The summer hols never last long enough. Soon it’s back to school or work. Sophie Gray sends you on your way with a smile and this tasty lunch option

Allow about 40 minutes cooking time per 500g of corned beef. Note

Dried apricots or sultanas would also taste delicious instead of dates in this recipe. Note

Store remaining basil for up to a week in the fridge in a plastic bag lined with paper towel. Wash only when ready to use, so the leaves stay green. Note

Press down with the back of a spoon to flatten the fritters in the pan so they’ll be cooked through as soon as they’re golden. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave Note

This loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. You can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and seal in an airtight container before freezing for up to one month. Thaw slices at room temperature, straight from the freezer. Note

This dish can be made with baby spinach instead of silver beet. It cuts out the work of preparing the silver beet, but is considerably more expensive.

Stylish and delicious, these sweet treats by Jordan Rondel are full of goodness and free of gluten

Stylish and delicious, these sweet treats by Jordan Rondel are full of goodness and free of gluten

A blanket and a patch of lawn is all you need to turn lunch at home into a romantic spring picnic

Grandad’s been having a quiet think in his easy chair. Thinking looks a lot like napping to me, but while he’s deep in thought I have a chance to knock up a quick pie for our tea.

A blanket and a patch of lawn is all you need to turn lunch at home into a romantic spring picnic

As rice texture is a matter of personal taste, the amount of water can be varied. For a softer texture, add slightly more water; for a firmer texture, use slightly less. Note

For the perfect balanced lunch, add fresh fruit, grissini (bread sticks) and water. Not suitable to freeze. Pasta suitable to microwave. Note

To make the free-form cases: cut 10cm squares from baking paper and press into each greased pan hole. Note

You could use fresh baby spinach. Saute in a little oil or butter until wilted before adding to pastry case. Note

You’ll be the star of the school fair with these candied creations by Sophie Gray

MAKES 8 Store chicken next to an icy-cold drink bottle to keep it fresh in the lunchbox. Pack salad vegetables such as cucumber, tomato and celery in the lunchbox with the chicken. To save time, double the recipe and serve as an evening meal with steamed rice and Asian greens. Use leftovers for lunchbox. Note

Instead of savoiardi, you can use any type of biscuit you. like, including gingernut, shortbread or plain digestives. Note

Make this salad up to a day ahead by preparing and cooking lamb and vegies to the end of step 5 and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When you are nearly ready to serve the salad, toss together with salad greens and dressing. If you prefer not to use a yoghurt […]

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.

Want a hunger-busting snack that’s healthy, will travel, and tastes delicious to kids and adults alike? These chia, coconut and apricot bars are loved by all and are a great on-the-go energy boost.

Want a hunger-busting snack that’s healthy, will travel, and tastes delicious to kids and adults alike? This one gets the thumbs up from everyone!

This Spanish-style tortilla is made using fridge and pantry staples and is a great lunchbox addition.

If this gratin is baked for longer than 30 minutes, it can become dry. Note

The noodles stick together: The key to perfectly cooked rice vermicelli is to rinse the cooked noodles in a colander just until they are cool. At the same time, use your hands to separate the noodles, then drain well. Note

If you have the time, drain the ricotta through cheesecloth to prevent the bake being too wet. If the bake is set but the top isn’t quite golden, pop it under a hot grill for a minute or so to give it a bit more colour. For the meat-lovers in your household, you can add […]

Parsnip is the ultimate winter vegetable – its flavour doesn’t fully develop until it feels the chill in its roots. Sarah Bowman takes this cold-weather denizen and creates a warming, flavourful meal

From plaiting bread to decorating cupcakes, there’s fun for young and old with Sophie Gray’s easy kitchen creations

Get a flying start to your day with a nut-free, nutritionally rich granola, packed with super foods and tasting sensational

When making the filling it’s not absolutely necessary to repeat the watering, swishing and mixing process six times, but it does help make it a softer cream filling (lighter than standard butter cream) as well as removing any grit left from the sugar. Note

Barbecue chicken, spinach and pasta frittata brought to you by Real Living

Keeping times: Use the leftover Asian gremolata within 1 day of making, and the leftover beef within 2 days of cooking. Note

Sumac is available from selected supermarkets and delicatessens. Note

Use store-bought tabouli if you prefer. Note

This is the perfect soup to get you through those cold winter nights

You can use lemon juice instead of balsamic. Omit green beans and add 2 cans drained, rinsed borlotti beans. Note

Gluten-free self-raising flour is in the health food aisle. To yield 1 cup of mashed pumpkin, you’ll need to boil about 1/4 of a butternut pumpkin. Note

Bbq chicken, spinach and pasta frittata

You can replace hazelnut meal with almond meal. Note

You can barbecue chicken instead of using a grill pan. Use chicken tenderloins. Note

Use leftover shredded barbecued chicken or drained flaked canned tuna You need 1 slice of day-old bread for crumbs. Note

Make mince mixture into patties or meatballs then pan-fry. Note

For a heartier salad, soak Thai-style rice noodles, then add to this recipe. Note

For an adult noodle mix, omit honey and cinnamon. Add a touch of curry powder and nuts such as raw unsalted almonds or cashews. Fried rice noodles are also available and are gluten free. Note

Enjoy the benefits of nutritionally rich, antioxidant-filled spinach in this tasty spinach and cheese tart. Cut up a slice for your family and serve with a side salad for a healthy dinner.

Reap the benefits of spinach and still enjoy your bacon and egg roll for breakfast with these tasty omelette rolls. Packed full of protein, it's the perfect way to start your day.

This warming winter soup by Sophie Gray will impress your friends and family

Alexa Johnston bakes a dainty afternoon tea

This warming winter soup by Sophie Gray will impress your friends and family

This warming winter soup by Sophie Gray will impress your friends and family

She’s known as ‘The Caker’, but Jordan Rondel is also a dab hand at biscuit-baking

This warming winter soup by Sophie Gray will impress your friends and family.

To make chocolate curls: melt 150g dark chocolate. Spread on a tray or marble bench top. Once chocolate is just set, pull a sharp knife, angled slightly, to wards you across chocolate surface to create curls. You can also use chocolate bars, flaked into shards. Let cakes and slices cool completely before icing and cutting. […]

If lamb leg is unavailable, you will need 750g diced lamb. You can also use diced chicken thigh fillets, but cooking time will vary. Water level must be 2cm above rice. Note

If yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy, discard it and start again. Note

Use cooked thin pork sausages instead of chorizo. Use bought frozen sheets of shortcrust pastry, instead of making your own. Note

Vegetables add a subtle flavour and texture to these tempting baking treats by Sophie Gray

Vegetables add a subtle flavour and texture to these tempting baking treats by Sophie Gray

Use 500g sausage mince instead of sausages. To make it easier to mould mince around eggs, moisten hands with cold water- this prevents sticking. Note

You cun also use prawns, cooked chicken or beef. Keep rolls covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Note

Decorate with extra dates and nuts halfway through baking. Note

You can use any marinated vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchinis and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve on garlic bread or bruschetta. Note

You can use 1/3 cup chopped preserved lemon instead of peel. Use a combination of dried fruit, such as apples and apricots. You can use regular caster sugar instead of raw. Note

Add fried noodles instead of pappadums. Note

Sprinkle naan with caraway seeds or cumin, if liked. Note