Chicken

This tasty chicken and parsley salad is full of protein and flavour, making it perfect for a healthy family dinner.

Use a vegetable peeler to peel cucumber lengthwise into long thin ribbons Small chicken drumsticks weigh 80-90g each; allow 2 or 3 to a serve. Large chicken drumsticks weigh 140-150g each; allow 1 or 2 to a serve. Remove skin from drumsticks before cooking, to reduce fat intake. Using a piece of paper towel, grip […]

Risoni is small rice-shaped pasta available from the pasta aisle. Note

Use chicken thigh fillets instead of breast fillets. You can use brown onion instead of leek. Note

Omit basil, if liked. Use peanuts instead of cashews. You can use leftover basil on pizzas, in pasta dishes or in pesto. Note

If necessary, you can double the number of spatchcocks used, without increasing the marinade. Parboil chunks of potatoes, drain and toss in oil and seasonings. Char-grill for 4-5 minutes, turning, until golden and cooked through. Note

Green or red curry paste can be used if you prefer a spicier curry. Note

Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you start. Keep moving the ingredients around the wok as you cook. Note

makes 12 Note

If preferred, sear the chicken on both sides then place on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes to cook through. Note

Always chill coated food before cooking, to ensure the coating stays intact. Note

Chicken stroganoff

You can also use chopped chicken thigh fillets, and add sliced zucchini during last 10 minutes of cooking. Note

Replace gorgonzola with another 1/2 cup grated parmesan. Note

You will need 1 3/4 cups of sliced fennel. Remove any pips from preserved lemon before chopping. If unavailable, you can use lemon juice and grated lemon rind instead. Note

These are so delicious served with yoghurt. Frozen spinach can be used but make sure you remove excess water. Note

Canned creamed can be used for a different flavour and texture. Note

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

If preferred, use 1 small barbecue chicken, skin removed and flesh shredded Leftover risotto can be shaped into rounds and baked, or tossed in flour and pan-fried to make delicious risotto cakes. Note

Serve the fettuccine with a little shaved parmesan if desired. Note

Chicken, spinach and feta parcels

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Always wash leeks well between the layers to remove any grit. If preferred, use a selection of chicken pieces and remove skin. Note

You don’t need to wash the mushrooms. Simply wipe them with a damp paper towel and snip off the tips of the stalks. Note

To reduce fat, arrange chicken on a baking tray and spray with oil. Bake in a moderate oven, 180°C, 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Note

To reduce the fat content, you can bake chicken on a baking paper-lined oven tray in a moderate oven, 180°C, for 10-15 minutes. Note

Impress your friends and family with this fragrant and creamy green chicken curry recipe that really packs a flavour punch and works a treat when served with steamed rice.

Use bread rolls, if preferred. This can also be prepared with crumbed chicken schnitzels, but it would be best to pan fry these in a little olive oil. Note

A complete meal made in one pot that is ready in less than 30 minutes. This fantastic, delicious and creamy honey mustard chicken risoni is sure to be a new family favourite.

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

Toast almonds by tossing in a dry frying pan on high heat until golden. Note

If time permits, marinate chicken overnight. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup. Note

makes 24 USe a wide-bladed vegetable peeler to cut cucumber strips. Cut into pieces, then fold in half to place on patties. Note

Toast almonds in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove from pan immediately. Add a little extra honey to dressing if it is too tart. Note

Serve curry with steamed rice or noodles. This dish is also delicious made with seafood or pork. Note

Raspberry vinegar is available from most supermarkets. If you can’t find it, substitute white or red wine vinegar or malt vinegar. Note

To test whether terrine is cooked, pierce with a skewer. If juices run pink, it is not cooked. Cook further until juices run clear. Drain juices from pan immediately after cooking. Use 2 x 400g cans of tomatoes, fruit or soup to weigh the terrine down. Left-over terrine can be kept, covered, in the fridge […]

For a quick and easy weeknight meal try this fragrant prawn pad Thai. Throw together noodles, eggs, chicken and prawns and you�ve got a family favourite in less than 15 minutes.

Browning the chicken breasts and then finishing them off in the oven helps keep them moist. Note

This can be made with pork or beef strips or green prawns instead of chicken, if preferred. Note

If preferred, after browning chicken in pan, cover and finish cooking over a low heat, until cooked through. Note

Crumbed, uncooked schnitzel can be frozen until required. Make sure the chicken meat has not been frozen before. Note

You could also add cubes of fish or calamari rings. Any unopened mussels should not be discarded as they are still fine to eat (despite previous concerns that suggested otherwise). The tendon connecting the shells simply needs to be slit with a small sharp knife to open the mussel. Note

If the strawberries are a little tart, add a dash of honey or brown sugar to the vinaigrette. Note

If you like, you can add some sliced hard-boiled eggs and halved grape tomatoes to the salad mix. Note

To make couscous, place 1 1/2 cups couscous in a bowl and pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water or chicken stock over it. Cover and stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Note

Incredibly simple and quick yet bursting with delicious flavours, this sweet and spicy chicken is bound to be a new family favourite. Serve with steamed rice and Asian greens.

If preferred use sliced chicken thigh fillets or breast fillets. Note

Store leftover chutney in a sterilised jar and seal when cool. Keep chilled. Drumsticks, wings or breast fillets can be used in place of drumettes. Note

Tender and delicious teriyaki chicken drumettes that are seriously addictive. Serve with a bowl of steaming rice and you�ll have the most scrumptious homemade teriyaki chicken ever.

This would also be delicious using fish. Chicken can be char-grilled or barbecued, basting with marinade. Note

Make sure the beans are well covered with water while they are soaking. Note

For a variation, try this with pork or veal steaks – the cooking time will reduce to 5-10 minutes. Note

This is a simple and easy option for the family dinner. We have taken a traditional favourite – chicken and rice – and given it a little twist!

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. If you’re organised enough, marinate for several hours or overnight. Note

Save time by serving fresh pre-made sushi rolls instead of tempura or teriyaki chicken. Slice rolls into 2cm rounds and serve with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. Note

We made our melba toasts by cutting the crusts from white bread and rolling the bread until very thin. Cut each slice in halves or quarters. Bake in a moderate oven (180°C) for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned. Note

You could saute chopped fresh chicken and add it to the rice. Note

You can add a finely chopped hard boiled egg, if you like. Note

Cajun seasoning is quite spicy, so go easy. Add sliced tomato and lettuce leaves tn the burgers, if liked. A little sweet chilli sauce is a nice addition. Note

Cut chicken, using a sharp cook’s knife, into 10-12 serving pieces (or purchase chicken pieces of choice). Note

Find char-sui sauce in the Asian foods section of the supermarket. Prepare them up to 1 day in advance and keep chilled before cooking. You can also score the wings in a couple of places to help marinade to penetrate. Note

Delicious, quick and aromatic stir-fry with a colourful combination of baby corn, snow peas and green onion with marinated chicken, served on a bed of steamed rice with sliced chili.

If you are unable to find the prepared mini pappadums, purchase the dried, uncooked version, and cook following packet instructions. Alternatively, cook in the microwave on high (100 per cent) power for about 1 minute. Note