Dinner

This is the stuff that dreams are made of; luscious mascarpone cream and candied watermelon sandwiched between crispy almond meringue and topped with fresh strawberries. Your guests will love it.

Stuffed with the meat of spicy Italian sausages and slowly roasted on a bed of onions, pears and cider, this slow-cooked pork neck is rich, fragrant and absolutely full of flavour.

Crispy crumbed chicken wings stuffed with a spicy chicken mince stuffed and served with a chilli peanut dipping sauce are the very definition of finger-licking good!

Angel hair pasta, also known as barbina, or "capelli d'angelo" in Italian, are long, delicate strands of spaghetti-like pasta. This tomato, tuna and capers angel hair pasta recipe is fresh and tasty.

Empanadas are the perfect snack to serve at a barbecue or cocktail party. They are also delicious cold and make a tasty addition to the kids' school lunch boxes.

Once again we must thank the Italians. This time, it's for mustard fruits which provide a sweetness along with a uniquely spicy accent to any dish they are added to. Here, it's roasted pork.

This rich Spanish chicken stew is infused with saffron, a popular spice in Spanish cooking. The best saffron is the most expensive spice in the world as it must be harvested by hand.

This spinach, bacon and pine nut pasta can be on the table in under 20 minutes. Pappardelle is a wide ribbon pasta perfect for this kind of dish but you can substitute fettuccine or tagliatelle, if preferred.

This pasta with smoked salmon is a quick and easy go-to dish when you're after something speedy. Smoked salmon off-cuts are inexpensive and sometimes available from seafood stores, some supermarkets and delicatessens.

Farmhouse cooking has a history of finding delicious way to use every scrap of meat, from nose to tail. Brawn, sausages, salami and, of course, terrine are all part of this noble tradition.

Rotolo is a pasta dish that's not nearly as well known as it should be, especially given how delicious it is. Lasagne sheets are used to make a filled roll that's either wrapped and boiled, or sliced and baked in sauce.

Green olive salsa, with fresh, fragrant oregano and lots of lemon juice, makes a great topping for a juicy barbecued veal cutlet. Served with kipler potatoes, this is a great recipe for when you feel like a bbq with a difference.

This exotic burger will satisfy the whole family - the sweet chilli sauce adds a kick of flavour. Preparation: 20min. Cooking: 10min. Serves: 4

While a classic French brandade is based on salt cod, it can be made with any fish, flaked into a garlicky sauce. We used ling here, and the resultant take on the traditional is not only just as good but easier to prepare too.

This easy lamb curry takes a little time to cook so that those lovely flavours develop sufficiently, but apart from the initial preparation it's pretty much hands off. And not a jar of curry paste in sight.

Fill your kitchen with the heady aroma and taste of Italy with this healthy and colourful eggplant, tomato and basil pizza made with your own thin and crispy pizza base. Just like mama used to make!

This Sichuan pork with peach and chilli salad is typical of this style of Chinese cuisine, with its bold flavours and particular kick that comes from the classic Sichuan pepper seasoning.

Take a trip back to your childhood with this old fashioned corned beef recipe. Serve warm with creamy mashed potato, mustard, cornichons, caperberries and parsley or with steamed potatoes, carrots and cabbage.

Cold meatloaf makes a delicious sandwich filling on sourdough bread. Serve with melted cheese, mixed salad leaves and a chunky beetroot relish. This barbecue-glazed meatloaf also makes a good lunchbox addition just sliced cold and wrapped.

This lamb and apricot tagine with citrus couscous has so many of the characteristics we love; spicy, fragrant, savoury and sweet. The traditional lengthy cooking method ensures a depth of flavour and tender, juicy meat.

Sopressa, Italian aged salami, has a spicy, slightly sweet taste with hints of pepper and garlic. Chorizo has its origins in Spanish cuisine, and gets its smoky flavour and deep red colour from smoked pimentón, more commonly known as paprika. Both meats can be quite spicy so taste the different varieties on offer at the delicatessen before making this meat lover's pizza.

This fresh tomato and chilli pasta is the perfect midweek family meal that will satisfy everyone. Serve alongside some crusty garlic bread and the kids will be at the table before you can say "dinner's ready!"

The addition of caraway seeds, toasted pine nuts and just the perfect amount of lemon juice take this roasted pumpkin and fetta pasta from satisfactory to simply exceptional. Serve with crusty garlic bread.

The secret to a perfectly cooked, moist pork steak is to take the meat out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cooking on a medium heat. This will prevent the outside from being overcooked when the inside is done.

Quince adds a new kind of flavour to this spicy veal and caramelised onion tagine. Using veal knuckle adds richness to the finished dish as the marrow melts during cooking.

Making your own pasta dough is incredibly satisfying and easier than you might think. You do need a pasta machine, but the investment is worthwhile; just one bite of freshly made pasta and you'll see why.

This slow roasted pork with fennel dish will fill your kitchen with the type of aroma that will have the hoards running to the dinner table. Any leftovers can be sliced and used for the kids' lunchbox sandwiches.

For something a little different, try our baked veal with potato pea mash. The cornflake crumb provides a delightful crunch to the tender meat, and the potato and pea combo is fresher alternative to the usual mash.

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is given something extra special when topped with fetta and freshly sliced spring onions. It can be on the dinner table in under half an hour which makes it a perfect midweek meal.

This dish is a stand-out recipe, not just because it's quite spectacular, but because the taste of fish baked in a salt crust is incomparable. The perfect centrepiece for a celebratory meal.

Perfect as a finger food for your next cocktail party, these deep-fried prawns with dipping sauce won't last long. If you pre-prepare the dipping sauce and buy the prawns pre-shelled and de-veined, the dish can be prepared in just a few minutes.

This tagliatelle pasta with broccoli and anchovies is simple and delicious. Don't let the family be put off by the addition of anchovies, they leave no overwhelming fishy taste, just a delicious savoury flavour.

If you're looking for the perfect quick and easy mid-week dinner, you've found it. Simple, tasty and ready in a flash, this asparagus, bacon and cheese pasta will become a go-to recipe.

For a hearty healthy meal, try these fillet steaks with caramelised shallots and creamy mashed potatoes. For the very best mash, use lasoda, nicola or sebago potatoes.

With four kids all participating in after-school activities and sports, dinner time in my household was always a chance to catch up with each other. We were all very fussy eaters, too, so poor Mum had to adapt every recipe to, hopefully, satisfy all of us at the one table. This meal was always a winner and I am sure a little sweeter than the original, but to this day, it's one of my go-to recipes if I am entertaining friends. Dad loves plum jam, but I think blackberry works better.

This delicious chicken dish is easy to make and packed full of flavour. Your family will love the addition of a zesty homemade salsa verde to their dinner.

Creamy, comforting and delicious, this baked penne with peas, mushroom and leek is what macaroni cheese wants to be when it grows up.

Rigatoni is a ridged pasta that looks like thick, short penne, its grooves and wide centre help hold chunky sauces. Note

We used sun-dried capsicum pesto for this recipe, but any bottled “red” pesto, such as tomato, could be used. Note

If you have an electric pressure cooker you won’t need to reduce the heat to stabilise pressure, your cooker will automatically stabilise itself. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before using. Recipe not suitable to freeze. Note

Za’atar, a blend of roasted dry spices, is easy to make, but a prepared mix of sesame seeds, marjoram, thyme and sumac can be purchased in Middle-Eastern food shops and delicatessens. Try it sprinkled on your morning toast that’s been spread with softened feta cheese or ricotta. Note

Kalonji are also called nigella or black onion seeds. Note

Fresh mint adds lightness to this delicious vegetable risotto, a great meat-free dinner option.

Use barbecued chicken breast with the skin removed, leftover roast chicken, or pan-fried or poached chicken breasts. If making ahead of time, don’t dress the salad until ready to serve. We used a fat-free french vinaigrette, but dress the salad with your favourite fat-free dressing. Note

The humble and misunderstood cabbage is put to good use with these Japanese inspired cabbage rolls. Dunk them generously in the dipping sauce and experience the uniquely and delicately flavoured pork filling.

Apple is a traditional pairing for roast pork, adding raspberry just intensifies the delicious pairing of tender meat and applesauce. Serve with vinegary cabbage and potatoes.

Pears accompany pork just as perfectly as apples. The flesh of the fruit softens and sweetens the meat.

Poached salmon with asparagus, rocket and risoni salad. This recipe can be prepared a few hours ahead but add rocket just before serving.

A healthy steak and chips option from Australian Women's Weekly.

We used a thin tomato pasta sauce, also known as sugo or passata, which contains only tomatoes and onion. Note

These sausages with a difference make a great dish for a relaxed meal with friends, allowing you to serve something special that isn't formal.

Meatballs suitable to freeze. Spinich suitable to freeze. Note

Baking a leg of lamb in a salt crust means the meat is steamed as you bake it, leaving it incredibly tender and allowing the herbs to fully permeate the leg.

If you have an electric pressure cooker you won’t need to reduce the heat to stabilise pressure, your cooker will automatically stabilise itself. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before using. Recipe suitable to free. Note

You need half a large barbecued chicken (approximately 500g) to get the amount of shredded meat required for this recipe. Note

Surprisingly light for a cream based pasta, this bacon and broccoli pasta is quick, filling and just the ticket on a busy weeknight.

Place the green onion strips in iced water for about 20 minutes to make onion curls, a classic Chinese garnish. Note

Give your roast lamb rack an Indian flavour with this delicious and fragrant spice paste. You could also use it as a spice rub for any other kind of meat.

The traditional paella pan is shallow and wide. If you don’t have one, use one large or two smaller frying pans ­ the mixture should only be about 4cm (1½ inches) deep. This recipe is best made just before serving. Note

These delicious meatballs are great to freeze – serve with your favourite salad.

A hearty stew for cold winter nights.

These are serious little pies; tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms and fennel swimming in a creamy mustard sauce and topped with golden, flaky pastry.

Tender pumpkin and ribbons of zucchini are delicately flavoured with fresh sage to make this deep, layered vegetable lasagne.

A hearty, flavoursome meat-free meal that can be on the table less than 30 minutes after getting home from work. Serve with crusty herb or garlic bread.

Healthy and delicious Asian-style char-grilled steak with pesto.

Soufflé must be made just before serving. Note

soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes before use to prevent splintering and scorching. Note

With hints of warm spices, mint and feta, this baked pasta dish is full of flavour and makes a wonderful family meal.

A duxelles (doo-zell) is a classic French mixture of finely chopped shallots and mushrooms cooked in butter, often used in pâtés and stuffings. Note

This gorgeous bird will take pride of place at your Christmas table this year. A delicious roasted almond stuffing, spiced cherries, and a smooth, savoury gravy complete this amazing turkey.

the sweet cucumber and peanut sauce can be made up to four days ahead. Note

Ask the butcher to bone the lamb loins for you. You could replace the capsicum dip with sun-dried tomato pesto. The lamb can be prepared to the end of step 3. Cover and refrigerate. Stand lamb at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting. The lamb may take up to 5 minutes longer to roast […]

You can ask the butcher to tie the pork for you. Note