Ham and bacon

Warm your insides with this hearty chicken cacciatore - it's the ultimate comfort food for a hungry family.

You get what you pay for with prosciutto, although the cheaper versions found in supermarkets are usually pretty good. The more expensive prosciutto usually imported from Italy, is finer quality meat and air-dried for longer therefore having a more intense flavor. I don’t be alarmed by the fat on the edge of the prosciutto, and […]

Croque monsieur is a traditional French hot sandwich snack. It’s usually filled with bechamel sauce, but this version simply uses eggs to soak the bread. You can make a Croque Madame by placing a fried egg on top! Note

Equipment: Sharp knife; 2 large baking trays; baking paper; frying pan; spatula. Note

This delicious and rustic minestrone recipe is loaded with incredible flavour and is wonderful enjoyed for a comforting and warming weeknight meal during those cold winter evenings

Buy ham from the deli. Eggs must be at room temperature or shells will crack during cooking. Note

Use salami instead of ham. Mushrooms are high in antioxidants. Note

Instead of bacon, use chipolata sausages or chopped chorizo. Buy an unsliced loaf of white bread then cut into 2.5crn slices. You can use sliced sandwich bread, but it will flatten significantly when toasted in the press. No press? Cook toasties in a lightly oiled frying pan. Note

To make the hollandaise in a processor, process vinegar and egg yolks. With motor running, slowly add melted butter in a thin stream. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley. Cover the surface with plastic food wrap. The fresher the eggs, the easier they are to poach. Use leftover […]

Classic and cheesy chicken parmigiana doesn�t have to take hours in the kitchen. This chicken parmigiana with a rich tomato sauce and crisp salad creates a quick and tasty family meal.

Use leftover shredded barbecued chicken or drained flaked canned tuna You need 1 slice of day-old bread for crumbs. Note

You could use this filling to stuff beef or pork steaks. For a spicy touch, sprinkle some dried chilli flakes over filling before folding steak in half. Note

Toss baby rocket or spinach leaves into salad. Try adding frozen peas (thawed) and finely chopped celery to salad Note

The combination of salty ham, oozy cheese, hearty eggplant and crumbed chicken is absolutely delicious. Enjoy it hot out of the oven with a fresh rocket salad for a tasty family dinner.

For a great way to use up leftover ham that is simply delicious, follow this recipe to create Croque monsieur - the gourmet French version of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

If preferred, use fresh croissants instead of frozen. Note

Try wholegrain mustard instead. Make smaller croissants as party food. Note

This recipe replaces 1/2 cup of flour with polenta. You will need about 1 large zucchini. Note

Barbecue chicken pizza brought to you by Recipes Plus

Use thin bacon rashers instead of prosciutto Note

Use canned corned beef instead of ham. Top with any of your favourite pizza toppings. You can cook the pizza on a baking tray in the oven. Note

Pinwheels are a great idea for kids school lunchboxes. Note

Drain sun-dried tomato on paper towels to remove as much oil as possible. This recipe is a good source of calcium. Note

Blend soup with an electric stick mixer. Note

Saltimbocca is Italian for ‘jump in the mouth’; the combination of lemon, herbs and capers in this recipe ensures this happens. Heating oil and butter together adds flavour and prevents butter burning. Note

If yeast mixture doesn’t bubble after standing, discard, then start again. Note

You can use regular tomatoes, chopped, instead of baby rama and teardrop tomatoes. Cool pasta slightly before adding pesto, as heat can discolour the pesto. Note

You could use sun-dried tomato tapenade in place of the pesto, if preferred. Note

You can easily double mixture to serve 4. Note

Budget tip: Replace parmesan with grated cheddar cheese; flavour will vary. Instead of peas, try chopped tomato. You can use any tortellini variety. Note

Add chopped tomato or spinach to filling. Note

Select firm mushrooms and store in a brown paper bag in the fridge. Note

Use 3 chopped large tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomato strips. Add a touch of cream for extra sauce. Note

Use green beans instead of asparagus. Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ham. Note

Wrap ham in baking paper and foil to keep it moist. Boneless leg ham is available year round in the processed meat aisle. Note

Make a quick pasta salad; cook 600g fusilli pasta as packet directs. Refresh under cold running water, then toss with 2 grated carrots, 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley and 1/2 cup bought French-style dressing. Try breakfast marmalade instead of conserve. Note

Uncrumbed beef schnitzel steaks are also known as beef ‘sizzle steaks’ in supermarkets. Note

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free sausages and gluten-free pizza base spread with a little tomato paste. Note

You can make croquettes a day ahead; keep, covered, in the fridge. Note

Spread a little pesto on bread slices. Place bread pesto-side inwards when sandwiching. Note

You could use any cooked meat or leftover vegetables as filling. Note

Use wholemeal flour with the addition of oat bran, a soluble fibre, to lower the GI of the muffins. Note

Ham hocks, the shank end of a leg ham, are available at delicatessens, specialty stores, and some butchers. Shop around; hocks vary greatly in price, size and ‘meatiness’. Note

Be careful not to overcook your pasta in Step 2. The macaroni will continue cooking in the oven. Note

Have all your ingredients ready before you start to cook. Omelettes take only a few minutes to cook. Don’t stir egg mixture in the pan; it will scramble the eggs. For ease of folding, always place filling to one side of omelette. Omelettes should be tender and soft. Don’t overcook or they will become tough […]

Make noodle cakes just before serving. For a stronger cheese flavour, replace half the mozzarella with cheddar or parmesan. Use cooked bacon instead of ham. Note

Use chopped bacon instead of pancetta. You can use regular white vinegar. Omit bread croutons and serve eggs on toasted sourdough. Note

Ham, spinach and tomato risotto

Ham hocks are salty so there’s no need to add extra salt. Note

This dish is perfect for the cook who wants to be able to control portions and who loves dishing up to be easy on Christmas Day.

You can omit oil and use cooking oil spray on bread instead. Note

Use 4 short-cut bacon rashers, rind removed and excess fat trimmed, instead of ham. You’ll need 2 thick slices of sourdough bread to make 2/3 cup breadcrumbs. Note

Use 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley instead of dill. Note

Croque monsieur is the gourmet French version of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. This classic French bistro sandwich is a great way to use up leftover ham and is simply delicious.

To give the topping a crispy texture, combine the cheese with 1/2 cup of fresh bread crumbs. Note

To fry eggs, break each into a lightly greased, heavy-based frying pan (or greased egg ring) on medium heat. Cook, uncovered, for. 2-3 minutes, until egg-white is set and yolk is cooked to taste. ; Use an egg slice to remove. Note

To tell if an egg is raw or hard-boiled, spin it. If the egg spins easily, it is hard-boiled, but if it wobbles, it is raw. Note

When cooking steaks, place in a preheated frying pan, char-grill or barbecue. Cook for 2-3 minutes to seal and turn to cook the other side. This will glint rare steak. Cook for a minute or two longer for medium. Note

Perfect to share!

If preferred, use baby cos lettuce. Note

Remember, the ham is already cooked you are simply adding flavour by glazing it. serve warm or cold. Note

When scrambling eggs, keep the heat low and even. Stir occasionally – too much heat or stirring will toughen the eggs and cause them to separate. The finished texture should be barely firm and creamy. Serve immediately – scrambled eggs do not reheat well. Note

A hearty soup that�s perfect for using up festive ham leftovers or as a comforting and warming soup for those cooler winter nights. It�s pea and ham soup at its best.

Halve cherry tomatoes if large. Test custard is set by inserting knife into the centre – if it is clean when removed the custard is set. Note

Baby spinach or frozen spinach may be used in this recipe in place of fresh – remember to remove any excess liquid from frozen once thawed. Note

Bacon, salami or prosciutto may be used in place of ham. Note

This delicious savoury pie is extremely easy to make -simply mix all ingredients together and bake. It's great enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a side salad, or cut up and chilled for school or work lunches.

Hawaiian pizza fans with love this cheesy ham and pineapple muffin recipe. Pop in lunchboxes or enjoy as a delicious afternoon tea treat

Make your own aioli by mixing roasted garlic flesh into whole egg mayonnaise with a squeeze of lemon juice. If preferred, simply brown the outside and finish in a moderate oven, 180°C, to cook through. Note