Baking

Perfect beef and onion party pies for sharing with friends and family.

Coffee is the perfect partner for cake, so it stands to reason that a cake containing coffee is going to be good. This loaf is topped with a simple but delicious coffee icing and sprinkled with walnuts for a fantastic crunch.

Be sure to remove toothpicks from cake before cutting and serving. Note

Do not thaw the frozen raspberries as their colour will bleed into the cake. These cakes are best made on the day of serving. Note

It is fine to use two 300ml (or one 600ml) cartons of cream for this recipe, so as not to waste the remaining 20ml. Note

Make a cake in shape of a football jersey, ­decorate it with the colours of your child’s favourite team to make him the hero of the day. Note

Who could resist the tropical turtle with her yummy chocolate shell? Note

Two 20cm x 30cm (8-inch x 12-inch) rectangular cake pans 35cm x 40cm (14-inch x 16-inch) rectangular cake board toothpicks. Position paper pattern on cake, cut out butterfly using a sharp knife. Use toothpicks to transfer butterfly markings from paper pattern onto the cake. Spread different coloured butter creams on butterfly markings. The butterfly is […]

Pullaparts are best eaten on the day of baking. Note

26cm x 35cm (10½-inch x 14-inch) baking dish; 30cm x 40cm (12-inch x 16-inch) rectangular cake board; small paper piping bag; wooden skewer. This cute cake is a bit fiddly to make, but it looks so good and you’ll get plenty of wow’s that it’s well worth the effort. Note

This marshmallow-textured pavlova is cooked directly on the platter it's served on, which eliminates the risk of breaking the fragile meringue when transferring it. Simply make sure the platter is plain, sturdy and ovenproof.

We used a mixture of peanuts, cashews, almond kernels and walnuts. Note

Almond paste will keep well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or frozen for several months. Thaw the frozen paste in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re covering cakes with almond paste before ready-made icing, you will need the same quantity of almond paste as the ready-made icing specified in the recipes. This can be bought […]

You will need to buy a 300g packet of chocolate-covered fruit and nuts for this cake. Note

You need a 7cm (2¾ inch) round cutter; and a 5cm x 5cm x 5cm (2-inch) cardboard triangle template. Note

Add some extra colour to the marshmallow by tinting half of it lightly with your choice of food colouring ­the range is limitless and can be added to suit the colour theme of your party. Note

Decorations; 3 x 190g packets Allen’s Funfair Thrills jellybeans; 2 green Nestle Smarties; 2 x 30cm thin yellow chenille sticks (pipe cleaners) Equipment; (x2) 18cm heart-shaped cake pans; 12-hole (⅓-cup/80ml) muffin pan; 4 yellow paper muffin cases; 40cm x 55cm covered cake board Note

To pipe the swan’s body, place the tube close to the tray and press down to finish the choux with a small point. To pipe the neck, start at the base of the neck and finish at the head. As you finish the head, press down on the tube to make a point, which will […]

Cherry tomatoes can be substituted for grape tomatoes. Note

Your reputation as a cake-maker will reach giddy heights when you show off this cake. The stars are incredibly simple to make and look really effective. Note

These easy cheese biscuits make the perfect little snack to serve with drinks before dinner.

Position the large cake on the small cake, then spread pink butter cream over toadstool cap. Split the spearmint leaves in half through the centre then slice the halves into three pieces. Note

Use yellow Candy Melts in place of tinted chocolate Melts if you like. Note

This is the perfect recipe to start your Christmas cake baking tradition. It can be made ahead of time easy preparation on any occasion.

Use white Candy Melts in place of chocolate Melts for an extra-white finish. Note

Equipment; deep 30cm-round cake pan; 5.5cm round cutter; 40cm-square covered cake board; 3cm round cutter. Decorations; 100s & 1000s; 8 Allen’s Jaffas; 35 vanilla Allen’s Milk Bottle Mania, halved; 36 lime Allen’s Milk Bottle Mania, halved; 19 banana Allen’s Milk Bottle Mania, halved. The cutter we used was about 5cm deep, which made it easier […]

Carrot, feta and quinoa tarts with salsa verde, carrot recipe, brought to you by Australian Women's Weekly

Macaroons will keep in an airtight container for about a week. Note

It is fine to use just one 300ml carton of cream for the caramel filling Note

8cm x 25cm x 7cm (3¼-inch x 10-inch x 2¾-inch) bar cake pan deep 25cm (10-inch) round cake pan 45cm (18-inch) square cake board. Be careful when cutting the jubes as they tend to stick to the knife. To avoid this, dip the knife in hot water and dry it before cutting. Note

Any birthday boy or girl would spin “round the world” after this spectacular bright-coloured cake. Note

Have butter at room temperature. Beat butter in a small bowl with electric mixer until very pale. Add half sifted icing sugar and half milk; beating until well combined. Add remaining icing sugar and milk; beat until mixture is smooth. Note

Cheese and poppy seed biscuits

Zeppole di san giuseppe is also known as St Joseph's Day cake.

Inspired by Aboriginal legend, this striking cake is distinctively an Australian original. Note

We used very small pink lady apples, the ones suitable for kids’ lunchboxes. You can also make the pastry using a food processor. Process flour and butter until crumbly, with motor operating, add the water and process until ingredients just come together. Or you can use ready-made shortcrust pastry. Note

Kefalotyris is a semi-firm greek sheep’s or goat’s milk cheese. Although called a pie, this traditional greek vegetable and herb packed recipe contains no pastry and is held together with eggs and fetta. Note

To make a cross pattern on the tarts, dust tarts generously with sifted icing sugar, then carefully heat a metal skewer over a flame (from a gas-stove top or a cook’s blowtorch). Sear a cross pattern into the top of each tart with the heated skewer before serving. Note

Enjoy a slice of slice sweet coconut and pineapple slice with a mug of tea or coffee for an indulgent morning or afternoon treat.

20cm x 30cm (8-inch x 12-inch) rectangular cake pan; 8cm x 25cm (3¼-inch x 10-inch) bar cake pan; 35cm x 45cm (14-inch x 18-inch) rectangular cake board Note

egg-free gluten-free wheat-free Florentines can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Note

The Australian Women's Weekly Kids' Perfect Party Book

EQUIPMENT 1 x 20cm (8-inch) cardboard cake board; 2 x 8cm (3-inch) cardboard cake boards; paper piping bag; 50cm (20-inch) square-cake board. We used ganache in this recipe to hold the larger drum in place as it sets firmer than the frosting. Note

This sensational tasting bread can be served warm straight from the oven alongside soups or as a snack. Either way, it won't last long when there are hungry mouths to feed.

This cute and colourful 'under the sea' birthday cake is perfect for little ones who love animals or spending time by the ocean.

These cheesy little Greek style pastries are perfect nibbles or finger foods. They are best eaten fresh.

Instead of the apple, the same weight of pear can be used in this recipe. Note

Replace toys with caramello koalas or teddy bear biscuits, edible flowers and lollies shaped like picnic foods, such as fruits, hot dogs and pizza. You’ll find lots of toys to easily decorate cakes in variety shops or toy stores. Note

Choux pastry mixture will come away from side of pan and form a ball Note

Classic banana muffins have been given a local twist by adding a well known national breakfast cereal to the mix.

You need a 200g packet of Skittles for Zappo. Oval cake pans can be bought from cake decorating suppliers, or make a cake in a baking dish and cut the oval shape from it – easy and cheaper. Remember to remove the toothpicks out of the reach of children. Note

Makes 30 Note

1 1/2 cups plain flour, sifted; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup caster sugar; 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut; 250g butter, melted and cooled; 2 tbsp instant coffee mixed with 1 tbsp boiling water

Wholemeal banana cake brought to you by New Zealand Woman's Weekly

These little chicken and leek pies go fast at a party, so if you're hosting a big one you might want to double the recipe. This filling also makes an excellent family-sized pie, just use half the pastry and double the cooking time.

For a delicious weekend treat, try this fluffy banana cake topped with tangy passionfruit icing.

A classic recipe, this beautifully simple cinnamon tea cake is wonderfully light, fluffy and sweet, perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea as an afternoon treat.

If you like, create stencils by cutting out 20 shapes or letters from baking paper. Position the stencils on the slice and dust with sifted cocoa powder. Carefully remove stencils. Cut the slice into squares using a hot dry knife. 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 […]

Roasted zucchini, eggplant and capsicum can be bought loose from delis, making the job even easier. Slice the stick as close to serving time as possible. Note

Do ahead The dough can be made a day ahead. Pear and onion mixture can be cooked 4 hours ahead. 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 […]

You can also make this pastry using a food processor. Process flour, icing sugar, ginger and butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and enough of the water to make ingredients just come together. Knead gently on floured surface until smooth. You need 1 small papaya (650g) for this recipe. Note

This recipe makes a lot of little one-bite shortbreads. If you like, make 50 shortbreads and freeze the remaining log, wrapped in baking paper then plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking. You will need to halve the butter cream frosting if only baking 50 shortbreads. […]

EQUIPMENT Oven trays 6cm heart cutter paper piping bag 30cm square or round cake board The gingerbread house can be assembled 3 days ahead. Bake gingerbread a day before it’s required and store in an airtight container. Secure the roof panels to the birdhouse with royal icing; hold in place until set. Secure the walls […]

Equipment; 20cm x 30cm rectangular cake pan; 30cm x 40cm rectangular cake board. Note

You need an 80cm length of 50mm diameter PVC pipe, cut into 10cm lengths; ask the hardware store to do this for you, or use a hacksaw. This recipe will also fit into six 10cm round springform tins or a 24cm springform tin. Note