Pumpkin

A simple but sophisticated starter or side dish, this classic combination of fresh pumpkin, creamy mozzarella and tangy crispy prosciutto is stylish but easy and quick to make.

Classic and delicious combination of fresh pumpkin, creamy mozzarella and tangy crispy prosciutto topped with crisp sage leaves creates a simple but sophisticated starter or side dish.

Serve this salad as an accompaniment to grilled fish or roast chicken, or with crumbled goat’s cheese as a main meal.

A blanket and a patch of lawn is all you need to turn lunch at home into a romantic spring picnic

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Pumpkin suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

If liked, roast the vegetables the day before to save time when making the soup to eat. Make croutons by baking cubes of crustless bread at 180°C for 5-10 minutes or until golden. Note

To butterfly chicken, cut through breastbone and flatten, skin side up. Or ask your butcher to butterfly the chicken for you. Note

Amaretti and sage are nicely sweet and spicy together, but don’t forget the squeeze of lemon over the top after you’ve spooned the pumpkin into the pastries – it really lifts the flavour. For a smoky hot bite, dust with smoked paprika.

Farro dates back to ancient times and has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. It is full of protein, dietary minerals and vitamins. For this recipe, you’ll need to soak the farro in water overnight.

You will need 1 2/3 cups raw rice to make 5 cups of cooked rice for this recipe. 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 […]

You can leave the skin on the pumpkin if desired – it tastes great and will stop the pumpkin breaking up in the salad. Note

We kept the skin on the pumpkin for this recipe. It tastes good, and gives the dish a great look, too. why not give it a try? Note

Tasting your risotto is the best way to tell if it is done as cooking times often vary for different brands of rice – the texture should be oozy, not starchy or stodgy, and the rice should be firm but tender to the bite. Note

Gnudi are similar to gnocchi, only made with ricotta. You could roast the pumpkin the day before if you like; store in the fridge. Note

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

The veggies can be tossed through your salad either warm or cold, but do not combine until you are ready to serve. Note

Gluten-free self-raising flour is in the health food aisle. To yield 1 cup of mashed pumpkin, you’ll need to boil about 1/4 of a butternut pumpkin. Note

Serve this loaf for brunch or lunch, topped with shaved prosciutto and sliced tomato. Note

Luca Villari guarantees you will be laughing when you wrap your lips round this tantalising creation

Try blue cheese as a rich substitute for ricotta. Watch pumpkin during cooking, as honey can catch and burn. You can use any type of crispbread for the base. Note

Makes12 tarts To freeze: Cool tarts completely. Arrange in single layers in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw in fridge overnight. To reheat: Place thawed tarts on a baking tray in an oven preheated to 180°C/16O°C fan forced for 10 minutes or until heated. Note

Toast almonds in wok before you start to stir-fry. You’ll need to cook about 1 cup raw jasmine rice. Note

Use 4 crumbled chicken stock cubes or 1 tablespoon stock powder. Chicken lovely legs are skinless drumsticks with a portion of the bone trimmed.You can use regular skinless drumsticks;cooking time will vary. Note

If preferred, you can use a 250g packet thawed frozen spinach. Note

Use any combination of vegetables. Find chicken meatballs in the fresh poultry section in supermarkets. Note

You can replace coriander with parsley. Cover filo pastry with a damp tea-towel when not using. 250g ricotta is about 1 1/4 cups. Note

You can use leftover roast vegies instead of pumpkin. Note

Use tortellini or ravioli instead of agnolotti; flaked almonds instead of walnuts. Use a vegetable peeler to shave parmesen into thin strips. Note

You can use penne instead of tortellini – cook in boiling water for 10 minutes before baking. Note

Protect handle with foil while grilling. Note

Turn up the heat this winter with this spicy, warming dish by Julie Biuso

Pork neck is a delicious cut, suitable for slow roasting or bruising. Star anise is available from delis, greengrocers and Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, you can use 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise. You can replace sherry with extra stock if preferred Note

You can use plum or a mixture of soy sauce and honey as a glaze. Note

If you can’t find toasted slivered almonds, toast your own; cook nuts in a small frying pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Toast extra nuts, then make a nibble mix. Note

If using bamboo skewers, soak in cold water for 20 minutes before threading to prevent scorching during cooking. Note

Check ingredients on curry paste jar to make sure there is no shrimp paste. Note

Instead of brie, crumble 200g ricotta over mixture. Replace capsicum dip with rocket or basil pesto. You need 600g peeled pumpkin. Note

Spice up the kitchen with methods from the Middle East

Vegetables add a subtle flavour and texture to these tempting baking treats by Sophie Gray

Make ahead: Make risoni filling the day before; prepare and fill pumpkin just before serving. Risoni is rice-shaped pasta. Use any small pasta shape; cooking time may vary. Note

Try using kumara instead of pumpkin. You can make this meatloaf in a large loaf pan. You can use any mince, but the higher the fat content, the more the meatloaf can shrink as it cooks. Note

Replace oregano with 2 tablespoons caster sugar then use dough for sweet pies. Note

To freeze, place cooled soup in airtight containers; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw soup overnight in fridge. You can use your favourite Indian curry paste; korma and balti are mild, madras and vindaloo are hot. You can use fresh onion instead of frozen. Note

Use salsa as a filling for tortillas; add shredded lettuce. Note

Use broccoli instead of broccolini. You will need 300 grams, chopped into florets. For a complete meal, serve with grilled pork or chicken. Note

You could use macaroni instead of risoni, if preferred. For extra flavour, add spices such as ground cumin or fennel. Note

Coriander herb blend in tubes is in the fresh produce section; use in stir-fries, sauces, pasta and casseroles. Note

You’ll need 3 slices day-old bread for crumbs. For extra fibre, use mixed grain bread. You could also use gluten-free bread to make crumbs; you might need 4 slices. Note

Use a combination of ricotta and spreadable cream cheese. Note

Cover frying pan handle with foil while under oven-grill to prevent burning. Note

Use bought char-grilled capsicum. Try lamb or beef fillets instead of chicken. Baby racket leaves have a slightly peppery taste. You can use baby spinach or cos leaves instead. Note

If fresh ricotta is too crumbly or firm, stir in 1-2 tablespoons milk before using. Queensland blue pumpkin is ideal for barbecuing, as it contains less moisture than other varieties. You’ll need 12 zucchini slices. Note

For 2 cups mashed pumpkin, microwave 800g peeled chopped pumpkin on High (100%), 5 minutes, or steam until tender. Mash and pass through a fine sieve. Note

To prevent sauce splitting, add lemon juice to hot dairy spread mixture just before serving. Note

Try chicken lovely legs or thigh fillets instead of drumsticks. Price and cooking time will vary. Store unused spices in a cool place. Use canned brown lentils instead of cooking red lentils. Note

You could try zucchini or eggplant instead of pumpkin. If preferred, you could use naan, pita or Lebanese bread instead of pide. Note

Use an all-purpose potato, such as desiree. Use pork forequarter chops instead. Price and cooking time will vary. You can use kumara (orange sweet potato) instead of pumpkin. Price will vary. Note

Use 500g chopped chicken breast fillets instead of tofu, if wished Green or red curry paste can be substituted instead of laksa paste. Note

You could use kumara (orange sweet potato) instead of pumpkin, if you like. Note

Pumpkin crepes with pesto

To prevent bamboo skewers scorching during cooking, soak them in cold water for 20 minutes before using. We used butternut pumpkin as it is easier to cut into equal-size pieces. Instead of using the oven, cook skewers on a barbecue or stove top over moderately low heat. Try your favourite curry simmer sauce with this […]