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If you are preparing the cream well in advance, the alcohol flavour wiil become more intense, so use 1/3 cup of frangelico instead of 1/2 cup. Note

Layers of light and fluffy banana cake are sandwiched together with a creamy coconut and cream cheese icing.

The words "apple pie" conjures warmth, aroma, taste, and togetherness. This easy apple pie recipe is filled with Granny Smith apples and is tucked into a golden buttery pie crust.

Try canned sliced apples or frozen mixed berries instead of cherries. You can bake cake in a 23cm square cake pan; bake cake base for 35 minutes. Note

Don’t overheat ganache or it will curdle. Ganache will keep, stored in fridge, for up to 4 days. Note

Replace coconut milk with 2/3 cup milk and 1 teaspoon coconut essence. Note

Create a fruit cake with a richer flavour thanks to this simple recipe. It doesn't matter if you're not usually a fan of Guinness, everyone is bound to enjoy this moist, decadent treat!

Use strawberry or raspberry jam instead of hazelnut spread if you like. Note

You can make this cake a day ahead. Store in airtight container. You can bake this cake as 2 x 19x9cm loaves or 12 x 1/3-cup muffins. To make your own ground almonds, process blanched almonds until fine. Note

To remove cucumber seeds, cut in half lengthwise; using a teaspoon, scrape out seeds. Note

Use regular tomatoes, cut into 2cm pieces. Substitute 400g penne or fusilli for gnocchi if you like. Roast vegetables ahead; reheat and toss with gnocchi just before serving. Note

Add halved cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. You can use any type of canned beans. Try using chicken tenderloins instead of pork. Note

You can freeze cooked pies for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge overnight. Note

Try using drained canned peaches instead of strawberries and, remember, these scrolls taste best the day they’re made. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Marmalade suitable to microwave. Note

Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice; it has a slightly firm texture and nutty taste. You can use chicken or pork sausages instead of lamb. Note

Butchers often sell crumbed schnitzels; if unavailable, crumb the schnitzels yourself. Note

Replace grape tomatoes with regular, chopped tomatoes. Use any small pasta shapes. Store salad and dressing separately; combine just before serving. Note

Use rolled oats instead of muesli. You can use canned diced peaches instead of pie fruit peaches. Note

Creamy chicken and leek pie is simply delicious and is comfort food at its best. Topped with croutons and baked until golden, this scrumptious homemade pie is a thing of beauty.

Budget tip: Use feta or cream cheese instead of goat cheese. Note

Make ahead: You can make pizza dough a day ahead; wrap in plastic wrap, then chill until required. You won’t need to prove the dough. No flameproof pan? Cover handle with foil to prevent it burning under the grill. Note

Serve in small scoops, as the chocolate flavour is rich and intense. Dairy free: Omit waffle baskets. Note

Use a very ripe pineapple because the juicier the pineapple, the more sauce there will be. Note

Prepare glaze while cake is cooling. Makes enough for 1 loaf. Note

To store: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Note

You can use apricots or two fruits instead of peaches. Use leftover peaches in muffins. Note

Instead of olive oil, use the oil from the tuna. Try adding sliced marinated artichokes. Note

Use colourfully decorated or striped paper cases. Add water sticks just before serving, as they absorb the moisture from the butter cream. Note

Budget tips: use stock cubes; replace fresh thyme with a pinch of dried thyme. Note

Work quickly when assembling. Use different flavours of ice-cream. Drizzle cake with melted white or dark chocolate. Note

Budget tip: Use peas instead of broad beans; cooking time will vary. Serve with cooked rice if desired. Note

Budget tip: Use grated cheddar instead of parmesan. Serve with roast pork or chicken. Note

Finishing chicken in the oven helps prevent crumb coating burning and keeps chicken moist. You will need to process 6 slices of day-old white bread to make crumbs. Note

Pull apart is great served with soup. Place pull apart in a freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. Note

Replace lemon butter with passionfruit butter or marmalade. Add a pinch of cinnamon to icing sugar before dusting. Note

Fresh pineapple, kiwifruit and pawpaw contain an enzyme that prevents jelly setting. Note

You can use blade steak or gravy beef instead of chuck steak. Place cooled beef mixture in airtight containers; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. Note

You can prepare skewers up to 8 hours ahead of time; store in an airtight container in fridge. Note

Chickpea flour is in the health food aisle and health food shops. Note

A 7g sachet of dried yeast equals 2 teaspoons. Any plain flour will do, but bread flour and strong flour contain more gluten. Gluten contributes to good structure and texture. Note

To melt chocolate in the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High (100%) in 30-second bursts , stirring, until melted and smooth. Note

Serve with garlic bread for dipping. Note

Replace half the corn with frozen peas or beans. Instead of shredded chicken, you could flake 100g smoked trout or salmon into the soup in Step 3. Note

Use Thai green curry paste instead of red. Low fat: Use reduced-fat coconut milk. Try chicken or lamb meatballs instead. Note

Use a mixture of in-season vegetables Note

For best results, choose short, thick kumara. To prevent mint from discolouring, shred just before adding to couscous. No microwave? Bake kumara in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan-forced) for 1 hour before filling. Note

Leftovers? Use salsa in tacos, or as a dip with corn chips, rice crackers or vegetable sticks. Use cooked bacon or chicken instead of ham. Vegetarian: Swap bacon for 1 cup grated kumara (orange sweet potato). Note

No ovenpoof frying pan? Cover handle with two layers of foil before you grill. Note

Instead of using dijonnaise, combine 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon dijon mustard. Minute steaks are also sold as ‘beef schnitzels’ (uncrumbed) or as beef ‘sizzle steaks’. Note

Vegetarian: Replace crab with corn kernels. For a spicy version, leave seeds in chillies. Used canned prawns, tuna or canned diced chicken instead of crab. Omit chilli and add finely chopped dill. Note

Chicken nibbles are halved chicken wings, without the wing tip attached. Use chicken drumettes or small chicken wings if unavailable. Cooking time and price will vary. Note

Use loose spinach leaves instead of packaged; they’re cheaper per kilo. Note

Use a vegetable peeler to thinly slice potatoes. Note

Use any type of thin or short pasta shape. Make ahead: Cook meatballs a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. Note

Use bought Italian salad dressing instead of pesto. Make ahead: Make hash browns a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. These are great with char-grilled steak. Note

Make breadcrumbs with sandwich bread instead of sourdough. You’ll need 2 slices of bread to make 1 cup of crumbs. Vegetarians can replace salmon with 400g drained, rinsed cannellini beans. Note

Instead of buying chicken stock, use 1 small chicken stock cube and crumble into 1 cup boiling water. Note

Swap drumettes for chicken wings. Cook double: Cool half, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Use a vegetable peeler to cut carrot and zucchini into long thin ribbons. Serve with homemade potato wedges. Swap salt, pepper and flue spice for 1 tablespoon lemon pepper or Moroccan seasoning. Note

Vegetarian: Replace tuna with 250g crumbled fresh ricotta. Add dried chilli flakes to the tuna mixture. You can use 1 cup shredded cooked chicken instead. It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. Note

Hot tender squid with a spicy crisp coating is a mouth-watering and delicious combination that�s packed full of flavour. Serve salt and pepper squid on a bed of fresh salad.

Perfect for a midweek family meal, this deliciously creamy tuna mornay bake is a quick and easy way to satisfy the whole family. Bake until golden and serve with a fresh salad.

While working, cover rolls in plastic food wrap to prevent them drying out. Note

Try mashed cooked peas and mint as an alternative topping. Save time: Make eight large tarts by cutting pastry into quarters; cooking time will vary. Slice thickly to serve. Note

Make ahead: Baguettes are at their best when made the day before. Cover, then refrigerate. Save time: You can use bought char-grilled vegetables. Price will vary. Note

Smoked paprika is in the spice aisle. Note

You will need 3 medium overripe bananas for this recipe. No mini loaf tray? Spoon mixture into a paper case-lined 12-hole (1/3-cup) muffin tray; cooking time will vary. Note

Use evenly sized potatoes so they cook at the same rate. If using frozen broad beans don’t thaw before cooking. Note

To avoid staining your hands when handling beetroot, wear disposable gloves. Note

You’ll need 2 slices of day-old bread to make crumbs. Currants and other dried vine fruit, such as sultanas and raisins, are good low-GI options. Note

Make ahead: Bake fruit up to 2 days ahead. Cover, then chill. Serve fruit warm. Note

Make pizzas using bought individual pizza bases instead of muffins. Cut into wedges to serve. Note

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

Replace rum with brandy or cognac. Omit alcohol for a family-friendly dessert. No serving glasses? Use teacups. Note

You’ll need 1/2 large barbecued chicken. Replace cumin seeds with fennel seeds, if desired. Note

Try panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) for best results. Note

Use nectarines if peaches are unavailable. Note

Use leftover roast or barbecued chicken. You can omit nuts from chicken mixture and replace with 2 thinly sliced green onions. Note

To freeze lasagne, let cool, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. You will need half a cooked chicken, skin and bones removed. Note

Use canned pink salmon instead of tuna. You’ll need to cook 3/4 cup long-grain white rice. Try cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of asparagus. Note

Make ahead: Cook bars up to 1 week ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Crushed nuts are also sold as ‘granulated’ nuts; they’re in the nuts and baking aisle. For best results, buy the best quality eating chocolate your budget will allow. Note

Use cooking oil spray (spray for 30 seconds) on pumpkin instead of vegetable oil. Use brown rice or quinoa instead of barley. Cooking time and price will vary. You can swap pumpkin for kumara (orange sweet potato). Pilaf is best made close to serving time. 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

Make puffs savoury; top with fresh ricotta and sliced tomato. Make puffs and vanilla cream a day ahead. Store puffs in an airtight container at room temperature; vanilla cream in the fridge. Note