Strawberry

Why enjoy one French classic for breakfast when you can combine two? These french toast croissants are filled with fresh slices of strawberry and strawberry jam for a fruity, oozing centre.

Curd will keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three weeks. Use 3 lemons in place of oranges to make lemon curd. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Berries suitable to microwave. Note

These elegant biscuits should have a slightly grainy, crumbly texture, like sand, from whence they take their name. The filling can be varied, but these are stacked with strawberries and cream.

The flavours of this dessert are deliciously balanced with the sweetness of the strawberry sorbet offset by the tart fruit and syrup.

These cooked strawberries soften the sharpness of the rhubarb, making it more intense and fruity. The copious juices thicken once the pie cools; they are the perfect amount for serving.

Want a hunger-busting snack that’s healthy, will travel, and tastes delicious to both kids and adults? These beautiful strawberry and honey chia puddings make a brilliant on-the-go lunch or breakfast.

Bring eggs to room temperature for maximum volume when beating. Sift the dry ingredients together for lighter results and better volume. For a lighter sponge, replace the flour in this recipe with 3/4 cup cornflour, 1 tablespoon plain flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Substitute 2 teaspoon golden syrup and 1 tablespoon boiling water for […]

For less sweet pancakes,use cooking chocolate instead of eating chocolate, which contains more sugar. Replace strawberries with cherries or serve pancakes with figs, if you like. Note

Ice cream tacos with strawberry, tequila and lime salsa brought to you by Real Living

EQUIPMENT: Pastry brush; Madeleine Tin (from about $ 15 at specialist Kitchenware stores) or mini muffin tins; Small saucepan; 2 ceramic bowls; sieve; Medium bowl; whisk; spoon; wire rack You can make the batter and refrigerate it overnight. This helps give the characteristic bump on the madeleines. Note

You can dip other fruit, such as banana or orange segments. To prevent chocolate seizing, stir with a metal spoon while it’s melting. If chocolate overheats you must discard it. Note

To sterilise jars, preheat oven to 120°C. Place freshly washed jars on a baking tray; heat for 30 minutes. Use while hot. This recipe was tested using a 750-watt microwave oven. If you use a higher wattage oven, cook on a tower heat setting. Note

You can use a 22cm (base measurement) round fluted tart pan; use 1 1/2 times the filling quantity. Don’t over-cream butter and sugar or filling will ‘puff’ during cooking. Note

Ice-cream tacos with strawberry, tequila and lime salsa

To scald milk, heat in a saucepan on low heat; simmer until almost boiling. Note

Strawberry mousse cake

To toast coconut, heat a small frying pan over moderate heat. Cook and stir coconut for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Note

Strawberry ice cream slice brought to you by Recipes Plus

Make hazelnut toffee a day ahead. Store intact in an airtight container; crush just before layering. Note

Carefully separate eggs, making sure there is no trace of yolk in the egg white – egg white will not stiffen if it contains traces of egg yolk. Also, bowl and beaters must be clean and dry before beating egg white. If liquid seeps from the base, the meringue was either not cooked long enough […]

You can use ice-block moulds. Wooden ice-cream sticks are sold in craft stores. Note

Makes 24 Make ahead: You can make meringues and curd up to 2 days ahead. Store meringues in an airtight container. Store curd in a separate airtight container; keep chilled. To prevent meringue softening, spoon filling into nests just before serving. Note

Strawberry crepes

Replace strawberries with frozen cranberries. Note

When removing paper from cooked sponge, lift slowly or sponge will stick to paper. Note

Strawberry honeycomb ice cream sandwiches brought to you by Recipes Plus.

Not suitable to freeze. Note

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

Stand plastic cups in 2 loaf pans; this will keep them steady when setting in the freezer. Note

For brighter jubes, add a few drops of pink or red food colouring. Note

Makes 12 Make ahead: Prepare cheesecake filling a day ahead. Cover, then chill. Reheat jam, if necessary, before brushing onto each strawberry. Note

Use a small quantity of crepe batter to make a “practice” crepe and to season the pan. Note

Pear cooking time depends on how ripe they are. Rinse a spoon under water before measuring honey, so the honey won’t stick. Note

Tart will continue to cook once removed from oven and will set as it cools. Make ahead: Bake up to 3 days ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Use any leftover malt powder in smoothies or thick shakes, or sprinkle over ice-cream. Note

Use any type of plain un-iced biscuits. Note

You can make the yoghurt mixture up to 3 days ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Try using fruit-flavoured yoghurt. For best results, assemble just before serving. Note

You can use cream cheese instead of mascarpone. Note

125g strawberries is half a punnet Note

Make it more realistic by including some toy construction pieces from any variety store. Note

Crumble prepared Anzac biscuits for this dessert, if preferred. Note

Egg-yolks can be refrigerated or frozen – use them for mayonnaise and custards or to enrich sauces. To stop the oven door from slamming shut when you’re cooling the pavlovas, use a wooden spoon to prop the door open. Note

Keep the oven door ajar by placing a wooden spoon inside the door. Note

If the strawberries are a little tart, add a dash of honey or brown sugar to the vinaigrette. Note

Try a combination of in-season fruit of choice. Note

Remove the strawberries and ricotta mixture from the fridge 5 minutes before serving. You can use a mixture of berries in this dish. Note

Add a little more milk or water to the batter if it has become thick (mixture should be like pouring cream). Crepes should be thinner than pancakes and can be stacked on top of each other on a plate as they’re cooked. You can use canned passionfruit in place of fresh. Note

Try using other berries in this salad. Smoked chicken, smoked trout or cooked prawns could be substituted for the smoked salmon. Note

Praline can be made in advance. Toast almonds if liked. Keep stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. These can be made into larger pancakes if liked. Note

Handle scone dough very lightly – it’s the secret to success. Note

Remember to wash the strawberries before you hull them, as this prevents the stem end absorbing water. Note

To make a piping bag, spoon melted chocolate into a mini snap-lock bag. Snip off the corner and squeeze gently. For a variation, dip strawberries into sprinkles or crushed nuts after dipping into chocolate. Melt chocolate in the microwave on Medium (50%) power in a microwave-safe bowl, in 30 second bursts, stirring after each burst, […]

Fresh strawberries, peach slices, biscotti and marshmallow make delicious dunkers for this rich easy-to-make chocolate fondue that�s a great way to make dessert more interactive.

To make a souffle that is elevated above the rim of the serving dish, you must make a collar. Cut 4 strips of paper about 10cm wide and long enough to fit around each souffle dish. Fold in half. Wrap around each dish so it forms a collar around the edge. Secure with string or […]

This is also delicious made with mixed berries. Note

Iconic kiwi dessert with its sweet crispy meringue crust, with a soft chewy marshmallow-like centre topped with seasonal fruits. This indulgent pavlova is an absolute show-stopper.

Improve on perfection with the addition of tasty roasted hazelnuts to this fluffy, sugary meringue. Top with cream and fruit to create a beautiful pavlova for dessert.

Melted butter can be used in place of spray oil. Note