Roti is an Indian subcontinent flat bread that is the perfect complement to curries, stews and other saucy dishes.

It’s a good idea to wear some rubber gloves when preparing beetroot to prevent stained hands. If you don’t feel up to cutting it into strips, try the grater attachment on a food processor or use a box grater. Note

Stand the yeast mixture in a warm place to allow it to become frothy. It’s important that the spot you choose is warm, not hot. If it’s too hot you’ll kill the yeast. Note

Don’t drain the spinach until it’s completely dry, the excess water steams and wilts the spinach during cooking, without having to add extra oil or butter. Note

You need one medium pomegranate for this recipe. Note

If white asparagus is unavailable, use all green asparagus or thin baby carrots instead. Note

These delicious and crunchy little garlic and chive croûtons will spruce up any leafy salad.

A light salad that packs a flavourful punch through the roquefort cheese and dijon dressing.

Starchy potatoes, such as pontiac or lasoda, are best for this recipe. Note

The great thing about an antipasti selection is that you can add and subtract ingredients. Try incorporating a selection of olives ­ ligurian, sicilian and kalamata are all good, or even a delicious selection of salami. Marinated artichokes are available from specialty delicatessens. Alternatively, use bottled artichokes in oil, available from most supermarkets. Note

Unbaked scones can be frozen for up to a month. Bake them from the freezer, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. Note

Crush juniper berries with the side of heavy knife. Juniper berries, best known for the flavour they impart to gin, are a dark blue, almost black, soft, aromatic berry used in many traditional European recipes. Note

There are many versions of this popular dish, but an authentic Salade niçoise (originally from the Provençal city of Nice) always includes ingredients that speak of this sun-kissed region of France: tomatoes, capers, olives and garlic. A typical recipe also includes tuna, anchovies, egg and raw vegetables. Niçoise olives, if unavailable, substitute any small brown […]

Semi-dried tomatoes bought by weight from a delicatessen are best for this recipe. If you use those sold packaged in oil, drain well and pat with absorbent paper before use. Also goes well with grilled sirloin steaks; grilled pork cutlets; pan-fried chicken breasts. Note

Smoked eggplant and capsicum jam can be tossed through pasta, spread on pizza bases, or served as side dish to chicken, lamb or fish. Note

store recipe can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated, covered. Note

Moroccan-style couscous spiced with harissa; a great side served with saucy meat dishes.

Desiree, bintje or russet burbank potatoes are all good choices for this recipe. Note

This beautiful green salad tastes like a breath of fresh air. With the delicious summer flavours of mint and the homemade mustard cider dressing, this is a perfect side for your Christmas dinner.

For best results use only the reddest parts of the rhubarb stems. Note

Replace smoked salmon with smoked trout thinly sliced leg ham or rare roast beef. Note

A healthy and rich vegetable dish with smoky baked beans and tomato from Australian Women's Weekly.

The tin needs to be coated thickly with melted butter so the roll won’t stick to the inside of the tin. Don’t use cooking-oil spray, as this doesn’t give a good enough coating and the roll will stick and be hard to turn out. If you can’t find nut roll tins, this mixture can be […]

Quick and easy-to-make crispy roast potatoes with paprika aïoli from Australian Women's Weekly.

This is a quick version of making a soufflé as the base is not made on a flour-thickened cheese sauce. Note

The metal will conduct heat through the centre of the potatoes, helping them to cook faster. Note

A crispy and delicious mashed potato casserole is the perfect accompaniment to roast dinners.

A fragrant and delicious spiced lentil side dish from Australian Women's Weekly.

You will need 2 large pomegranates (860g) for this recipe. Note

Prepare the mushrooms ready for grilling the day before; keep covered in the fridge. Mushrooms can be grilled up to 30 minutes before serving. Note

Light and crunchy Asian greens salad with a flavourful sesame and ginger dressing.

Filleted portions of smoked trout, in a variety of sizes, are now available at most supermarkets; we used three 150g portions for this recipe. Crispy fried noodles are crisp wheat noodles already deep-fried. They are available from Asian grocery stores and most major supermarkets. If you like, replace the coleslaw mix with 3½ cups of […]

An exquisite and wholesome smoked chicken, radicchio and basil salad from Australian Women's Weekly.

Derived from an Italian word meaning `garden’, giardiniera is an Italian dish of pickled vegetables. Note

Wear disposable gloves when peeling the beetroot. Note

A crispy baked pumpkin and ricotta dish that is a great healthy side to go with meaty dishes.

You can soak the beans early in the day before you want to serve them, then at night make this recipe; reheat the beans for breakfast the following day. Note

Pastry pieces can be cooked a day ahead; reheat in the oven at 180°C about 5 minutes before assembling. The filling is best made just before serving. Note

We used Grand Marnier liqueur in this recipe; you can use any orange flavoured liqueur you like. Note

Omelettes can be made up to 3 hours ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator, roll and slice just before assembling salad. Note

Crispy potato wedges with a light and summery sun-dried tomato pesto.

If baby zucchini are unavailable, cut small zucchini into quarters. Note

Crispy, fluffy and delicious potato puffs packed full of garlic, onion, bacon and gruyere.

If taking this salad to work, pack the dressing separately and add to the salad at lunch time. note Rice vermicelli is similar to bean thread noodles, only longer and made with rice flour instead of mung bean starch. It is available from supermarkets Note

Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for at least 1 hour prior to use, to prevent them from scorching and splintering. If using metal skewers, oil them first to stop the prawns from sticking. Note

A delicious side dish of spicy couscous salad packed with pine nuts, red onion, currants and harissa.

This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

Use any rice you like for this recipe, just make sure it’s cooked properly so every grain is separate. You could use about 3½ cups of cold leftover rice if you happen to have it, if not cook, rinse and drain the rice the day before the picnic. Keep the rice in the fridge. Assemble […]