Prawn and avocado with lime

Think of this as a prawn cocktail detouring through Mexico, with plenty of corn chips on the side for scooping. INGREDIENTS 30 (1.3kg) medium green king prawns, peeled and deveinedJuice of 3-4 limes2 avocados, diced½ telegraph cucumber, cut into 1cm dice1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped⅓ cup coarsely chopped corianderCorn chips, to serve METHOD

Greek lemon rice salad

You’ll get a taste of the med with this easy rice salad. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s loaded with feta, olives and tomatoes, plus rice to soak up that deliciously zesty lemon dressing. Ingredients 150g (2⁄3 cup) medium-grain white rice11⁄2 tbsp finely chopped fresh continental parsley leaves1 tsp finely grated lemon rind80g (1⁄2 cup) pitted … Read more

4-ingredient choc mint marble slice

The iconic pairing of chocolate and mint is back, with this slice offering a combination of fresh and rich indulgence. Make sure you spare 2 hours to let it set! 4 Ingredients 2 x 180g blocks dark chocolate, chopped1 tsp peppermint essence2 x 180g blocks white chocolate, choppedGreen gel food colouring, to tint 4 Method … Read more

Skillet Lasagna

I love this recipe because it is a complete meal that is quick and easy to make. It really brings people to the table with its rich flavors, and one pot makes enough to feed four people. Ingredientsextra-virgin olive oil, for coating the skillet3¼ cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought, divided1 cup fresh ricotta1 cup … Read more

Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked French Toast

It combines the goodness of cheesecake and French toast into one delicious dish. Ingredients FRENCH TOAST4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature1 tablespoon granulated sugar1 tablespoon heavy cream1 (1-pound) loaf challah bread or brioche, sliced into 16 slices CUSTARD2½ cups whole milk1/4 cup heavy cream6 eggs1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup brown sugar1 tablespoon vanilla … Read more

Black Vinegar Barbecue Beef Brisket Gua Bao

This gua bao pays homage to the Asian American immigrant table. It’s filled with a hodgepodge of flavors from various cultures — dishes together on a table that never resembled friends’ dinner tables growing up but is steeped in tradition all the same. Ingredients BAO OR GUA BAO WRAPPERS1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry … Read more

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Parmigiana is the definition of classic Italian comfort food. The crispy breaded cutlets, bright tomato sauce and melty cheese make it irresistibly delicious, warming and satisfying. The leftovers also make some of the best sandwiches. Ingredients BASIC TOMATO SAUCE (MAKES 5 TO 6 CUPS)3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 large Spanish onion, finely diced3 cloves … Read more

Christmas Eve Sauce

With calamari you either need to cook it quick or let it stew. There is no in-between. Once added to the hot pot, it will cook almost immediately, but within a few minutes will become rubbery. By stewing them in the tomatoes, they will become tender once again. The wonderful thing is, once you’ve stewed … Read more

Grappa-Poached Pear Crostini

These crostini are the perfect thing to whip up when guests stop by. The poached pears are especially comforting as the weather gets cooler. They’re easy to make and always delight a crowd. Ingredients CROSTINI1 (24-inch) baguetteolive oilsalt RICOTTA SPREAD4 cups fresh ricotta1/4 cup agave syrup or honey2 lemons, zestedsalt, to taste2 tablespoons olive oil … Read more

Fried Squash Rings with Pear, Dried Cherries and Feta

Delicata squash rings are roasted, tempura-dredged, fried, then stuffed with a simple salad of raw pear, dried cherries, feta cheese and a few sprigs of arugula. The result is a sweet yet savory wonder, perfect for a starter or perhaps a decadent side dish on a holiday table. Ingredients1 delicata squash (about 1½ pounds)olive oilsalt … Read more