Share plate / tapas

Soak chickpeas the night before to save time. Fresh curry leaves are available from your greengrocer, but dried ones will work too. Mint Raita can be made up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving time. Note

These may be served without being fried. Note

If you use shortcrust pastry, bake at 220°C and increase the cooking time by 10 minutes. Note

These meatballs have a delicious, light summery taste, ideal for a quick mid-week meal.

These have the added goodness of grated vegetables.

These crunchy chicken nuggets prove that homemade is better with quinoa flakes, parsley and served with sticks of celery and carrot.

Tuna sushi sandwiches

This fragrant dish makes perfect, quick to prepare nibbles when served in small bamboo containers lined with banana leaves.

This is a simple, no-fuss canapé option. The prosciutto could be substituted with bresaola or mortadella.

This damper freezes very well. Just wrap in foil, thaw at room temperature and reheat at 180°C for 5-10 minutes. Note

Daikon is a long white radish that’s primarily used in Japanese cooking. It tastes a lot like young turnips, which can be used as a substitute. Use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin strips for salads and garnishes. Note

Spicy chevups are also available. Note

Makes 24 Note

In this recipe, raw prawns are used with the shell intact to protect the delicate flesh and still give a delicious smoky flavour. You can secure them on metal skewers if using the grill plate, or cook them on the flat iron of the barbecue. Note

Reduce or leave out the spices for kid-friendly patties Note

Add 2 tablespoons of ground pine nuts to the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, if desired. Note

Tickle your taste buds with these quick and tasty morsels.

Be sure to add the milk in smaller increments to slowly thin out the sauce, and whisk constantly.

It’s time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Julie Biuso shows how to create this perfect snack-sized dish

It’s time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Julie Biuso shows how to create this perfect snack-sized dish to serve up with summer drinks.

Master the skills to make this fancy small plate by Luca Villari and become a dinner party guru

Master the skills to make this fancy small plate by Luca Villari and become a dinner party guru

Master the skills to make this fancy small plate by Luca Villari and become a dinner party guru

Many countries claim dolmas or dolmades as their own. What makes this version Armenian is the addition of dill and cinnamon. Vary this dish with either sultanas or chopped dried apricots instead of currants, and oregano in place of dill. Note

Make extra filling and serve it as a dip or spread it on sandwiches. Note

If you don’t have a reliable oven grill, use a well-oiled chargrill on medium-high heat. Note

These lamb and chickpea balls are a little spicy but very delicious when served with homemade coriander dip. They make the perfect tasty tapas dish to serve for friends and family.

You’ll have 1 1/4 cups of creamy feta sauce from this recipe. Note

It’s best not to place the mozzarella under the decorations, as they will slide off the pizzas as the cheese melts. Note

These are a great lower-fat alternative to deep-fried chips. For added flavour, before baking toss wedges with freshly chopped herbs, rind and juice of 1 lemon and a grinding of pepper, or 2 teaspoons cajun or mexican seasoning mix. Note

Press down with the back of a spoon to flatten the fritters in the pan so they’ll be cooked through as soon as they’re golden. Note

These nuts are a great stand-by when you need a little nibble with drinks for pop-in guests.

You don’t have to use scallops – cooked prawns or crab meat would also work.

These sticky little morsels are delicious when dipped in the fragrant crushed nuts and chilli.

The cranberry jelly and pomegranate seeds add a touch of fun, and they look stunning too.

Ensure your summer dining table is alive with colourful, fresh and healthy flavours with this tropical fruit platter with chilli and peanut dipping sauce

Eleanor Ozich adds a gluten-free twist to traditional Christmas fare

These are sensational! Although this isn't a traditional Italian dish, the flavour combination of lemons, tomatoes and a strong cheese is definitely Italian. Serve these as a light lunch or a starter.

Make this in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Remove it 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften, as the butter will become hard when chilled. Note

To prevent the fish mixture sticking to your hands when shaping the patties, keep a bowl of iced water nearby to regularly dip into. Note

Falafel can be cooked several hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat in oven at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for about 10 minutes. Note

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

The recipe is best cooked close to serving. Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Croutes are best assembled close to serving. Note

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

Kofta suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Wraps are the ultimate DIY dinner. Sarah Bowman sets out the blueprint so there’ll be no disasters

Demonstrate your skill on the grill at your next barbecue using this show-stopper by Julie Biuso. You’ll be the talk of the ’hood!

Wraps are the ultimate DIY dinner and with this blueprint there won't be any disasters.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave Note

MAKES ABOUT 32 Serve cheese fingers with cheese, chutney and fruit. Note

These make a delicious entree they are, or a main served with salad and chips. Note

Reheat in microwave oven on high (100%) power for 10 seconds. Note

Use shallow patty pans, if preferred. Change the filling-try wilted spinach and feta, char-grilled vegetables and brie or caramelised onion and blue cheese. Note

Enjoy these delicious prawn and scallop skewers with aioli for the perfect meal to enjoy outdoors with loved ones

There’s nothing like the flavour of new-season lamb. Julie Biuso will have you charging to the butcher to get your hands on this delicate, succulent and versatile meat

There’s nothing like the flavour of new-season lamb. Julie Biuso will have you charging to the butcher to get your hands on this delicate, succulent and versatile meat

New Zealand has great avocados and freshly smoked fish is easy to find – combine them on crispy potato cakes for a winner to serve with drinks.

Sensational seafood dumplings make a simple and impressive share plate. Tempura batter should be light and crispy.

These little morsels are both healthy and delicious. Inspired by the Melbourne Food and Wine festival, fresh baby spinach leaves made an ideal substitute for the betel leaves that were served there.

MAKES 8 Store chicken next to an icy-cold drink bottle to keep it fresh in the lunchbox. Pack salad vegetables such as cucumber, tomato and celery in the lunchbox with the chicken. To save time, double the recipe and serve as an evening meal with steamed rice and Asian greens. Use leftovers for lunchbox. Note

To soak the bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow dish of hot water for 15-20 minutes-this helps reduce scorching during cooking. Note