Dessert

You will need to watch the sugar syrup carefully while it simmers for 5 minutes. It may be necessary to lift the pan from the heat several times to help maintain the correct temperature. For perfect results, use an accurate candy thermometer. Note

Sago and tapioca, while similar, are not the same and can’t be substituted for each other. Sago may be found labelled as `seed tapioca’ on some packets. It is available from most health-food stores and supermarkets. Note

Cooking time for plums will depend on the ripeness of the fruit. Note

Semolina is available from health-food stores and supermarkets. It can be replaced with 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour. Lime, orange or mandarin juice and grated rind can be substituted for the lemon. Note

You need 25 foil petit four cases for this recipe. Note

A gingerbread house that’s almost too pretty to eat, but try telling the kids that! Note

These come from the Charente region of south-west France. The name generally refers to a nut-shaped puff from that region.

This cake is at its best eaten on the same day as baking. Keeping time: 1 day. Note

This pudding can be made a week ahead; store, covered, in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Brandy cream sauce can be made a day ahead; store, covered, in the fridge. Note

Light and delicious French-style passionfruit and raspberry eclairs from Australian Women's Weekly.

A lolly-packed party piñata that the kids will love.

There’s no need to cover the pudding steamer with foil or a lid because it is covered when the lid is placed on the cooker. Note

This cake needs to be made at least a day ahead. Or, up to 2 days ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Note

You’ll have about 1½ cups of the cake mixture left over to make more cakes for your party. Note

You can buy sponge cakes for this recipe, if you like (preferably jam and cream filled). You could also buy a large meringue as well, to break up and use to fill and decorate the cake. In this case, you’ll need half the meringue ingredients only, to make the meringue sticks. Note

You need two medium pomegranates (640g) to get the required amount of pomegranate pulp. Note

dairy-free gluten-free wheat-free egg-free nut-free If you have any leftover granita, leave it in the pan and cover it with foil before putting it back in the freezer. You may need to scrape the mixture with a fork again when you are ready to eat it. Note

This gorgeous layered cake is the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. It's the perfect celebratory cake to serve at Christmas time.

A mint pattie is a round chocolate-coated confectionery with a soft peppermint centre. It is available from most supermarkets. You may also use Griffin’s mint treat bites if mint pattie’s are not available. Note

This recipe also makes 6 texas muffins (¾-cup/180ml); bake about 35 minutes. Note

Cake can be baked and cut into shape one day ahead; keep, covered, in refrigerator if weather is hot. Finish cake on day of serving, as per recipe. The remaining purple jelly can be used to make extra jelly cups. Young explorers will love this cake. The swamp is filled with murky (but delicious) jelly, […]

Any small jubes or jelly sweets can be used. Use lightly oiled scissors to cut the jubes. Note

You will need about two bunches of rhubarb for this recipe. To spread the second layer of cake batter over the crumble, without mixing the two, dollop the batter into each corner first, then gently spread the batter toward the centre. Note

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

It’s important to use regular honey in the matzo cake, not the easy-to-pour liquefied version Note

A fun and delicious gingerbread man that is great for kid's parties.

Fruit mince is a mixture of dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and candied peel, nuts, spices, apple, brandy or rum. It is used as a filling for cakes, puddings and fruit mince pies. Note

These delightful little pastry treats mean 'little tubes' and are a staple of Sicilian cuisine.

You’ll be prouder than a peacock when you present this cake at the party. The design is mainly in the placement of the lollies. Note

Allen’s Racing Cars and Pineapples can be found in Allen’s Teeth `n’ Stuff, Retro Party Mix and Classic Party Mix. Note

A delicious and tri-coloured ice-cream topped with dark chocolate and almonds.

When you think the toffee syrup has almost reached the colour we suggest, quickly remove the pan from the heat, remembering that the syrup will continue to cook and darken during this time. Let the bubbles subside, then drop a teaspoon of the syrup into a cup of cold water. The toffee should set the […]

Even though small guests may not be eating the cakes they’ll love the look of a duckling-topped cake. Make sure the ducks are completely dry and firm. The drying time will depend on the weather; if it’s wet or humid, it could take overnight. The ducklings will take less time to dry than the mother […]

This playful, and friendly, looking monster will keep the little ones amused with its bright, cheery colours and smiling face. Note

These peach and vanilla yoghurt fools are a delicious way to start your day. Make for a special occasion or to mix up your morning routine. Because why not?

Kids love funny faces so Merv is bound to create peals of merriment Note

Store in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until ready to serve. Cake pops will keep for up to a week. Use red Candy Melts in place of tinted chocolate Melts if you like. Note

Equipment: 35cm (14-inch) square wooden cake board Smoothing tools pasta machine 1.4cm (¾-inch) and 4.5cm (1¾-inch) perspex measures vinyl mat fine artist’s paint brush stitching tool alphabet cutters paper piping bag. Although this cake is a labour of love, it’s worth every bit of effort. The strips of icing can be made by rolling the […]

Make sure the rose petals are chemical-free. Organic petals can be found at specialist cake decorating shops and some delicatessens. If fresh organic rose petals are unavailable, sprinkle cake with chopped rosewater-flavoured turkish delight. Rosewater will vary in strength between brands. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. If using rosewater essence, start […]

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Pie can be made a day ahead, keep, covered, in refrigerator. A deep-dish pie with generous helpings of fruit – perfect after a Sunday roast. Note

It is fine to use just the one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. Note

17 paddle pop sticks halved crossways are needed for this recipe. Note

Neopolitan ice-cream could be used by dividing the flavours into separate bowls to soften. Only one round sponge is needed for this recipe. Note

If you don’t like heavy fruit cake, this light fruit cake may just hit the spot. Note

It is fine to use just the one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. Note

The trifle can also be served in a large glass bowl. Pavlova nests are commercially made small meringue shells sold in packages of 10 at most supermarkets. Note

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 Tiny heart cutters are sometimes sold as `aspic cutters’. We’ve scattered Allen’s Sour Rush Jelly Beans, Allen’s Milk Bottle Mania and Nestlé Melts White Cooking Compound around the […]

This cake can also be made in a deep 18cm (7¼-inch) square cake pan. Note

The best French dessert of all time: delicious mini french éclairs with rich praline and smooth vanilla custard.

Equipment: Deep 30cm-round cake pan 2 x 20cm x 30cm lamington pans 2 bamboo skewers 3cm, 4cm, 6cm and 9cm-round cutters 40cm x 1m prepared cake board Decorations 3 rainbow sour straps, cut yellow strips from strap Note

A light and zesty Italian-style dish that is a great summery dessert.

To tell if a peach is ripe, look around the stem of the peach, the absence of green skin plus a strong peach aroma indicates ripeness. If the skin is slightly green, it is not ripe. If peach stones are difficult to remove, leave them during roasting, they will come out more easily after cooking. […]

Postre chajá was created by the owner of a family restaurant in Uruguay. He called his mergingue-based dessert ‘chajá’ after an indigenous bird of the same name, whose abundant white plumage reminded him of the meringue. For even cake layers, weigh the cake batter and put exactly half into each cake pan. Cake can be […]

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 deep 15cm (6-inch) square cake pan 20cm (8-inch) square prepared cake board or cake stand small piping bag fitted with small plain tube Cake can be completed a day ahead of the party. You will have some cake mixture left over,­ use it to make cupcakes. Note

Equipment Deep 15cm (6-inch) square cake pan 25cm (10-inch) square prepared cake board If the icing is set on the cake, you can attach the roses using a tiny dab of apricot jam. The ribbon is easier to tie around the cake if the icing is set. The cake can be completed about three days […]

The sponge roll used for this recipe has a diameter of 10cm and a length of 16cm. Note

Glacé fruit salad is available from specialty food stores and some cheese counters. If unavailable, substitute glacé peaches, apricots or oranges. Note

Soufflés must be made just before serving. Note

These peaches will keep for 1 week stored in an airtight container in the fridge. After 2 days, the liquid will increase by half, and the flavours will intensify. Make sure the fruit is covered in the poaching liquid. Keep any leftover poaching liquid to poach other fruit, or reduce to a syrup by simmering […]

Now we are six! Celebrate this auspicious occasion with this delightful sssssnakey ssssix cake, by the Australian Women's Weekly. The birthday boy or girl will be delighted!

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

Ready-made brownies can be found in the bakery section of most supermarkets. Note

This cute and colourful birthday cake is perfect for young adventurers and little ones that love the outdoors.

40cm (16-inch) round wooden cake board 30cm (12-inch) round wooden cake board 25cm (10-inch) round wooden cake board 20cm (8-inch) round wooden cake board 15cm (6-inch) round wooden cake board 12 wooden cake skewers Medium offset metal spatula We used flaked coconut labelled `coconut chipped’ found in health food stores. Instead of making the ganache […]

School would be much more entertaining, and homework much more fun, if we could all have pencil cases as delicious as this one. Note

Parties for budding artists are popular ­and this cake will get them in the creative mood. It doesn’t matter if these pots tip over, nothing’s going to spill. Tint the icing any colours you like, just make them bright. Lollies could easily be hidden under the glacé icing. You’ll have enough cake mixture left over […]

If seedless white grapes are out of season, simply purchase white grapes and seed them yourself. The high sugar content of this dessert will ensure the gelato remains soft and will not freeze solid. Note

These pretty shards may look and taste like you've spent a long time in the kitchen but in fact they're a brilliant cheat's cookie, utilising bought savoury crackers, dark chocolate and a sprinkling of exotic ingredients.

Keeping time: 3 days. Note