Adding rock salt to cooking water when blanching green vegetables enhances the bright colour. Refresh cooked green vegies in iced water to retain their texture and colour. Thinner asparagus is available towards the end of the season and requires less cooking time. It can also be shaved with a vegetable peeler and added raw to […]

Make the scoops the same size as the biscuits – about 1/4 cupfuls. Note

Makes 26 Note

Fold through some grated chocolate or chopped Vienna almonds, if desired. Note

You will need a 250g packet of sponge fingers for this recipe. Note

To prevent lumps, ensure the melted chocolate is cooled to room temperature before adding it to the cream mixture. If you have an espresso or coffee pod machine, the instant coffee and hot water can be replaced by a hot shot of espresso. Note

Replace coconut and nuts with sprinkles. Note

Watercress or sprouts can be added to the filling. Note

Micro herbs can be found at specialist grocery stores, or some supermarkets. If you can’t find micro herbs, simply replace with chopped chives. Note

You can use light sour cream in place of creme fraiche. Note

Alternatively, use a cooked Peking duck or barbecued chicken, shredding meat and skin, and discarding bones. Note

Saffron is very expensive, but can easily be replaced with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric for extra colour. Note

The perfect dip for entertaining!

If figs are unavailable or too expensive, use pears instead. Top with a few thin slices of prosciutto if liked. You can flash pizzas under a grill for 1-2 minutes to slightly melt the cheese. Note

Puffed grains usually have a high GI. To counter this and make a breakfast to sustain you through the morning, add nuts and a few seeds. Note

Combining dried and glace fruits, Grand Marnier and vanilla ice-cream; this ice cream recipe is an easy yet delicious alternative to the classic Christmas pudding.

Place serving platter in freezer for half an hour beforehand to prevent base from melting too fast. Note

MAKES 6 Note

MAKES 10 Don’t have a piping bag? No worries. Note

Mango and kiwi ice blocks brought to you by Woman's Day

Dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge. Alternatively, you can purchase prepared Thousand Island dressing, if preferred. Note

It’s easy to melt chocolate. Place it in a small jug and microwave on medium (50 per cent power) in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. When dipping the cones, push each one onto your index finger to make it easier to hold. Note

Brandy snap baskets come in a 120g packet of 6. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store in the pantry for later use. Note

Try adding some sliced mango, a can of mixed beans or a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce. Note

Sterilise jar and lid by rinsing, then drying in o moderately slow oven, 160°C, 10 minutes. Remove and cover with a tea towel until ready to use. Note

For a fast meal or snack, keep a packet of tortillas in your freezer. Note

Store preserved lemons in a cool, dark place for at least three weeks before using. Refrigerate after opening. To use, remove and discard pulp, squeeze juice from rind, rinse rind well, then slice according to recipe. Cinnamon sticks or chillies can be added to jar before sealing. Note

Bake the ciabatta bread in a hot oven, 200°C, 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Note

Reserve some cherry syrup and heat on medium, stirring for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then drizzle over cherries. Note

You can replace the duck with 2 cooked peking duck breasts or a barbecued chicken. Note

Snags are a snip with this great recipe – and you can even make them without a mincer. Note

Delve into Italian desserts with this straightforward recipe. Honey, vanilla and raspberry coulis fuse together to make this sweet treat all the more delectable.

The success of this recipe depends on the freshness of the fruit and quality of yoghurt. For a fabulous creamy, smooth result, strain yoghurt through a fine sieve over a bowl for several hours or overnight. You can use pawpaw instead of mango and champagne melon in place of honey dew. Note

If elderflower cordial is unavailable, substitute lime cordial and omit the lemon juice in the Elderflower Jelly. Note

All yellow/orange fruit and vegies, including carrots, contain beta-carotene. Beta-carotene plays the important role of protecting immunity, acting as an antioxidant and guarding against cancer. It is more readily absorbed by the body when the fruit or vegetable is very lightly cooked. Note

Chilling time overnight Cheesecakes may be either baked or unbaked. This one doesn’t need baking because it is set with gelatine. Note

Marshmallow eyeballs

If baby fennels aren’t available use a large bulb but discard the tough outer leaves. Use a mandolin for thin fennel slices. Note

Using frozen fruit in cocktails eliminates the need to add ice. Note

You can use any sliced deli meat – such as ham, pastrami or turkey. Note

Use 2 small canned mango cheeks instead of fresh. Swap mango for strawberries or other fresh berries. Note

For best results, make this cheesecake on the day you intend to serve it. Sprinkle with the extra honeycomb just before serving. You can also make this in a 20cm (base measurement) round fluted tart pan with removable base. Note

Drain baby beets well, then pat with several layers of paper towel until completely dry to prevent ‘bleeding’ when in wraps. Note

Delicious, nutritious and healthy bircher muesli is great for a breakfast on the go. Soaking oats and seeds overnight makes them easier to digest, and the muesli will be extra creamy.

We used baby tomatoes and Lebanese cucumbers (also known as qukes), or you can chop regular-sized tomatoes and cucumber into small equal pieces. Make salad just before serving, so it stays crunchy. Note

Never dress salads until ready to serve, unless otherwise directed. Make salads in advance, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until required. Store dressing in a separate container. Why not make up a large quantity of your favourite dressing to have on hand? It saves time and money. Note

We used ready toasted pine nuts. To toast your own, toss in a dry frying pan on a medium heat until golden. Remove to a plate straight away to prevent burning. Use slivered almonds, if preferred. Note

To remove segments from the peeled oranges, cut between the membranes over a bowl to catch some of the juice. when you’ve finished, squeeze juice from the remaining orange flesh and you should have enough for the dressing. Note

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically including roasted sesame seeds, thyme and sumac, although its exact combination varies according to its maker. It is delightfully tart and fragrant, and adds a unique flavour and kick to many dishes.

This thick, creamy and utterly delicious watermelon and berry frappe is a great way to start your day, or to reach for as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Naturally sweet and enlivened by a shot of lime.

Ceviche is truly one of the most delicious ways to serve fish. The combination of Thai flavours with the citrus juice used to 'cook' the fish makes this version especially fabulous.

Make the most of alfresco dining with this simple and healthy chilli prawn salad with noodles. It is packed full of the fresh, distinctive flavours of Asia and makes a healthy and delicious light lunch or supper.

This smoked salmon pate is delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare. Enhance your presentation by experimenting with pretty moulds and serve with a selection of crackers or vegetable sticks.

The addition of the liqueur of your choice to this luscious strawberry sorbet takes this icy delight to new levels of decadence. Serve your guests this ruby red and refreshing dessert at your next dinner party

For just a few moments of preparation the evening before, you'll be rewarded with this delicious peach bircher muesli and a great start the following day. We think you'll thank us in the morning.

Combine coffee and dessert in the most decadent way with these delicious coffee hazelnut shots. Frangelico is the perfect liqueur to use in this recipe.

We've given the traditional 70's prawn cocktail a modern twist by using baby rocket leaves rather than iceberg lettuce and accompanying it with­ a light and zesty garlic and lime aïoli.

Labne is a strained yoghurt. Depending on how long you leave it to drain, it can be eaten as a dip, or rolled into balls and enjoyed plain, or sprinkled with herbs and spices. It is utterly delicious. You won't stop at just one.

Add a touch of sophistication to your next gathering with these prawn croutes with lime aioli. They look and taste amazing. Lime aioli can be prepared in advance, and prawns can be shelled several hours ahead.

Give your hot summer nights a grown up and boozy twist with these fun elderflower cranberry infused vodka ice-pops.

These traditional Vietnamese rice paper rolls (gỏi cuốn) are a fresh and healthy option to share with family and friends. Served alongside the classic dipping sauce, they'll be gone in no time.

These bite-sized chocolate apricot truffles are not quite as rich as their original cousin, but they are just as delicious. The fruity centre provides a lovely tart and chewy contrast to the firm sweet chocolate coating.