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Posh cheese rolls

Posh cheese rolls

Nici Wickes would not deign to improve on the original South Island cheese roll, but these wee beauties are a bit more posh and they're just fancy enough to serve them with Champagne at parties!
white plate with selection of paua fritters and lemon slices, garnished with fresh herbs

Pāua fritters

As kids, we were spoiled with these Pāua fritters! Friends of Mum and Dad always used to drop off pāua and now I crave them, so I love getting my hands on some when I can. I have changed my usual recipe a little, with inspiration from my chef brother, by adding some herbs and zest. These are fantastic!
Dim Sims

Dim sims

Create a taste sensation with these dim sims and plum sauce.
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DEVILLEDEGGS

Devilled eggs

Get your 60's vibe on and serve these devilled eggs as part of the hors d'oeuvre selection at your next cocktail party. They may not be very sophisticated, but you'll soon remember how moreish they are.
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Mixed wonton soup

Mixed wonton soup

Add some spice to your life with this vibrant, flavoursome Chinese dish. With pork, prawns and noodles this spicy wonton soup will leave you feeling satisfied.
Pork larb in lettuce cups

NZ Pork larb in lettuce cups

This NZ Pork larb recipe creates a light, fresh dish that's perfect served in lettuce cups and devoured in one bite. Serve with lime wedges for a stunning light meal or starter
Beetroot & feta tarts

Beetroot & feta tarts

These delicious little morsels are the perfect finger food for your next garden party, cocktail party or dinner party.
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Spangle berries

Happy New Year!

It's been a great year, and now it's time to soak up some sun and kick back and relax with friends and family. This New Years menu offers the best of the season, with easy shared plates and bright, summery sweets.
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Seafood and vegetable fritters

Seafood and vegetable fritters

Ready-made tempura dipping sauce is available from most Asian grocers. Note
Gluten-free pork and fennel sausage rolls

Gluten-free pork and fennel sausage rolls

These gluten-free sausage rolls are easier to make than the original which uses pastry and, dare we say it, we prefer them! Whip up a batch the next time you're entertaining and you won't have to worry about any dietary requirements!
crumbed and fried fish fingers on a table

Gluten-free fish fingers with a nutty crumb

It’s hard to resist freshly crumbed and fried fish, especially during the summer, but what if you’re keen to avoid using bread-crumbs? Polenta can be gritty and rice flour sandy, but this nut crumb is just right!
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Chicken, cranberry and brie filo parcels

Chicken, cranberry and brie filo parcels

Is there any combination quite as tasty as chicken, cranberry and brie? Wrap this delectable mixture up in crispy filo pastry to make little parcels that are bursting with flavour - perfect as a Christmas starter or take-a-plate idea.
Cornmeal chicken sticks with jalapeno aioli

Cornmeal chicken sticks with jalapeno aioli

These tasty chicken sticks make a finger-licking snack that is perfect as a starter in your Christmas feast or dinner party. Packed with flavour and delightfully crispy, they'll be gone before you know it!
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3 delicious ways with bruschetta

3 delicious ideas for bruschetta toppings

Italy’s most famous antipasto makes the perfect addition to a sharing platter - so try one of these three scrumptious ideas to impress your guests. They would be a fantastic way to get the nibbles started on Christmas Day!
Venison with hummus and green salsa

Venison platter with hummus and green salsa

This platter is a great way to enjoy quality, lean venison as a starter or with other barbecue meats and salads. The salsa is packed with herbs and the hummus adds a lovely creaminess, creating a dish bursting with flavours and texture.
How to host a cosy dinner party in winter

How to host a cosy dinner party in winter

Here are our tips for hosting the perfect dinner party in the depths of winter, including all our best recipes for keeping everyone warm and nourished. So pour a glass of mulled wine and make a toast to beating the winter blues for another year!
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Warm jalapeno, cheese and cauliflower dip

Warm jalapeno, cheese and cauliflower dip

Creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of kick, this warm jalapeno, cheese and cauliflower dip is a fantastic appetiser or snack. Serve alongside our cheesy toasts for a delightfully crunchy dish.
Creamy mussel pot

Creamy mussel pot

This creamy mussel dish is incredibly simple to make, and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. That's not to mention how delicious it is, and all that omega-3 and protein will give your health a fantastic boost!
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Easy seafood mornay

Easy seafood mornay

Nici uses crème fraîche to save making a roux for this seafood mornay, and the result is rich and creamy, making for a great way to send the taste buds soaring at the beginning of a feast.
Pork and peach barbecue skewers

Pork and peach barbecue skewers

Add a splash of colour to your grill this barbecue season with these flavoursome pork and peach skewers. Tender, tasty and so simple to make, you'll love bringing this to your next potluck.
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Lemongrass and satay chicken rainbow rolls

Lemongrass and satay chicken rainbow rolls

These satay chicken rainbow rolls are a perfect starting dish for summer. Bursting with fresh flavours and a delicious dollop of Exotic Food's Satay Sauce, it's like having a taste of sunshine.
Ham and cranberry pull-apart Christmas tree

Ham and cranberry pull-apart Christmas tree

This ham and cranberry pull-apart Christmas tree is a perfect recipe to make with the kids. Your own Christmas elves will love whipping up this delicious treat that the whole family will enjoy!
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Roasted carrot hummus

Roasted carrot hummus

This roasted carrot hummus is sweet and fragrant, rather than hot, so is a good option for lunchbox snacks as well as pre-dinner nibbles. You'll never want store-bought hummus again!
Rare-beef sliders with caramel onions

Rare-beef sliders with caramel onions

Feed a hungry crowd with these mouth-wateringly good rare-beef sliders with caramel onions. Ready in just 35 minutes, these sliders are packed with filling treats and delicious flavours.
Prawn and oyster platter

Prawn and oyster platter

This prawn and oyster platter is the perfect accompaniment to any summer event. With two fantastic sauce recipes, and lots of lemon to serve, this will keep all your guests happy.
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Ham and cheese croquettes

Ham and cheese croquettes

Ham and cheese croquettes are not only a great way to use up the Christmas ham, these cheesy delights are delicious any time of year! Whip up a batch for a tasty after-school or pre-dinner snack.
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Kiwi-style pasties

Kiwi-style pasties

Kiwi-style pasties take the classic mince pie and add a bit of extra magic. Encased in crispy pastry and combining beef mince and swede, this is sure to become a favourite.
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Cheese and herb fondue

Cheese and herb fondue

Fondue, the Swiss dish of melted cheese shared in a communal pot, is a great excuse to have people over. So gather the clan on a winter’s evening and try this comforting cheese and herb fondue!
Roasted eggplant dip

Roasted eggplant dip

Transport your taste buds and try Nadia Lim's beautifully flavoured roasted eggplant dip that is brilliant enjoyed with loved ones and served with capsicum pieces for dipping.
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Cheesy jalapeno poppers

Cheesy jalapeno poppers

Crispy, crumbed and oozing with hot, cheesy filling, these tasty little morsels served with chipotle dipping sauce are such a treat!
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Little tomato tarts with thyme and marjoram

Little tomato tarts with thyme and marjoram

Nici Wickes' tasty tomato tart recipe is ideal for nibbles! Spiked with garlic and herbs, these tarts have two types of tomatoes and are just as easily assembled as they are devoured at cocktail hour!
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Confit onion and cheese bread twist

Cheese bread twist with confit red onion

Create a bakery favourite at home with this delicious bread twist recipe. With cream cheese, gruyère and spread with homemade red onion confit, this tasty twist is a must-try for afternoon tea
Camembert pithivier with spiced grape compote

Camembert pithivier with spiced grape compote

Cheese fans, this one's for you! This camembert and grape pithivier recipe will be a superstar addition to your next cheese platter. Serve with crusty bread or crackers to scoop up all the gooey goodness
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Dip recipes nz

14 easy dip recipes to keep a crowd happy

What's a party without dip? These moreish dip recipes are the perfect partner for chips, vegetable sticks or crackers at your next party. Try sweet chilli and cream cheese, carrot or smoked salmon.
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Onion marmalade focaccia-style bread

Mum’s onion marmalade focaccia-style bread

Nici Wickes shares her mum's wonderful recipe for onion marmalade focaccia-style bread. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a bread maker to be enjoying this delicious homemade bread
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Bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers

Bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers

A cheese ball is a magnificent, old-school way to feed a fair few peckish guests. This American-inspired recipe is full of salty bacon bits, creamy ranch seasoning and crunchy roasted pecans. Photography by Jani Shephered/Gatherum Collectif
Cauliflower and chorizo arancini

Cauliflower and chorizo arancini

This cauliflower and chorizo arancini recipe creates the perfect finger food for your next drinks. Serve warm with your favourite chutney for a deliciously moreish, cheesy snack
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Baked lemon and garlic ricotta loaf

Baked lemon and garlic ricotta loaf

A ricotta loaf is a must for your next antipasto platter. This recipe sees creamy ricotta spiked with lemon zest and garlic and served alongside crackers, olives and sundried tomatoes
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Crunchy sun-dried tomato dip

Crunchy sun-dried tomato dip

This deliciously crunchy sun-dried tomato dip is perfect enjoyed as a starter, served with thin slices of grilled bread and extra yoghurt to spread on top or fresh seasonal raw vegetables for dipping.

Kumara tempura with dipping sauce

Add a Kiwi twist to a Japanese favourite with this kumara tempura recipe. Serve with a homemade dipping sauce spiked with lime, honey and ginger
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Mussels grilled in bacon blankets

This delicious grilled mussels in bacon blankets recipe makes a great starter for a summer barbecue. Served with slices of lemon and country-style bread

Mussels with coconut cream

Who doesn't love a pot of steaming hot mussels? This delicious recipe pairs this Kiwi seafood favourite with coconut cream for a fragrant, irresistible meal

Shrimp cocktail lettuce cups

Never failing to please, this tasty shrimp cocktail recipe is great served inside cos lettuce cups. A must-try starter for your next drinks or party
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Prawn cocktail

Prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce

This prawn cocktail recipe makes a perfect gourmet starter when you feel like doing something a little bit retro and fancy. The homemade Marie Rose sauce is sure to be a hit
Mini chicken and mushroom vol-au-vents

Mini chicken and mushroom vol-au-vents

Start your next party off in delicious style with this irresistible mini chicken and mushroom vol-au-vents recipe. These tasty canapés also happen to be diabetes-friendly
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Filo-wrapped prawns

Filo-wrapped prawns

It's easy to create an impressive dinner party starter with this filo-wrapped prawns recipe. You can even make these in advance and cook them up just before your guests arrive - talk about easy
Devils on horseback

Devils on horseback

These tasty devils on horseback are incredibly easy to make and will be perfect served as a starter at your next dinner party or family gathering
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Plum and apple chutney

Plum and apple chutney

Sweet. Hot. Plummy. This chutney has it all going on! Nici Wickes' tasty plum and apple chutney recipe is great served spread on bread or crackers and accompanied with cheese
Tomato and feta sticks

Tomato and feta sticks

These stunning tomato and feta sticks are perfect for your next entertaining occasion. Simple, easy and delicious, this recipe will be your hors d'oeuvre go-to!
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Crab, salmon and avocado stacks

Crab, salmon and avocado stacks

Eat ’em while they’re cheap! Make the most of summer's bounty of avocados with these tasty crab, salmon and avocado stacks. Enjoy as a delicious and easy starter at your next dinner party
Boozy fruit terrine

Boozy fruit terrine

This boozy fruit terrine recipe creates a log packed with creamy blue cheese, brandy-soaked fruit, honey and nuts. Serve with crackers for a delicious festive treat
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Baked sundried tomato and mozzarella dip

Baked sundried tomato and mozzarella dip

This delicious baked sundried tomato and mozzarella dip recipe is perfect for entertaining. Serve warm while wonderfully stretchy, accompanied with baked baguette and crudités
Pork skewers with satay sauce

Pork skewers with satay sauce

Love satay? Then this recipe is for you! Tender pork skewers and homemade satay sauce come together to create a delicious starter that's ready in a snap
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Rustic Italian sausage and courgette salad

Rustic Italian sausage and courgette salad

Lay Nici Wickes' rustic Italian sausage and courgette salad recipe out on a board or platter so guests can pick and choose. The fried courgette is the hero of this dish. Serve with plenty of crusty bread
Barbecued mussels with rocket pesto

Barbecued mussels with rocket pesto

This delicious recipe is summer in a bowl! Tender barbecued mussels are paired with a punchy, peppery rocket pesto and lemon wedges. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the juices
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Asparagus and ham flautas

Asparagus and ham flautas

A flauta is classic Mexican dish consisting of soft tortillas filled, rolled, and fried to perfection. This recipe is given a Kiwi twist with the addition of asparagus, ham and cheddar cheese