Recipe can be made two days ahead, store, covered, in the refrigerator. Don’t worry if the mixture separates, giving you two layers, one creamy and one clear. The mixture separates into two layers when the gelatine mixture is of a different temperature to that of the cream mixture, when the two mixtures are combined, they […]

Keep an eye on the syrup towards the end of the cooking time; as it reduces, you need to reduce the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer. Use any leftover pomegranate seeds in salads or sprinkle over desserts. Note

If syrup is a little thin, remove quince with a slotted spoon, then boil syrup, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thicker. Note

Build it and they will come…and eat it with gusto. The toy tools are readily available from most toy stores. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Pierre the French peacock is a fun and beautiful cake that the kid's will love.

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Gem strings on wire are available from craft stores. If you can’t find them, use small lengths of pink ribbon. Note

Persian fairy floss, also called Pashmak is available from delis and specialist food shops. If unavailable, ordinary fairy floss can be used. Note

A puff of fairy floss makes a soft and cuddly chest for this lovable southern visitor. Note

We used scrap-booking decorations available from craft and hobby shops. This cake can be assembled directly onto a table or covered 24-inch square cake plate. Note

12-hole (-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 12 dark green paper cupcake cases 4 paper piping bags plastic wrap We made the cupcakes here, instead of buying them, so we could tint the mixture in camouflage colours. To save time, decorate the tops of store-bought cupcakes with the camouflage icing. Vanilla frosting is available in tubs from […]

You’ll have about ½ cup of the cake mixture left over; make more cakes for a longer serpent, if you like Note

You will need 12 strong wooden toothpicks, tips broken off into 1.5cm lengths. Note

Use any scraps of pastry to make trees, people or other decorations and bake with walls. Candy canes and lollipops also make good decorations. Note

We used a 250ml carton of pineapple juice for this recipe. Note

Start the recipe at least a day ahead, as the fruit mixture needs to stand overnight. Note

Sweet and fluffy pastry puffs filled with a rich chocolate and coffee cream and drizzled with sweet toffee.

A rich brownie cake packed full of the flavours of the muscat grape in both wine and vine form.

Mini versions of an old classic dessert that are perfect for individual serving.

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Dulce de leche is a caramel spread. Vienna almonds are toffee-coated almonds. Note

Serve the pears and syrup with thick yoghurt or whipped thickened (heavy) cream. Note

Pfeffernüssen translates from German as “pepper nut” biscuits, they are a variation on a type of German gingerbread known as “lebkuchen”. Pfeffernüssen are extremely hard when they are first baked and benefit from being dunked into liquid before eating, however, they do start to soften after a day or two. Note

This rakish fellow has a touch of the scamp about him. Note

We used pineapple Allen’s Sour Rush Jelly Beans for the feet, but you don’t have to use all the same,­ just use four same-coloured Jelly Beans on each cake. Note

For a refreshing summer cocktail, serve plum granita in martini glasses topped with sparkling wine Note

Fit for the king or queen of the day, this cake sparkles with edible jewels. Note

You need 6 passionfruit to get the required amount of pulp for this recipe. Packaged pavlova “nests” and meringues can be found at your supermarket. Note

This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

Equipment; 30cm (12-inch) square cake board 12 yellow mini paper cases If using butter cream instead of the strawberry frosting, you will need one quantity of butter cream tinted pink. Note

A cheesecake pan is similar to a texas muffin pan, only the base is removable. Note

Chocolate wheatens are wheatmeal-based biscuits topped with milk or dark chocolate. Instead of the raspberries use other frozen berries like blackberries or strawberries or try using a combination of all three. Note

You will need a 30 x 49cm cake board prepared earlier for the cake to rest on. Note

An Italian sponge cake named after the city of Genoa that is impressively light, airy and delicious.

This beautiful chef's hat cake is perfect for those who love to cook, or are aspiring chefs.

This adorable birthday cake is perfect for kids who love animals or spending time in the water.

Ready made soft icing can be bought from any local supermarkets. We painted the horses with non-toxic paint. The cardboard cylinder must be strong, we used the inside of a baking paper roll. Note

Equipment deep 20cm round cake pan 25cm round prepared cake board or cake stand. Cake can be made two days ahead and kept refrigerated. A fine serrated knife is best for cutting this cake. Ready-made white icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets […]

Ahoy there! Let the birthday child head for the high seas with this pirate creation.

You need about 2 large overripe bananas (460g) to get the required amount of mashed banana. Note

Make one packet of cake mix at a time. Bake two trays of cakes together and, while they’re baking, put the cake mixture into the next two trays. For the best effect, match the paper cases to the colours of the frosting and jelly crystals. Note

Sweet but savoury, this delicious tomato and passionfruit jam can be enjoyed with desserts, atop toast or as a chutney-style spread on a cheese platter.

You will need some lace, a doily or a stencil for decorating these cakes. Note

Boiled lollies are made from a thick syrup of boiled sugar and water, to which colour and flavourings are added before the mixture is rolled, cut into pieces and hardened. Also known as rock candy, humbugs and bullseyes. Note

Use a pair of clean tweezers to position the tiny Wonka Nerds and other small lollies. Note

Rose petal jam is available from Middle-Eastern foodstores and delis. Note

Be sure to remove all toothpicks from cake before cutting. Note

Make a cottage for each year of the birthday child’s age and, rather than using fruit sticks for the chimneys, use chunky coloured candles, instead. You’ll have about 1 cup of the cake mixture left over, enough to make another little house. Note

Cut the pizza so your guests get a slice of pear per piece. Note

Equipment: 30cm square wooden cake board, 15cm square wooden cake board, 10cm square woode cake board, smoothing tools, 2.5cm, 3cm and 3.5cm perspex measures, fine artist’s paint brush, stitching tool, 8 wooden skewers, 3 paper piping bags, vinyl mat tape measure, cotton wool. Use perspex measure to measure sides of cakes for lids. Press the […]

Sweet and crispy French-style mango soufflés with chocolate collars from Australian Women's Weekly.

Don’t slice the strawberries too thinly or they will fall apart during refrigeration. Note

If the dough feels soft after rolling out, refrigerate for about 15 minutes before cutting out shapes. Fill boxes with anything you like, chocolates, candy canes, lollies or biscuits ­ they would all make a great gift. Instead of using a paper piping bag, place the melted chocolate into a zip-top plastic bag and cut […]

French for `doughnut’, beignets are best eaten while still warm or soon after. You can use your preferred jam or try these beignets with apple compote. The oil should be between 175°C and 190°C for deep-frying (a small cube of bread should turn golden in about 30 seconds). Note

You can reserve the strained rhubarb to flavour smoothies, or spoon on top of porridge, cereal or yoghurt. Note

Delicious, thin and crunchy Belgian-style chocolate hazelnut thins.

We used a 35cm x 45cm oval plastic serving platter for the pond; a shallow cake pan, baking dish or shallow casserole dish would also work, depending on the number of frogs you need for the party. You will have about 1 cup of cake mixture left over ­enough for another five frogs. Note

Make sure the rosebuds have not been treated with any chemical sprays. Note

Standing the custards in a dish filled with ice cubes keeps the custards from melting while the sugar is caramelising under the grill. Of course, if you have a cooking blowtorch, use that instead. Note

Watch their eyes light up for this happy, smiling flower. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Equipment needed: 9cm heart cutter, 20cm 18-gauge floral wire, wire cutters, 35cm round wooden cake board, 20cm round wooden cake board, 15cm round wooden cake board, smoothing tools, 6 wooden cake skewers, and a paper piping bag. The hearts can be made weeks ahead; store in an airtight container. Position them on the day of […]

Substitutes: use whole roasted almonds instead of hazelnuts. Note

Possums without eyes can be made up to two days ahead. Pipe eyes on the day of serving. Note

Make sure the rose petals have not been treated with any chemical sprays. Note

Delicious little cupcakes that are the perfect treat to celebrate graduation day!