Alcohol

Makes 6 Note

Makes 8 Note

Chuck steak is cooked low and slow until tender for this simple beef bourguignon recipe

We made only 1 layer, but if using a smaller pan layers may be doubled. Note

Rich, opulent European dishes put an international spin on any occasion. This platter works as an entree, paired with hearty breads.

This French onion soup with gruyère croutons is a favourite at our place. It’s is easy to make and full of flavour.

Relive Granny's sweet apple pie with this rich dessert best served with vanilla ice-cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Be sure to enjoy the cheeky addition of calvados, rum or brandy (or all three!)

Strawberries and Champagne are an unbeatable match. Enjoy!

When tamarillos are in season, try this quick and easy recipe which can be served with muesli and yoghurt for breakfast.

An irresistible simple desert for chocolate lovers. Pair with cinnamon oranges for a perfect seasonal dessert.

Kirsch is a brandy distilled from cherries, available at bottle shops. Note

Do not allow water to touch base of bowl as it may cause mixture to curdle due to overheating. Note

Popular Italian tiramisu dessert, meaning 'pick me up' because there's traditionally quite a bit of coffee in it! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers are layered with a light and airy filling.

Cinzano is sweet vermouth that has been produced in northern Italy since the 18th century. It’s available in three varieties – Bianco, Rosso and Extra Dry. Note

Feijoa and kiwifruit. Has there ever been a cocktail so quintessentially Kiwi?

Simplicity reigns in this new favourite summer cocktail.

If you do not have an ovenproof saucepan, transfer mixture to a casserole dish before baking. Alternatively, cook in a covered heavy-based saucepan on the stove-top. Coq au Vin Blanc may be cooked 1 day ahead of time, covered and chilled. To reheat, bake in a 180°C oven 20-30 minutes, until heated through. Note

If desired, melt a little extra low-fat butter alternative and spread over top of pate before chilling. Note

If wombok is not available, use 1/3 of a regular cabbage instead. Note

We like to serve this with a salad of leaves from the garden and some form of roasted crunchy potatoes.

Lap chong is a dried Chinese pork sausage and can be found in the Asian section of supermarkets. Substitute mild salami, if preferred. Choose mussels that feel heavy for their size. Note

Decadent and irresistible tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, layered with a light and airy filling. For extra indulgence, dust the top of the tiramisu with dark chocolate.

You can replace the marsala with Kahlua or Frangelico if preferred. Note

Use the cheaper cuts of beef for this recipe, such as chuck and blade. The slow cooking will make the meat wonderfully tender. Note

To french trim a lamb shank, rack or cutlet is to remove excess gristle, fat and meat from the end, exposing the bone. Make a quick gremolata to scatter over cooked lamb shanks by combining chopped parsley, a little chopped garlic and grated or finely chopped lemon rind. Note

Make these divine mini trifles with creamy custard, spiced cake and berry jelly in screw-top jars or takeaway containers.

Fresh watermelon alone is one of the best things about summer, but try pairing it with vodka, bitters, lemonade and mint for an extra special summer sipper.

Dropping consistency is reached when the mixture is soft enough to slide off the spoon after a few seconds, but isn’t so soft that it falls off easily. Note

For a non-alcoholic tropical treat, simply leave out the white rum and double the amount of pineapple. Pineapple juice can be used instead of crushed pineapple. Note

This syrup makes a wonderful gift. Simply pour it into decorative jars and store in the fridge. Note

This rich beef casserole dish is a perfectly comforting and hearty meal for cold winter nights. The addition of potatoes means it’s a complete meal, serve some green beans or any of your favourite green vegetables on the side. What cut of beef should be used for this dish? Chuck, braising and stewing beef all […]

A sexy dessert that can be prepared in advance: make the mousse the day before and keep refrigerated, then whip up the zabaglione crema just before serving.

This is a real show-stopper. The dark chocolate and coffee cake is coated in a delicious coffee frosting. It’s easy to bake and fun to assemble, so even a novice can produce a great-looking, great-tasting result.

Glazing a ham is a Christmas rite of passage for the home cook. You can’t beat the look of a nice ham all dressed up in cherries or pineapple. It makes you look like a whiz in the kitchen and it’s dead easy.

Luca Villari raids the liqueur cabinet to add extra dimensions of flavour to this elegant desert

To unmould custards, carefully loosen edges with a thin knife or place a plate on top and turn over. Give a firm shake to let the custard slip out of its ramekin. Note

This makes 1 1/2 cups tapenade. Serve with pasta or on sandwiches. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. To make tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water into a heatproof jug. Add 2 earl grey tea bags; stand for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Uncooked marinated octopus suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. You could also use baby octopus. Rigani is Greek oregano, available at some delicatessens or spice stores. If it’s unavailable, substitute dried oregano. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. You will need to purchase a large barbecued chicken weighing approximately 900g for this recipe. Note

This recipe can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble just before serving. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Note

We used Baileys Irish Cream, a liqueur made of blended cream, Irish whiskey and Irish spirits. Don’t over-beat the chocolate and liqueur mixture as it will curdle. Note

Un-iced cakes can be made four days ahead; store covered in an airtight container at room temperature or suitable to freeze. Ice cakes on the day of serving. Chocolate and butter suitable to microwave. Note

Green prawns can be used in place of scallops. If a small piece of wonton wrapper dropped into the oil sizzles immediately, it is ready to use. Note

You can use any combination of mushrooms totaling 900g. Note

Suitable to freeze (without mustard, cream, peas and parsley). Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

This dish has a number of steps. You can make it easier by making the filling the day before. Rest assured, though, it is completely worth the effort – this is one of those memorable meals you’ll want to make again. If you don’t have a slow cooker, cook the lamb, in a covered ovenproof dish, in a 180°C (160°C fan-forced) oven for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender. You may not need to reduce the sauce if you cook it in the oven

Whip up these decadent chocolate desserts in just 20 minutes! Prepare ahead for a dinner party so they have plenty of time to chill.

Cool, fruity and refreshing, this beautiful pomegranate cosmopolitan is perfect for a night out with your friends or relaxing afternoon drinks on a hot Summer's evening.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Rinse the noodles in boiling water before adding them to the beef, so they are easier to stir-fry. You can add a bag of frozen chinese stir-fry vegetables, too. Note

Make this pudding in one large mould. Replace the grand marnier with brandy, if desired. Note

Pina colada

The negroni is a classic Italian aperitif traditionally enjoyed before a meal to prime the appetite.

This is a cocktail for the health conscious. You’ll need a juicer to get the fresh, green colour out of the apple and cucumber, resulting in a drink full of alkalinising goodness. And it doesn’t end there either, it’s got gin in it too, which is full of alcoholising goodness.

This bold flavoured beverage is a great, fun option for a cocktail party.

The French call it La Fête Nationale, we call it Bastille Day. But surely we can all agree that 14 July is the perfect excuse to celebrate our liberté and throw back a glass or three of this Champagne cocktail.

A sneaky rum kick makes this special chocolatey hot drink that little bit more decadent. Perfect to snuggle up with on a cold night.

Perfect for any occasion that needs a bit of a bang.

Perfect for a summer afternoon refreshment. It is floral, fresh, fizzy and delectable.

Keep dinner fast, interesting and tasty with this beautiful chicken cacciatore recipe that is bursting with flavour, making this the perfect meal for sharing with family and friends.

Sink your fork into a big slice of this smooth and creamy espresso and fig cheesecake. Topped with crunchy hazelnuts, this indulgent dessert is beautiful enjoyed with a glass of milk or coffee.

Using olive oil instead of butter gives a more dense result and faint fruity flavour. Olive oil also has less saturated fat than butter, so it’s a little better for you. Note

Lillet is a French aperitif made from a blend of Bordeaux wine and citrus liqueur and it comes in blanc, rose or rouge. Often served chilled with a slice of lemon or orange, it’s also a refreshing way to toast the approach of spring.

This beautiful blush sunset coloured beverage is perfect to to settle down in the sand with on a hot summer's day.

Mixology master Frankie Walker says Hot Buttered Rum is great for sharing – you can make up a batch in advance. It’s also a classic cocktail, with its roots very much in Jamaica.