Coconut

Perfect to pop in your Christmas advent calendar or just make as small treats for throughout the week, these apricot and coconut chocolates are absolutely divine.

These sweet little desserts hit the spot for an afternoon treat. Serve with vanilla ice cream and some zest on top give these banana nut fritters another layer of flavour.

This beautiful lemon cheesecake slice is absolutely divine and wonderful for a weekend treat. Golden, crumbly pastry is beautiful topped with a creamy, zesty filling and dusted with shredded coconut.

This beautiful celebration cake is surprisingly easy to make. Top with lemon icing and fresh flowers, it is guaranteed to be a winner.

Sweet, creamy and zesty, this beautiful lime and coconut tart is surrounded by a golden, crumbly pastry that creates a brilliant dessert, making the most of tropical flavours.

Winter warming rice pudding is an all-time favourite comfort food for the soul.

Treasure these recipes – they’ll make any children’s party go off with a bang.

A layered cake provides a show-stopping centrepiece. Make this easy lemon-scented butter cake in advance and freeze or chill for your special occasion...

Easy to freeze and defrost when you please!

Star anise is a star-shaped spice with an aniseed flavour. Along with the other spices in this recipe, it’s available in the spice section at supermarkets. Note

Prepare healthy lunches for school or work with this simple recipe by Sophie Gray

The adage that ‘cool fingers make light pastry’ is true, even when using the ready-made variety. Fill with sweet and tangy coconut and lime filling and this delectable afternoon snack is served.

Serve this slice with coffee after your main, or save for morning tea.

This recipe by Australian Table for boldly spiced beef rendang simmered in a rich lemongrass and coconut sauce is definitely worth the effort and makes an amazing midweek meal.

Mix batter until lump- free. If possible, allow to stand for 10-15 minutes. Note

This dish would also be delicious with chicken or pork. Instead of peanuts, garnish with fresh herbs like coriander, if you prefer. Note

When time is limited, make your baking work for you. These recipes will take you from afternoon tea to dessert!

As if this isn’t sweet and indulgent enough! For a decadent dessert platter, stack slices in a pyramid and drizzle over melted chocolate. It really says “eat me!” I love the addition of oats to the base; they give substance and you can pretend it’s good for you! Note

Lime Dressing may be prepared in advance and chilled until required. Note

To make large Muffins that overflow and look like large mushrooms, reduce number of Muffins to 6. Place about 1/3 cup measures of mixture in prepared dish and microwave on medium-high (840 watts/70%) for 6 minutes, until just cooked through. Silicon Muffins pans (pictured left) are available from large department stores and speciality homeware stores. […]

Thai prawn and pumpkin soup

Light, flavoursome and packed full of goodness, this grilled coconut chicken is beautiful as a light lunch or dinner for those looking for a healthy protein packed meal.

Look for jars of crispy fried shallots in the Asian section of supermarkets or at speciality Asian stores. If the bamboo steamer isn’t large enough for all the parcels, they may need to be steamed in two tiers or batches. Note

To prepare coconut, pierce eyes with a screwdriver and drain juice. Tap sheil with a hammer to open. Shred or flake flesh with a vegetable peeler. Note

When a cake needs the juice and rind of a lemon, you can replace it with a teaspoon of Queen Natural Lemon Essence. Note

Makes about 20 squares Note

These truffles won't last long even if they are the healthiest treats on the table. Gluten-free and dairy-free too, watch them disappear.

These festive goodies are so delicious and healthy there's no need to hold back. And they're gluten-free and dairy-free too!

Snowy chocolate mountain

Combining two glorious desserts of apple crumble and custard, this cake is a sweet treat that is sure to become a family favourite.

With a thick layer of caramel and a chocolatey base, this decadent slice makes any afternoon tea special.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. You could use double cream instead of mascarpone. Note

You will need two large (460g) overripe bananas for this recipe. Rectangular foil storage containers (8cm x 16cm, base measurement 2-cup capacity) are recommended to bake these cakes. Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Lime and golden syrup tart

You could use chicken or any firm-fleshed fish in this curry. Note

You’ll be the star of the school fair with these candied creations by Sophie Gray

You’ll be the star of the school fair with these candied creations by Sophie Gray

Good to make it ahead. Kid friendly Note

Instead of savoiardi, you can use any type of biscuit you. like, including gingernut, shortbread or plain digestives. Note

Low fat, low saturated fat, kid friendly Note

Requires ice-cream moulds and sticks. Note

Want a hunger-busting snack that’s healthy, will travel, and tastes delicious to kids and adults alike? These chia, coconut and apricot bars are loved by all and are a great on-the-go energy boost.

A barbecued duck is easy to source if you live near a Chinatown, but it you have trouble finding one, you could use barbecued chicken in this recipe. Note

Berries give this breakfast an antioxidant punch. Honey has antibacterial properties, while the yoghurt’s active cultures help maintain your gut’s balance of good bacteria. Note

Packed with spices, including golden turmeric, this coconut poached barramundi is delicious served over a bed of rice with plenty of lime and coriander

Use a combination of pork and chicken mince if you like. You can serve stir-fry with fresh noodles or rice. Note

A quick, easy and gorgeous berry crumble.

Dried apricots and cranberries are a fun addition to the classic Anzac biscuit recipe, and these sweet treats couldn't be easier to make!

Megan May uses sprouted seeds to transform the South Asian thali into a delicious, nutrient-rich raw feast.

Shave palm sugar with a knife vegetable peeler or grater. Note

Use any combination of vegetables. Find chicken meatballs in the fresh poultry section in supermarkets. Note

No ring pan? Use a 22cm round. Try other canned fruit, such as peaches or pears. Serve cake with custard or ice-cream. Note

For an adult noodle mix, omit honey and cinnamon. Add a touch of curry powder and nuts such as raw unsalted almonds or cashews. Fried rice noodles are also available and are gluten free. Note

Delicious hot or cold, this is terrific served with mixed berries or diced fresh mango and passionfruit. If you don’t have coconut milk, use the more traditional single cream.

To make a rocky road slice top the cookie dough with coconut, morshmallows, muesli and chopped chocolate. Use any dried fruit, such as peach or apricot. Note

Replace prawns with black mussels. Scrub well and remove beards. Add to sauce; simmer, covered, until they open. Discard mussels that do not open. Note

To toast coconut, heat a small frying pan over moderate heat. Cook and stir coconut for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Note

The perfect winter cake. Select deep scarlet rhubarb if you can – it tends to be sweeter. If rhubarb unavailable, cake is delicious fitted with canned fruit such as plum or apricot. Note

Tint vanilla portion with a few drops green food colouring. Don’t over-swirl batters in Step 2 or you’ll lose marbling effect. Preheat oven for at Least 10 minutes before baking. Don’t overmix the batter or the cake might “toughen”. Use cake pan size described in the recipe. If pan is too small, mixture can dome […]

Check ingredients on curry paste jar to make sure there is no shrimp paste. Note

Makes 18 Sifting dry ingredients several times ensures a soft, dry and delicate sponge Note

Edible sugar roses can be found in the supermarket cake decorating aisle. Note

Instead of using M&M’s, simply bake, ice with glace icing and sprinkle with 100s & 1000s. Note

Instead of colouring coconut, toast it to create little brown chicks. Note

Strain peaches through a sieve; drain on paper towels. This slice uses gelatine so is not suitable for vegetarians. Note

To line base of cake pan, roughly estimate size of required baking paper round then cut a circle to place on top of ring. Cake batter will flatten paper into fluted shape of pan. Note

Use fresh ginger if you can’t find galangal. To bruise lemongrass, place on a flat work surface and press gently with the flat side of a large knife blade; bruising releases the flavour. Note

For a simple icing, spread cake with vanilla frosting and drizzle with cherry conserve. Note

Coriander herb blend in tubes is in the fresh produce section; use in stir-fries, sauces, pasta and casseroles. Note

Make ahead You can make ice-cream up to 3 days ahead; keep, covered, in the freezer. For easy scooping, remove ice-cream from freezer 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve. Note