling. Note

Soak kidneys in water for five minutes to reduce the odour. Note

Handle scone dough very lightly – it’s the secret to success. Note

This cake freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Toast almonds by tossing in a dry frying pan over a medium heat until golden. Remove from pan immediately to prevent burning. Note

Take yourself back to those weekends with your grandmother with this light, fluffy sponge cake complete with delectable strawberries in cream.

Any dry red wine can be used in this recipe, if preferred. This recipe is suitable to freeze but not suitable to microwave. Note

Slow-cooking the filling of this chunky pork and fennel pie brings out the natural sweetness of tender pork, and softens the aniseed flavour of the fennel.

When boiling eggs, cook for only 3-4 minutes, so they are still a little soft in the middle. Note

Boiled sultana cake

Incredibly versatile and tasty bubble and squeak is perfect for a relaxing meal after a hectic day. It is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or mashed potato.

If preferred, you could use small pieces of firm, boneless white fish in place of calamari. Note

Insert a skewer into centre of pudding – if it comes out clean the pudding is cooked. Note

These recipes are a good way to finish up all those little bits of left-over jam in your fridge. Try mixing the jams together. Note

Nothing announces the Christmas season quite like a classic and decadent Christmas cake. With dried and glace fruit, this moist fruitcake not only looks good but tastes amazing!

A pinch salt can be added to the flour when sifting. This is optional, but it enhances the flavour. Scones can be made in a food processor using the “pulse” action. Note

Use up leftover loaves to create this delicious and comforting pudding, with added prunes and chocolate.

Use slightly under ripe fruit as it contains higher levels of pectin – this provides better results for setting. If your fruit is overripe. you may need to add extra dried pectin, such as jamsetta. Sterilise jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Handling with tongs, place upside down on a baking tray. Heat in […]

In place of fish, try using prawns or a combination of seafood like a marmara mix. Note

You may need more sugar, depending on the tartness of the rhubarb. Use another mix of fruits such as apples, rhubarb and frozen berries. Note

You can also use smaller cup mushrooms in this recipe to make finger food. Note

Cooking time for lamb is 50-60 minutes per kg. Note

“Frenched” is when the shanks are trimmed of all excess fat and sinew. Both ends are often trimmed as well for presentation. It is not a necessary step. Note

Make sure the bowl fits the saucepan snugly. The water must not touch the base as this could cause the mixture to curdle. To make passionfruit and lemon curd, add 2 teaspoons fresh passionfruit pulp with the lemon zest in step 2. For orange curd, replace lemon with orange. Note

To cook jacket potatoes in the microwave, wash thoroughly and pierce potato skins all over with a fork (this allows steam to escape). Rub with oil and salt, place around the outer edge of turntable. Cook in microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes or until tender. Stand 10 minutes. Note

With Easter fast approaching, try a new take on hot cross buns in the form of chocolatey scones.

Sliced fresh chilli could be added to this. Add more stock or water if soup is too thick. Note

Enjoy the full English experience with these tasty treats.

Traditional pea and ham soup at its best. This recipe uses yellow split peas and gets its flavour from a whole ham bone. Top with croutons for a comforting and warming soup for those colder nights.

Add a simple pate and crackers if desired. Use fresh ricotta in place of cream cheese. Note

We used frozen mixed vegetables containing peas, corn, beans and carrot. Note

Whip cream with 1 tablespoon icing sugar and 1 teaspoon brandy. Note

Cut off as many slices of dough as you need – freeze the remainder for later. This way you can always have fresh biscuits! Note

You could save time by replacing the rhubarb puree with fresh passionfruit pulp or mashed raspberries. Note

This British cake is pleasantly fruity.

Chase away those winter blues with this scrumptious chocolate pudding.

Pretty as a picture, and great to enjoy with friends with a cup of Earl Grey tea.