Cream

Freezing time overnight. Substitute low-fat cream or milk for the cream if you’re watching your fat intake. Note

Reheat blinis on a baking tray lined with baking paper in a hot oven for 5 minutes. They will become crisp while remaining beautifully moist inside. Note

To make even lighter sponges, swap the 1 cup of self-raising flour for 3/4 cup (110g) cornflour, 1 tablespoon plain flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, then swap the 1/4 cup boiling water for 2 teaspoons golden syrup and 1 tablespoon boiling water. Note

You can use any type of plain biscuits you prefer, such as Nice. Note

A sexy dessert that can be prepared in advance: make the mousse the day before and keep refrigerated, then whip up the zabaglione crema just before serving.

If you like sweet treats but are keeping an eye on your weight, don’t fill the biscuits simply dust them lightly with icing sugar. If served individually, this will yield 16 biscuits. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Note

Who doesn't love a chocolate and raspberry cake? And this one will wow your friends and family!

Sponge suitable to freeze before filling. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Double-decker chocolate mud cake, chocolate recipe, brought to you by Australian Women's Weekly

Not suitable to freeze. Gelatine suitable to microwave. Note

Cake suitable to freeze before decorating. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. If you are short of time, omit the mustard seeds, extra onion and butter, then stir the spinach through the butter chicken at the end of the cooking time. Note

Chocolate and butter suitable to microwave. Suitable to freeze. Note

This recipe can be made up to two weeks ahead. Note

Pavlovas can be made a day ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill pavlovas close to serving. Note

Sauce suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

This is a winner in our house, as it combines two of the boys’ favourites – pies and nachos! It serves six with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa and extra corn chips.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Whip up these decadent chocolate desserts in just 20 minutes! Prepare ahead for a dinner party so they have plenty of time to chill.

To poach an egg, bring a shallow saucepan of water to the boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar. Stir to create a whirlpool. Break egg onto a plate and slide into water. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Note

The sponge is best made on the day of serving. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. You will need about 5 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Drizzle the tart with little balsamic vinegar or syrup before serving. Note

Chocolate hokey pokey bars are crumbled through delicious creamy cheesecake and then baked. Top with whipped cream

Make this pudding in one large mould. Replace the grand marnier with brandy, if desired. Note

Use any liqueur of your choice. You can replace the nuts with dried fruit such as dates or raisins. Note

You’ll find crepes in the freezer section of the supermarket. Note

In this Indian-restaurant classic I’ve kept the spinach a bit chunky by cooking it lightly, so that it retains colour and bounce. Sprinkling the paneer with salt and garam masala is a great trick and adds an irresistible flavour.

A sneaky rum kick makes this special chocolatey hot drink that little bit more decadent. Perfect to snuggle up with on a cold night.

Bacon, salami or prosciutto can be used in place of ham. To reduce fat content, use light cream and omit butter. Note

Make ahead: This recipe can be started 3 days before serving. This recipe can be frozen. Note

Make it ahead for a special occasion. Note

If you don’t have broccoli in the fridge, you can use trimmed asparagus, green beans or baby spinach instead. Note

To make without ice-cream machine: Chop frozen custard and beat with electric mixer until smooth. Fold in whipped cream, nougat and cranberries. Pour into loaf pan and cover. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight, until firm. Note

Kid friendly, easier than it looks You can prepare the jelly layer and make the custard up to 2 days ahead. The choc-dipped cherries can be made up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place. We added cornflour to the custard to stabilise it and prevent it […]

Makes 12 Note

Bring eggs to room temperature for maximum volume when beating. Sift the dry ingredients together for lighter results and better volume. For a lighter sponge, replace the flour in this recipe with 3/4 cup cornflour, 1 tablespoon plain flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Substitute 2 teaspoon golden syrup and 1 tablespoon boiling water for […]

If you prefer, you can use regular cocoa powder in this recipe instead of Dutch cocoa powder. You can replace mascarpone with cream cheese, if you like. Note

Transport the terrine in the loaf pan so it keeps its shape. Slice with a large sharp knife, and offer table knives for spreading. Note

This affogato takes it to the next level, with praline ice cream. Place a large scoop of ice-cream into a bowl and serve with biscotti and a shot of espresso on the side.

Vanilla bean sweet shortcrust pastry is sold at all good delicatessens. Note

If you don’t have a brulee torch, you can heat a large metal spoon over a naked gas flame. Then simply run it over the surface of the brulee to caramelise the sugar. Note

Caramelise the topping at the table to really impress your dinner guests. Note

If fresh peaches aren’t in season, simply use eight halves of the canned variety. Note

Equipment Baking tray; baking paper; medium saucepan; sieve; wooden spoon; medium mixing bowl; piping bag with 1cm and 3mm nozzles; small knife or skewer; small saucepan; large mixing bowl; electric beaters Profiteroles: Incorporating each yolk thoroughly will prevent the mix from separating. The profiteroles will be puffed and golden with a crisp exterior when cooked. […]

This is the perfect soup to get you through those cold winter nights

This cake is best made at least 4 hours, and up to a day, ahead. Note

Use almond meal instead of hazelnut meal. Note

When making collar, fold baking paper so collar is double thickness; this will give the souffle more support when setting. Note

Scoop passionfruit pulp over a bowl to catch all the juice. Note

No piping bag? Roll 2 level teaspoons of mixture into balls; press down lightly with a floured fork. If your oven is not fan forced, swap trays between shelves after 8 minutes or cook one tray at a time. Note

No square cutter? Hand cut using a ruler as a guide. Note

Adjust rosewater quantity according to taste. When rolling balls in chocolate, work in batches so chocolate doesn’t set before you sprinkle it with sugar. Note

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

Strawberry mousse cake

Instead of filling with chocolate cream, fill cakes with a teaspoon of jam, then a dollop of whipped cream, if preferred. Note

If you don’t have a piping bog, drop heaped spoonfuls of pastry onto trays. You don’t have to use strawberries -you can serve profiteroles with any kind of berries. Store unfitted profiteroles airtight in freezer for up to 1 month. White Chocolate Filling: To ensure even setting, stir filling every 5 minutes while chilling. White […]

For best results when moulding chocolate cups, spread melted chocolate on snap lock food storage bags. Plastic food wrap is too thin and difficult to handle. Note

Buy smoked salmon in packets from the chilled food section. Note