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Using a V-slicer or mandolin makes slicing onions quick and easy. Note

Serve leftover salad in tortillas for lunch the next day. Replace fish with chicken or budget beef rump steak. Vegetarians may omit fish and serve with hard-boiled eggs instead. Note

You can use canned or frozen mango when not in season. For extra lemony icing, add 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest. Note

Use drained canned apricots instead of raspberries. Note

Use vanilla essence instead of paste. Quinoa flakes look like rolled oats. Grease measuring cup lightly with oil before measuring honey. Honey will pour easily, giving you an accurate measure. You can use oatmeal instead of quinoa. Note

Discard leftover pastry; don’t refreeze. Note

Make ahead: You can make filling and bread cases a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate filling. Store bread cases in an airtight container. Note

Divide mixture into a 12-hole (1/3-cup) muffin tray; cooking time will vary. Try apple instead of pear. Note

Light and fluffy crepes are layered with a rich cream and sweet cherry jam to create this delicious dessert. Cut yourself a slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee for morning tea.

No individual ovenproof dishes? Use a 5-cup ovenproof dish instead. Cooking time will vary. Note

No microwave? Shallow-fry pappadums in vegetable oil, in batches, until puffed and golden. Transfer to paper towels. Cool. Note

Swap olives for drained canned pineapple pieces as an after-school treat. You can buy thickly sliced Danish salami at the deli counter. Note

These great little recipes add big flavour to simple meat, chicken and fish dishes Note

Budget tip: Use up leftover roasted vegetables. Make double so there are some for packed lunches. No fresh basil? Add 2 tablespoons basil paste to egg mixture. Note

Accompany with char-grilled vegetables, marinated mushrooms, salami and other cold meats and dips for a delicious antipasto platter. Note

After washing the strawberries, remove ‘hull’ by grasping and gently pulling. Never do this before washing the strawberries. Note

Stir-fry pak choy in a little sesame oil until just wilted. You can steam it, too. As an option, char-grill both sides of spatchcock until golden and finish cooking in a moderate oven, 180°C. Note

If you prefer, use a barbecued chicken – remove the skin and shred. A little crumbled feta would be delicious with this salad. Note

If preferred, you can use 1 litre of chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Note

If liked, add some halved cherry tomatoes to the couscous. This is good accompanied with crusty bread Note

If preferred, use drained corn kernels – these can be tossed in a little oil in a pan. Note

Farfalle is a bow-tie-shaped pasta, but you can use any type of pasta. Toss sliced basil through pasta, if desired. Note

Use a mixture of lemon, lime and orange juice and rind it preferred. If preferred, make individual tartlets of desired size. Note

Meringue nests can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Fill with cream just before serving. Note

Never fill cake pans more than 2/3 full, to prevent the mixture from spilling over during rising. If preferred, make 12 larger cup cakes using a muffin pan. Note

Drain peaches and place on a paper towel to drain excess. If desired, reduce juice from can and use as a syrup for the cakes, fruit salad or with savoury dishes. Note

Canned peaches can be replaced with well-drained pears. These cakes freeze well – remember to wrap well and label. Note

Leftover custard will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Note

It's impossible to go wrong with an indulgent pecan pie. Especially one that is loaded with pecans and isn't overly sweet. Best served with a dollop of thick cream or vanilla ice cream.

Don’t have ramekins? Use teacups, but make sure they’re ovenproof. Note

Try other fillings: ham, cheese and mushroom; spinach, feta and prosciutto, or bacon and tomato. Note

Any leftover cooked pasta can be used instead of tagliatelli or fettucine. Note

Add some chopped pickled ginger to the salsa if desired. Note

Special macaroni cheese

Banana and chocolate are the perfect combination in this sweet and delicious loaf. Store overripe bananas in the freezer, then defrost quickly in the microwave prior to using.

This sausage casserole recipe is perfect for a hearty winter dinner. Simply serve with some creamy mashed potato and enjoy the sight of your family digging in.

To make raita, combine 1 cup of natural yoghurt, 1 seeded and finely chopped Lebanese cucumber and 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander in a bowl. Note

If available, buy slip-stone peaches as the stone is easily removed without bruising the peach. You can subsitute any variety of nuts you prefer. Note

It is vital salad greens are dried well after washing. Do this by using a salad spinner, or pat dry with paper towels or a clean tea towel. Note

Wrap the whole muffin tray or individual crumbles in plastic wrap and foil to freeze. Note

Light, fresh and tasty, this gorgeous barbecued asparagus, corn and salmon salad is the perfect lunch time dish for your next Summer party or family picnic.

As a variation, fill the pastry cases with drained and chopped char-grilled vegetables or sautéd chopped mushrooms and asparagus. MAKES 36 Note

You need 2 cups of grated vegetables – retain skins to add fibre. Note

If desired, add asparagus to this dish when in season. Prepare couscous by placing 1 cup couscous in a bowl and covering with 1 cup boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork before serving. Note

Quick and easy chicken parmigiana topped with tomato passata with fresh spinach and sprinkled with multiple cheese creates mouth-watering flavours.

You can also melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe jug on high (100%), stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Note

To make caramelised oranges, combine 1 cup caster sugar and 1/2 cup water in a frying pan. Stir on high until sugar dissolves. Simmer, without stirring, for 6-8 minutes, until beginning to turn golden. Carefully pour in 1/2 cup orange juice, stirring until smooth. Thinly slice 1 orange and add to pan in a single […]

This slice is quite rich, so you may prefer to make the squares smaller and reduce the size of each piece of candied orange to a garnish. It could easily be cut into 24 squares. Note

If flaked coconut is unavailable, shredded or desiccated coconut will do. Note

Try this cheesy polenta as an accompaniment to your favourite roast meat, stews, braises or barbecued meats. Note

Alcohol can be replaced with fruit juice. Note

Packed with nuts, dried fruit and spices, this dense and rich panforte is a decadent classic Italian Christmas cake. Dust with icing sugar, cut into wedges and serve with coffee.

Prosciutto-wrapped eye fillet served with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, accompanied by mashed potato and fresh salad creates a warming and scrumptious mid-week meal.

This roasted pumpkin, spinach and feta slice is so simple to prepare and results in a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Serve this colourful roasted tomato, caramelised onion and olive tart as part of a lunch or dinner menu that is sure to impress. A fresh salad would make a perfect accompaniment.

Add a few drops of Tabasco or chilli sauce to the filling for a bit of a kick. Note

Replace toys with Caramello Koalas or Teddy Bear biscuits, edible flowers and lollies shaped like foods, such as fruits, hotdogs and pizza. Note

Looking for the perfect starter for a dinner party or special occasion? Look no further than this delicious trio of dips recipe with homemade tzatziki, chunky salsa and smooth pumpkin.

Tuna, rice, spinach and onion are mixed together with sour cream and eggs to create this tasty tuna and rice dish. Bake and wait for the dish to get golden and for the flavours to fuse.

Chicken mince can be used. Note

This delicious turkey wrap is perfect for lunch, a light dinner or when you have leftover Christmas turkey to eat your way through.

Add fresh coriander at the end of cooking to retain that delicious fresh coriander flavour and aroma. 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.

Scrumptious and versatile bubble and squeak is the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potato or vegetables. Serve with truss tomatoes and a fried egg for the perfect relaxing meal.

Chicken, broccoli and tasty cheese are a divine combination in this mouth-watering pasta bake. Fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would make the perfect accompaniment to this dish.

This is best eaten on the day it’s prepared Note

There's no Christmas without a fruit cake, so delight your friends and family this year with this traditional and oh-so delicious Christmas cake recipe.

Kumara could be used in place of pumpkin. Add other fresh vegetables of choice, or use frozen options. Note

We used 150g crustless sourdough bread to make crumbs, but you can use any leftover stale bread. Note

Canned tuna can be used in place of salmon if desired Note

This moist and scrumptious fruit and nut loaf packed with pecans and drizzled with sweet caramel icing would go down a treat with a hot cup of tea or coffee or for any special occasion.

Make the most of your leftovers and create this divine, silky smooth pate. Serve pate as part of a ploughman's lunch with bread, cheddar and watercress, or with crackers for a wonderful finger food.

If you don’t have an ice-cream churn, freeze yoghurt mixture until semi-frozen, process to break up ice crystals then refreeze until required. Note

If preferred, you can use an electric beater to combine the filling ingredients. Note