Cheese

Bbq chicken, spinach and pasta frittata

Use salami instead of ham. Mushrooms are high in antioxidants. Note

Instead of bacon, use chipolata sausages or chopped chorizo. Buy an unsliced loaf of white bread then cut into 2.5crn slices. You can use sliced sandwich bread, but it will flatten significantly when toasted in the press. No press? Cook toasties in a lightly oiled frying pan. Note

Make a double batch. Freeze bread for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge. You can bake the corn bread in a 21x11cm loaf pan; cooking time will vary. Note

Use frozen (thawed) shortcrust pastry instead of bread. Note

Classic and cheesy chicken parmigiana doesn�t have to take hours in the kitchen. This chicken parmigiana with a rich tomato sauce and crisp salad creates a quick and tasty family meal.

Make pancakes and mince mixture up to 2 days ahead. Both can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. To save time, use bought pancakes. Note

So-called Florentine thanks to the addition of spinach, these meatballs are baked with a topping of ricotta, tomato sauce and mozerella making them ultra-delicious.

No flameproof pan? Cover handle with foil to prevent it burning under the grill. Note

Bread absorbs liquid on standing. Note

Use 2 x 250g pockets frozen spinach instead of silverbeet. Note

You could use this filling to stuff beef or pork steaks. For a spicy touch, sprinkle some dried chilli flakes over filling before folding steak in half. Note

You can prepare this several hours ahead. Store baskets in an airtight container and meatballs in the fridge; warm before serving. To save time, you can use bought meatballs. Note

If preferred, you can use a 250g packet thawed frozen spinach. Note

You can replace coriander with parsley. Cover filo pastry with a damp tea-towel when not using. 250g ricotta is about 1 1/4 cups. Note

You can use cherry tomatoes instead of mini roma. Use fresh baby corn when in season. Note

Use canned chopped tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes; you may need to drain the can juices a little. Note

Try this mince mixture spooned over baked jacket potatoes or in toasted sandwiches. Note

You can add 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest instead of capers. Note

Look for pizza bases topped with tomato sauce. Note

Make ahead: Prepare a double quantity uncooked patties for another dinner. DIY idea: Try Turkish pide rolls instead. Note

Protect handle with foil while grilling. Note

If fresh mint is unavailable, you could substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves. Note

These double cheese-topped rissoles are served with a delicious beetroot salad, brought to you by recipes+

To make italian-style subs, replace bean mix with rinsed canned cannellini beans and replace coriander with flat-leaf parsley or pesto. Change tasty cheese to mozzarella. Note

Instead of cherry tomatoes, use 2 medium ripe tomatoes chopped. You can substitute large shell or spiral pasta. Note

Budget tip: Use celery instead of leeks. Floury potatoes will give the best results. Note

Inspired by the following ingredients I gathered from Matakana Farmers’ Market one Saturday, this deliciously fresh salad made a lovely lunch with friends. And a simple crusty ciabatta loaf was the perfect accompaniment.

Bought patties are available in most supermarkets; use any flavour you prefer. Purchase firm ricotta from the deli counter. Note

The combination of salty ham, oozy cheese, hearty eggplant and crumbed chicken is absolutely delicious. Enjoy it hot out of the oven with a fresh rocket salad for a tasty family dinner.

For a great way to use up leftover ham that is simply delicious, follow this recipe to create Croque monsieur - the gourmet French version of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

If necessary, thinly siice base of each cooked potato to sit flat. Soy cheese is sold in health food shops and some supermarkets. Make sure it’s dairy free. Note

Use beef, pork or veal mince instead of lamb. Try a sachet of white sauce instead of cheese sauce. Note

Buy large blocks of cheese; grate then freeze in resealable storage bags. Note

You can buy diced bacon in the deli or in packets in the deli meats section. Note

Try wholegrain mustard instead. Make smaller croissants as party food. Note

The Italian name for this tasty treat is Mozzarella in Carrozza. Instead of fresh basil leaves, try spreading bread with bought basil pesto. Note

Overlap rice paper to create an even layer; it will soften during baking. Note

With a golden cheese topping, crispy filo pastry and tender eggplant mingling with cinnamon spiced lamb, this delicious and hearty moussaka is a joy to behold when baked to perfection.

Cool cheesecake in oven to prevent cracking. Note

Silverbeet is not spinach; it is a chard and related to beetroot. Note

This recipe replaces 1/2 cup of flour with polenta. You will need about 1 large zucchini. Note

Haloumi only needs a quick sear – be careful not to overcook it. Note

Instead of brie, crumble 200g ricotta over mixture. Replace capsicum dip with rocket or basil pesto. You need 600g peeled pumpkin. Note

You can use chicken tenderloins or fillets – pound with a meat mallet before crumbirrg. Note

Replace filo pastry with puff pastry, if desired. Replace kalamata olives with stuffed green olives, if desired. Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen; cooking time will vary. Note

Big flavour comes in small sizes

Packed full of goodness and delicious flavours, this sausage and cheese omelette is a hearty breakfast that is sure to set your day off to a good start.

Make your own meatballs; you’ll need 600g mince. Use chopped green onion or parsley instead of coriander. Note

These tasty stuffed eggs have a delicious cheese, mustard, onion and parsley filling. These stuffed eggs are perfect for cocktail food or served as a main with potato salad

Pinwheels are a great idea for kids school lunchboxes. Note

Prepare treasure bags ahead. Cover with plastic food wrap; chill until required. Cook just before serving. Note

Replace bacon with chopped paricetta or smoked ham. For a vegetarian main meal, omit bacon; add 2/3 cap chopped toasted hazelnuts. Tortiglioni is large tube-style pasta; you can use perme or rigatoni if you like. Serve topped with flaked parmesari. Note

Blend soup with an electric stick mixer. Note

Make ahead: Make risoni filling the day before; prepare and fill pumpkin just before serving. Risoni is rice-shaped pasta. Use any small pasta shape; cooking time may vary. Note

If yeast mixture doesn’t bubble after standing, discard, then start again. Note

We've added an extra layer of deliciousness to the humble Italian lasagne with this hearty pie. Finished with a cheesy topping, it's packed full of flavour to create the ultimate family comfort food.

You can use any marinated vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchinis and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve on garlic bread or bruschetta. Note

For richer flavour, marinate chicken overnight. Note

Chorizo and haloumi can be salty, so taste dish before adding salt to season. Note

Replace oregano with 2 tablespoons caster sugar then use dough for sweet pies. Note

You could use sun-dried tomato tapenade in place of the pesto, if preferred. Note

Use regular tomatoes to save money. Serve salad with vegetarian sausages or burgers. Bocconcini is a fresh Italian cheese available from the deli and refrigeration aisle. Note

Use fresh berries when in season. Demerara sugar is in the sugar aisle. You can use raw or brown sugar instead. Before kneading/rolling out Dust a clean, dry surface lightly with flour. Have extra flour handy in case dough is too wet to handle. How do you knead? Stretch the dough with one hand as […]

To make your own buttermilk: add 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk. Stand for 5 minutes. Note

Add your favourite antipasto vegetables. Note

Black beans, similar to kidney beans, are sold canned in specialty food shops, same delis and large fruit and vegetable markets. If unavailable, use red kidney beans. Note

Risoni is rice-shaped pasta; for a slightly cheaper option, use macaroni. For best results, make just before serving. Note

You can easily double mixture to serve 4. Note

To save time, you can microwave kumara and broccoli. Microwave kumara on high for 2 minutes. Add broccoli; microwave further 1-2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Note

For a bit of spice, you can use 2 chorizo sausages. Pizza Dough: Makes enough for 4 individual pizzas If mixture fails to bubble after 5 minutes, restart using afresh packet. Note

Make ahead You can make souffles to the end of Step 2, up to 2 hours ahead; cover, then keep at room temperature. Don’t everheat egg whites or they will be difficult to fofd into cheese mixture. Rice crumbs are in the health food aisle and at health food stores. Note

Once opened, store oyster sauce in the fridge. For a nutty flavour, sprinkle filling with toasted sesame seeds. if cooking quesadillas in a frying pan, gently press down with on egg lifter during cooking. Note

Pecorino is a mild hard cheese. You can use parmesan instead. Note

Turn The Tables - Make magic out of your pantry staples and transform the classics. Embrace what’s in your cupboards – that tin of beans or soup can be added to a classic recipe and, with a few twists, you can create amazing new menus.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

These individual pizzas are a delightful way of enjoying vegetables.

Alternatively, you could use this filling for 6 small pies. Line standard muffin fray holes with 4 layers of 8cm filo squares; top with bacon, then egg filling; bake for 15 minutes. Try 1/3 cup grated gruyere instead of parmesan. Note

This delicious bolognese pasta bake is a fun take on the classic Italian lasagne. Serve your family up a big slice of this tasty dish for a warming Winter dinner.

Use leftover dip on sandwiches, jacket potatoes or pizzas. You can use pink salmon instead; add some fresh dill. Note

These quick and tasty bolognese melts are full of flavour. Topped with oozy melted cheese, they are great as a quick lunch or after school treat for the kids.

Make Satay Chicken; use 400g chicken mince and add 1/4 cup bought satay sauce. Omit parmesan and use sesame seeds to sprinkle. Note