If you do not want to deep-fry balls, spray arancini with olive oil; bake at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Use breadcrumbs instead of stuffing mix. Note

Serve sprinkled with shaved parmesan and rocket leaves. Note

Add your favourite antipasto vegetables. Note

Try red wine for a richer flovour. Use brie for a milder taste. Wear rubber gloves while handling beetroot. Note

Adding stock to rice a little at a time will ensure a creamy result. Serve risotto straightaway as rice absorbs liquid on standing. Note

You will need 1 small barbecued chicken for 2 cups. Note

Budget tip: Omit chicken and add extra sausages. Use chicken sausages if you like. Note

This is a super way of using up leftover rice.

You can use 2 x 410g cans peas and com mix, drained, instead of frozen mix. Use a 1.5-litre (6-cup) rectangular ovenproof dish; cooking time may vary. Note

Buy vine leaves from delis and some greengrocers; or use fresh leaves, blanched. Note

You can also cook biryani in a casserole dish in the oven, preheated to 180°C (160°C fan-forced), for 40-45 minutes. Use vegetable oil instead of ghee if you like. Note

Flavourful oven baked stuffed tomatoes with basmati rice and lamb mince make the perfect zesty addition to any fish or grilled meat dish, or eaten on their own for a delicious lunch.

Make your own dressing by whisking oil with vinegar, crushed garlic and a little mustard, or simply dress the salad with lemon juice. Note

Use your favourite sausage instead of chorizo. Use 1 green capsicum instead of mushrooms if preferred. Note

Ketjap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce in the Asian food section. You can use 2 tablespoons soy sauce combined with 1 tablespoon brown sugar instead. We used a stir-fry mix of broccoli, carrot, bamboo shoots, sugar snap peas and mushrooms. For best results, cook rice a day before serving. Spread out on a […]

You’ll need 2 large lemons. Try lemon pepper seasoning instead. Use chicken drumsticks instead of wings. Cooking time may vary. Note

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use madras, tandoori or another medium-hot curry paste. Note

This salad recipe sees microwaveable rice and rotisserie chicken come together to create a speedy, healthy side dish that doesn't sacrifice on flavour

Use medium-grain rice instead of arborio, and tuna or pink salmon instead of red salmon. Note

Cook 1 1/3 cups long-grain white rice instead of using packaged microwave rice. Cooking time will vary. Note

Our frozen vegetable mix contained beans, carrot, broccoli and cauliflower. You’ll need 1 small barbecued chicken, skin and bones removed. For best results, serve straight after cooking. Note

Kecap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce. If it’s unavailable, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Note

To prevent bamboo skewers scorching during cooking, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes before using. You can use zucchini ribbons instead of carrot. You can swap beef for chicken tenderloins, and mushrooms for cherry tomatoes. Note

Replace beef with chicken or, for a vegetarian version, use tofu. Try replacing sesame seeds with crushed peanuts or crisp-fried shallots. Fried rice works best if made with cooked rice left in the refrigerator overnight – this removes moisture from the rice. Note

Use canned black beans instead; add a touch of Tabasco if you like it hot. Choose any Tex-Mex seasoning. When adding the frozen veggies while rice is cooking, quickly replace the lid so the steam doesn’t escape or rice won’t cook properly. Use remaining frozen veggies in fried rice. Note

Use pork mince instead of pork and veal mince. Omit coriander for kids Note

You can use broccoli instead of broccolini. You’ll need to cook about 1/2 cup rice. Try tuna instead of salmon. Note

Reduce fat: Omit the butter and use chopped basil instead of pesto. Note

Meat lovers: Replace butter beans with 200g cooked mince. Make ahead: Stuff capsicums up to 4 hours ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Bring to room temperature to grill. Note

Quick and easy sausage fried rice recipe that is extremely delicious and can be on the table in less than 15 minutes. The best way to make the most of leftover cooked rice.

Be careful not to overcook, or the custard will separate. Note

Red rice is a variety of rice where the “bran” is red in colour and only the outer husk has been removed. It has more bite than white rice and takes as long as brown rice to cook.

You’ll need to cook 1 cup basmati rice to get 2 cups cooked. Note

For best results, cook rice a day ahead, then refrigerate. This will help keep grains separate when stir-frying. Note

You could replace wild rice with an extra 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice, if preferred. You’ll need half a bunch of watercress for this recipe. To cool rice quickly, place in a large shallow bowl. Stir occasionally to release heat. Note

Sun-dried tomato tapenade can be found in the oils, sauces and bottled vegetable section of your supermarket, alongside olives and pasta sauce. Note

Try cooked chicken instead of tuna. Note

You can make patties up to 2 days ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

If bites burst during cooking, tum oven temperature to a lower heat; cook until golden. You’ll need 1/4 small barbecued chicken, skin and bones removed. Note

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

Use a non-stick frying pan to ensure rice doesn’t stick. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped preserved lemon to chicken mixture before serving. To warm honey, place in a small microwave-safe bowl, then microwave on High (100%) for 30 seconds. Note

You’ll need to cook about 1 1/3 cups rice. Drain, then rinse under cold running water Drain; refrigerate until cold. Leftovers Wrap individual loaf slices in plastic food wrap, then refrigerate. Pack them in lunch boxes the next day. Note

Hearty and delicious fried rice recipe, combining pork mince and prawns into an amazing dish that�s quick and full of flavour. For the best results cook rice a day ahead.

Ham, spinach and tomato risotto

Make sure onions are soft, not brown, or the flavour will overpower the delicate risotto. Note

Use medium-grain rice instead of arborio. Make ahead Cook puddings up to 2 days ahead. Cool. Cover with plastic food wrap and store in fridge. Swap white chocolate for milk chocolate. Delicious served with poached fruit. Note

Swap snake beans for green beans. Note

You’ll need to cook about 1 cup rice. Peel eggs in a bowl of cold water. Note

For non-vegetarians, add canned tuna or pink salmon to kedgeree. Note

Swap long-grain white rice for basmati. Note

Ready in less than 15 minutes, create authentic tasting nasi goreng with this quick yet satisfying recipe, yielding rich flavours with a seasoning paste using a sweet soy sauce.

Makes 32 Sushi rolls can be made up to one day ahead of time and kept uncut and tightly wrapped in the fridge. Note

Use medium-grain rice instead of arborio. This recipe is best made just before serving. When making caramel, while mixture is boiling, dip a heatproof pastry brush in water to brush down any sugar on side of the pan. Work quickly with the caramel or it will set. To make salted caramel, add 3/4 teaspoon sea […]

Cook brown rice following packet instructions. More cooked rice can be added, if liked. To test whether a baked custard is cooked, insert the point of a knife into the centre of the custard. If it comes out clean, the custard is cooked. Note

You can also use chopped chicken thigh fillets, and add sliced zucchini during last 10 minutes of cooking. Note

Replace gorgonzola with another 1/2 cup grated parmesan. Note

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

If preferred, use 1 small barbecue chicken, skin removed and flesh shredded Leftover risotto can be shaped into rounds and baked, or tossed in flour and pan-fried to make delicious risotto cakes. Note

You don’t need to wash the mushrooms. Simply wipe them with a damp paper towel and snip off the tips of the stalks. Note

Use 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste in place of extract, if preferred. Note

Toast almonds by tossing in a dry frying pan on high heat until golden. Note

If liked, toss the lamb through the pilaf before serving. Lamb can also be baked in a hot oven, 200°C, for 20-25 minutes. Always rest lamb for 10 minutes before carving. Note

Use a tight-fitting lid and don’t be tempted to remove it during cooking. Note

Rich, creamy and delicious - this pumpkin risotto is a great dinner party dish. When it's cold outside, this beautiful and colourful pumpkin risotto is like a big, warm hug.

You may not need to add all the stock. You can use liquid fish stock or a good general-purpose stock powder or cube. Note

Salmon can be poached in a pan with gently simmering seasoned water if preferred. Note

Pork, chicken or prawns could be used in place of beef. Note

You could also add cubes of fish or calamari rings. Any unopened mussels should not be discarded as they are still fine to eat (despite previous concerns that suggested otherwise). The tendon connecting the shells simply needs to be slit with a small sharp knife to open the mussel. Note

For lemon mayonnaise, combine 1/2 cup whole-egg mayonnaise with 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest and a little lemon juice. Season to taste. You could coat the cakes in dried breadcrumbs in place of flour if preferred. Note

Fancy making your own sushi but don�t know how? Then give this fresh and satisfying sushi roll recipe a go. Easy and tasty - you�ll be making these sushi rolls again and again!

This would also be delicious using fish. Chicken can be char-grilled or barbecued, basting with marinade. Note

For a milder flavour, use chunks of brie or camembert. Note

You can use prosciutto or pancetta in place of bacon if you prefer. Note

You can buy Chinese rice wine at Asian supermarkets, or use dry sherry. Barbecued chicken can be used in place of duck. Note