Dinner

Ketjap manis is Indonesian sweet soy sauce. Fried onions are in the Asian food aisle. Note

If bites burst during cooking, tum oven temperature to a lower heat; cook until golden. You’ll need 1/4 small barbecued chicken, skin and bones removed. Note

Make ahead. Cook dhal the day before, keep, covered, in the fridge. To remove any impurities in peas, rinse under cold running water until water runs clear. Note

The ultimate comfort food, whip up a gorgeous homemade lasagne dish for your family tonight. Layered with chunky beef pieces, tender pasta and a cheesy sauce, it is packed full of flavour.

Pizza cheese is a combination of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sometimes with parmesan for extra bite. Note

A gourmet twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, we've added a spicy tuna mix into this lasagne to create a protein-packed, gourmet dish the whole family will love.

Packed full of delicious flavours and topped with an oozy cheese sauce, this macaroni and bolognese pasta bake is perfect for a hungry family. Serve straight from the pan as a warming Winter dinner.

Swap baguette for sourdough Note

Vegetarian: Use 500g firm chopped tofu instead of beef. Cooking time will vary. You can swap coconut milk for 1 large crumbled beef stock cube and 3/4 cup water. You’ll need to cook 1 cup rice. Note

Use a non-stick frying pan to ensure rice doesn’t stick. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped preserved lemon to chicken mixture before serving. To warm honey, place in a small microwave-safe bowl, then microwave on High (100%) for 30 seconds. Note

We all love roasted Italian vegetables when dining out, but so often do not prepare them at home. It’s a pity, as the roasted veges in this pasta dish are as appealing...

You’ll need 2 slices of bread to make 1 cup breadcrumbs. Note

Use firm tofu, but one that has d smooth creamy texture (sometimes called Chinese tofu). Note

Try regular couscous instead of pearl couscous; prepare as packet directs. To make this dish gluten-free, you could use quinoa instead of couscous. Price will vary. Note

Use yellow capsicum instead of red; chopped regular roma tomato instead of mini. Note

Rolled and tied pork shoulder is in the refrigerated butchery section at most supermarkets. You can also use pork scotch fillet. Price will vary. Note

You can also use kumara, swede, carrot or parsnip in this recipe. Note

To butterfly chicken using kitchen scissors, cut each side of backbone; discard. Flatten chicken. Note

Use canned pink salmon. Add lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use rinsed capers instead of olives. Price will vary. Don’t drain flavoured tuna; the liquid adds flavour to the sauce. Marinated artichoke hearts are at the deli counter; or buy in jars, drain, then refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 weeks. […]

Use frozen peas instead of broad beans. You’ll need a quarter of a large barbecued chicken, skin and bones removed. Note

Use rump steak instead of scotch fillet. Use a mixture of cauliflower and broccoli. No kale? Use silverbeet instead. Note

Honey mustard pork, honey recipe, brought to you by recipes+

Panko breadcrumbs can be found in Asian grocery stores and the Asian food aisle of most supermarkets. Note

Cooking pasta in boiling water first helps speed up the baking. If smoked mozzarella is unavailable, use mozzarella. Flavour will vary. Note

Try pork medallions. Cooking time will vary. To deep-fry, pour oil into a saucepan to a depth of 10cm. Note

Use beef rump steak or lamb rump steak instead of beef fillet. Note

Separate uncooked pancakes with baking paper to stop them sticking together. Note

Swap snake beans for green beans. Note

Cut potatoes and kumara into 3mm-thick slices or use a mandolin. Note

Serve with tomato sauce (ketchup). Note

Kumara is orange sweet potato. You can use any small pasta shape. Save time: Use bought char-grilled vegetables from the deli counter. Note

For a less smoky taste, replace half the smoked paprika with mild paprika. Note

To tenderise beef, place between sheets of baking paper; pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet to 5mm thick. Note

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice. Cook this cut of meat quickly and serve rare. Use minute steak if you prefer well done. Make salsa close to serving time. A very hot pan prevents tough, grey, stewed steak. Turn only once to prevent tough, dry steak. Note

Use 2 teaspoons dried parsley instead of fresh. Swap the tuna for 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast fillet. Price will vary. Prepare and assemble the bakes a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving. This recipe used a frozen mix of carrot, cauliflower and broccoli. Note

You must use sashimi-gradefish for freshness and texture. Buy from a reputable fishmonger. Note

Use 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley instead of dill. Note

Japanese eggplant is a small, slender variety. You can use regular eggplant instead Use 350g chopped, peeled pumpkin instead of eggplant. Note

Use a baking tray that has a shallow rim to catch any juice from the tomatoes. Note

The addition of creamy ricotta in this traditional Italian pasta bake adds an exceptional flavour and texture element to this lasagne. The whole family will love it!

Use chicken thigh fillets instead of breast fillets. You can use brown onion instead of leek. Note

Swap prawns for 600g snubbed, bearded mussels. Cooking time will vary. You’ll need to cook 1 cup jasmine rice. Try 1 1/4 cups frozen peas instead of broccoli. Cooking time vary. Note

Heart-healthy avocado and a touch of olive oil adds a healthful twist on a traditional Italian classic. This creamy avocado pesto pasta is indulgent without being overly rich.

You can add a few sprigs of thyme to potatoes before baking. Note

This recipe uses Jap pumpkin, but, you could use butternut, Kent or blue, if preferred. Note

It is important that mince is cooked through completely to destroy any bacteria. Note

Leftover peperonata is delicious tossed through hot pasta and served with shaved parmesan and crusty bread. Note

Individual ramekins can be used, if preferred. Note

Chicken stroganoff

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

It is important to stir the pasta once or twice after adding to the boiling water, to help prevent sticking – a few drops of oil added to the water is a great idea, too. Note

The glaze can be made in the microwave. If glaze becomes too thick to brush on, reheat until correct consistency. To keep leftover ham fresh and moist, cover with reserved rind. Alternatively, dip a clean tea towel or calico bag in a solution of 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, squeeze out the […]

If liked, add some chopped hard-boiled eggs and crispy prosciutto or bacon to the potato salad. Note

When cooking steaks, place in a preheated frying pan, char-grill or barbecue. Cook for 2-3 minutes to seal and turn to cook the other side. This will glint rare steak. Cook for a minute or two longer for medium. Note

For medium or well-done steaks, move meat to a cooler part of the barbecue (or turn down heat) and cook for a further 2-3 minutes each side for medium and 4-6 minutes for well done, basting throughout. Note

Turn the steaks when you see a little moisture on the surface of the uncooked side. Note

This vegetable and feta mixture is also delicious tossed through prepared couscous. Note

Use all lentils and add more chilli for extra bite, if preferred. Note

Extra cornflake crumbs may be required, depending on the size of the fish fillets. Note

For an even quicker remoulade, combine 1/2 cup of good-quality mayonnaise with lemon juice. Stir through gherkins, parsley, anchovies and capers. Note

Serve curry with steamed rice or noodles. This dish is also delicious made with seafood or pork. Note

A dish like this cries out for a glass of red wine.

For quicker cooking time, blanch the cannelloni tubes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain, cool and fill. Note

If preferred, after browning chicken in pan, cover and finish cooking over a low heat, until cooked through. Note

Cook pasta in a large pan of boiling, salted- water for 10-12 minutes, until just tender. Note