Dinner

To test it the turkey is cooked, pierce it through the thickest part of its thigh. If the juices run clear, the turkey is ready. Any leftover stuffing can be wrapped in foil and baked with the turkey for the lust half-hour of cooking time. Note

To make gravy, place baking dish on stove top with pan juices. Add 2 tablespoons plain flour, stirring on medium heat until bubbling. Gradually mix in 1 cup chicken stock and 1/2 cup port, stirring until mixture boils and thickens. Season and simmer for 3 minutes. Note

Roast a few cloves of unpeeled garlic with tomatoes. Remove skins, mash and add to pasta for extra flavour. Note

You could spoon this into one large casserole dish and sprinkle with a little grated parmesan or tasty cheese before baking. A 400g can diced tomatoes could be used in place of the pasta sauce. Note

If liked, use skinless thin fillets and fold to help cook the fish evenly. Whiting fillets can be rolled and secured with at toothpick. Note

Nothing is better on a chilly day than this silky cauliflower fettuccine sprinkled with breadcrumb mixture and marjoram leaves.

If using frozen smoked cod, thaw first. Equipment: You will need 4, 1-cup ramekins. Note

Add some red wine to the pan juices. Bring to the boil. Boil until reduced and thickened. Serve as a sauce over the beef. Spread beef with mustard or horseradish before sprinkling with herbs and seasonings, if desired. Note

For a lighter version, use light evaporated milk, blended with 1 teaspoon cornflour, in place of cream. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring. Note

Rare steak feels “very soft”. For well done, continue cooking on a slightly reduced heat, until meat feels “very firm”. Note

This would also be delicious made with salmon, or even flaked, smoked trout. Note

Put a healthful twist on a traditional pesto pasta recipe! This creamy avocado pesto is indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to heart-healthy avocado and a touch of olive oil.

To test that the chicken is cooked through, insert a skewer between the thigh and leg joint. If juices run clear, it is cooked. Note

If necessary, you can use toothpicks to secure the eggplant rolls – but remember to remove them before serving. Note

Pin-bone means to remove all the fine bones in a fish fillet. Use your finger to feel for the pin bone tips sticking out of the fillet, then use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to grab the tips and pull them out. Note

If desired, you could cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and toss it through hot pasta for a delicious main meal. Note

If preferred you can replace the lamb or diced forequarter chops in this recipe. Note

Master stock can be used over and over and will develop rich flavours over time. After every use, bring to boil, then strain, cool and freeze in an airtight container. Note

This is a one-pot wonder, and the flavour will improve if you make it the day before. Bouquet garni is a mixture of aromatic herbs tied together which are used for flavour and removed towards the end of cooking. A mixture of thyme, parsley stalks and bay leaves is most common. Note

Prepare instant polenta following packet instructions. You could also use chuck steak or gravy beet, trimmed and cut into large chunks. Reduce cooking time by 2 hours. Note

If you prefer a spicier version, you could replace cabanossi with smoked chorizo and add a pinch of dried chilli flakes. Note

If preparing this salad ahead, do not add the rocket leaves or dressing until ready to serve. Note

If liked, use chicken thigh fillets. If skinless, spread tapenade mixture over the fillet before baking. Note

Roast kumara on an oven tray lined with baking paper. Spray with olive oil and bake in a moderate oven, 180°C, 20-25 minutes, until tender. Note

These delicious flaky filo parcels are filled with crumbly feta and spinach. Baked until golden and crisp, serve with a fresh side salad and you'll have a tasty meal in no time.

To make slicing through the skin easier, tum pork skin side down onto chopping board. Note

Delicious Spanish food doesn't get much better than paella. This tasty recipe by Woman's Day combines juicy chicken breast with smoked chorizo, sprinkled with chopped parsley.

If you have a large baking dish, combine the chicken and vegetables all in one. Note

This quick and tasty Turkish-inspired lamb pizza will have you ditching the takeaway menu.

Use whatever vegetables you have on hand — this dish is very versatile. Note

For perfect crisp potatoes, parboil kipfler potatoes until just tender. Drain well and pat dry. Cut in half lengthways to increase surface area. Place on a tea towel and cool, uncovered, to remove excess moisture. Pan-fry in a little olive mixed with butter and rosemary sprigs, until crisp and golden. Season to taste. Note

Flavourful, aromatic chicken noodle soup. Is there anything more comforting than homemade chicken noodle soup? Perfect for cold weather, and especially if you are fighting off a cold.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

If canned peppercorns aren’t available, use 1 extra tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper instead. Note

The spicy curry flavours pair well with a salad of tomato wedges, red onion and mint dressed with olive oil and sherry and vinegar. Note

For a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon cornflour into 1/4 cup reduced sauce. Bring to boil, stirring, until thickened. Simmer 3 minutes. Note

Prepare couscous following packet instructions. Ask your butcher to “french” your shanks – this means to trim the bones of all excess fat and tendon. Ras el Hanout, available in supermarkets, means “top of the shop” in Arabic. It is a traditional Moroccan spice mix that can contain up to 30 spices, which are toasted […]

For a variation, replace the lamb with beef chuck steak and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes longer, until tender. Note

To reduce the preparation time, use 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas instead. They will only need a few minutes of cooking once added to the heat. Note

For a spicy kick, add 1-2 sliced birdseye chillies with the lemongrass. Note

Add fresh baby spinach leaves for an extra serve of vegetables. Note

To cook polent, use instant polenta and follow packet instructions. This will take around 5-6 minutes to prepare. Note

If liked, drizzle this pasta with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before sewing. Accompany with a mixed salad. Note

This is yummy with fried eggs! To make your own aioli, add 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to 1 cup whole egg mayonnaise. Note

If necessary, add a little water when cooking sauce to thin consistency. Note

This dish can also be baked, covered, in a very slow oven 120°C, around 3 hours or until the meat begins to fall off the bone. Note

Crumb mixture can be sprinkled over risotto, vegies or salad. Note

Search out a good-sized potato for this dish. The agria variety works well here.

When coating the pasta with sauce, it’s easier if you stir in half the pasta first, then the remaining half. Note

If zucchini flowers are in season, use as an alternative to the zucchini, and place on top of the pasta when serving. Zucchini flowers are usually available from November to May and at their best from January to April. Note

Barbecued chicken could be used in this dish instead of duck. If you like, warm filled crepes for 1 minute on high (100%) power in the microwave oven. Note

We used pork and fennel sausages, but if you are using plain pork sausages, add 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds for flavour. Note

To test if pork is ready, insert a skewer in the thickest section-juices will run clear. Note

Acidulated water is water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent discolouring. Scallop roe can either be retained or removed. Add extra stock to get the soup to the consistency you prefer. Note