Nici Wickes’ greatest hits

This light and billowy cream pie is a case of assembly, rather than cooking, meaning anyone can make it!

I never add sugar when bottling peaches (or other summer fruit) as they have enough natural sugar in them. By using the easy overflow method to preserve, they last just as well without the sugar. Buy a case online from one of the orchards in Central Otago, then set aside an hour or so in summer to preserve half a dozen jars.

I can still remember my mum making me and my sisters iced coffees when we were studying for our end-of-year school exams. I’m sure it was the caffeine and sugary ice cream that got us through!

I don’t think we ever went on a family picnic without a bacon and egg pie wrapped in a tea towel to keep it vaguely warm until it was devoured. Mum, like her mother, is adamant that this pie should contain only the essentials – none of this tomato, peas, onion or cheese nonsense. It’s still a family favourite and slabs of this get demolished in seconds whenever Mum makes it.

Turkey, fresh mint and coriander, slices of chilli and crunchy cabbage all wrapped up in rice paper – what’s not to love about this fresh and zingy idea for turkey leftovers? After a day of heavy eating these are just the trick for a light lunch or supper.

This is my version of a po’ boy, the Louisiana sandwich that is stuffed with fried shrimp or oysters and plenty of spicy mayo. My baguettes crammed with garlic prawns and creamy curry mayo will be a sure hit!

This is the perfect dish if you’d rather not tackle a large joint of meat on Christmas Day. I’ve designed the recipe so that it can be scaled to suit however many people are sitting around your table.

If you like trifle, you will adore this version. It can be made up to two days ahead of when you need it to lessen the stress of making it at the last minute.

A whole side of salmon makes a great Christmas treat.

These are simply the best fish cakes. It might take a little extra effort to make a thick béchamel as well as mashed potato, but once you’ve made them, I know you’ll agree it is worth the effort

Try this light and tasty way of preparing raw fish. Although coconut milk is often used in the Pacific for this dish, it makes a refreshing change to leave it out.

Have you heard? Fermented food is in! Try this simple recipe for delicious homemade sauerkraut. It’s easy to make, colourful and makes a great gift to enjoy with hot dogs and corned beef sandwiches. It’s an instant hit of healthy. Photography by Todd Eyre

I really love this basic vanilla cake recipe. If it is made in a square tin, it can be cut into quarters and dressed up any way you please. Photography by: Todd Eyre.

If the mention of yoghurt in this recipe makes you feel better about indulging in multiple wedges of it, me too! I’ve been making this cake for years as it is a fail-safe cake that has what I call “integrity” – ie it is deep and holds itself well over more than a few days without becoming dry or stale-tasting. Photography: Todd Eyre.

I make all sorts of banana loaves and cakes but this one is especially terrific. Somehow it is both robust and super-soft and fluffy. It also slices easily and stays fresh for days – not that it’ll last that long!