Capsicum

It is important to remove all capsicum membrane, as it is quite bitter. Note

Sarah Bowman uses the last pick of sun-loving tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants to create this Mediterranean classic

Forget the breakfast club, have a sleep-in then get the crew together forJulie Biuso’s delicious vegetable-based brunch dish

For stir-fried beef with mushrooms, replace capsicum with 125g sliced mushroom caps. For stir-fried beef with sugar snap or snow peas, replace capsicum with 100g sugar snap or snow peas. Kid-friendly tip: leave out the chilli if cooking for the kids. Note

If using wooden skewers, soak in cold water for 30 minutes before using to avoid them burning on the grill. Note

Use any thin cheese you prefer, such as provolone. Note

The popular superfood quinoa dives in to save lunch yet again with this Italian style salad. Filled with tomatoes, capsicum, boccincini and a zesty dressing your taste buds and stomach will be thanking you.

Meatballs suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

A meal cooked with fresh seasonal produce is one of life's joys. We celebrate the bounty of summer in this flavour-filled dish

This technique for cooking the salmon is simple, packed with flavour and it’s also a healthy option. The recipe will also work well with other whole fish, such as snapper, hapuku or cod, or with fillets.

This pasta dish can be served hot or cold as a salad. Note

This capsicum sauce is commonly known as peperonata, and can also be served with crusty bread or stirred through pasta. Note

These muffins are perfect for a quick lunch. Cut them in half and top with slices of ham or chicken, or serve them plain with carrot and celery sticks and a piece of fruit. Note

Delicious! Cut the vegetables into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.

If the chicken has gone cold, place it in a 180°C oven for 10-15 minutes. Choose “topless” pineapple, or use three or four chopped canned pineapple rings. Note

Roasting the vegetables for the ratatouille helps them caramelise and melt in the mouth. Note

Suitable to freeze. Rice suitable to microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. If cooking chicken the day before, reserve some of the cooking liquid to pour over the sliced chicken meat before refrigerating. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Harissa is available at selected supermarkets and delicatessens. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable for freeze or microwave. For variation, you can add sliced mushrooms when cooking the bacon, or green onions or corn with the capsicum, if desired. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

You could use Spanish sherry vinegar in place of the red wine, if preferred. For a more smoky flavor, grill capsicums over coals, without oil, turning them as they blacken. If you have a juicer on hand, use this to juice your vegetables in Step 4, instead of the blender. Note

You will need about 2 cups (400g) uncooked jasmine rice for this recipe. The rice is best cooked the day before you want to cook the nasi goreng – spread it in a thin layer on a tray, cover and refrigerate overnight. Note

These are perfect for an entrée or starter.

Don’t be put off by how long it takes to make this dish – it mostly cooks itself. It’s surprising how so few ingredients can result in such fantastic flavour.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Fino sherry is available at good bottle shops. Note

For the perfect balanced lunch, add fresh fruit, grissini (bread sticks) and water. Not suitable to freeze. Pasta suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Suitable to microwave. Risoni is a small rice-shaped pasta very similar to orzo. If unavailable, use any small soup-style pasta. Alternatively, pearl barley, rice or quinoa can also be used in this salad. Note

Use ,drained canned corn kernels, if you like. To remove corn kernels, hold cob upright on a board,. Using a sharp knife, slice straight down sides. Note

Make this salad up to a day ahead by preparing and cooking lamb and vegies to the end of step 5 and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When you are nearly ready to serve the salad, toss together with salad greens and dressing. If you prefer not to use a yoghurt […]

If you think the kids may not like the taste of smoked paprika- even though it isn’t hot – try sweet paprika instead. Add at little of the smoked next little. so they gradually become accustomed to the flavour. Note

Barbecue chicken, spinach and pasta frittata brought to you by Real Living

This is the perfect soup to get you through those cold winter nights

Sweet, spicy and so tasty, this chutney will give your roasts, curries and even sandwiches a lift.

Bbq chicken, spinach and pasta frittata

Budget beef rump steak is a less expensive alternative to regular ramp steak. Note

No flameproof pan? Cover handle with foil to prevent it burning under the grill. Note

Use green capsicum instead of red if preferred. To save time, use a kettle to boil water for pasta. Note

Use a food processor to combine butter with flour, but don’t over-process. Note

If necessary, thinly siice base of each cooked potato to sit flat. Soy cheese is sold in health food shops and some supermarkets. Make sure it’s dairy free. Note

Check pastry packaging as some brands may contain animal products. Note

You will need to soak skewers in cold water for 20 minutes prior to preparing to prevent scorching. You can use chicken or firm white fish fillets. You need to cook 1 1/2 cups white long-grain rice a day ahead. Note

Sun-dried tomato and capsicum tapenade

With a golden cheese topping, crispy filo pastry and tender eggplant mingling with cinnamon spiced lamb, this delicious and hearty moussaka is a joy to behold when baked to perfection.

You can use sour cream instead of buttermilk. Muffins are great for Lunch boxes. Try fresh ricotta instead of feta. You’ll need about 2 zucchini. Note

Julie Biuso creates a midweek masterpiece for your dinner table

For richer flavour, marinate chicken overnight. Note

You can make pilaf using long-grain white rice instead of basmati. Add chopped coriander to yogurt. Note