Beef and reef Give this dish the wow factor by stacking the prawns on a skewer. Serve with Duck Fat Potatoes.
Fish with ginger and coconut curry A colourful and warming meal on a winter evening. Serve with rice.
French onion macaroni cheese The caramelised onion in this version of macaroni cheese makes it taste incredibly comforting. I like to use spiral pasta for a change.
Roasted vegetable stack This makes a great vegetarian evening meal. You’ll need a round oven dish or cake tin the same size as your tortillas. You can use store-bought roasted red capsicums if...
Buffalo chicken meatballs I make these in the slow cooker, so they are easily served when guests arrive.
Rosti with smoked salmon The popular breakfast combo of crispy potato rosti and salmon is reinvented as a canapé.
Smoked oyster paté on toasted ciabatta Keep a can of smoked oysters in the pantry so you can whip up this tasty paté for impromptu guests.
Banana fritters A perfect winter dessert that’s made within minutes. Serve with ice cream and cream if you like.
Apple and apricot anzac crumble with honey whiskey cream The flavours in this dessert combine well and make a delicious addition to Anzac celebrations.
Decadent mint chocolate cake This makes a great special-occasion cake with the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peppermint.
Autumn brandy crème brûlée The brandy and apple flavours infused into this classic crème brûlée add a beautifully warming autumnal flair.
Apple and cinnamon scrolls You’ll be surprised how quick and easy it is to make these spicy, sticky scrolls.
Date and coffee cake with walnuts and espresso glaze This very moreish cake is always received well when friends pop over for coffee.
Hazelnut mocha éclairs A coffee cream filling delivers a nice twist on the traditional chocolate éclair.
Spiced coffee chicken This spiced coffee rub is superb on chicken and equally good sprinkled on pumpkin before roasting.
Creamy potato gratin This potato gratin is so inviting placed in the centre of the dining table so everyone can help themselves. For a fancier finish, make it in advance, then cut it...
Parmesan wedges These flavoursome, crispy potatoes are extremely moreish and go well with so many dishes.
Potato, cheese and bacon balls These are always handy to have in the freezer ready to add to a weekly meal or serve as a side at a dinner party.
Curry fried rice This curried fried rice is packed full of flavour and colours. Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your tastes.
Maple-roasted pumpkin with chilli and feta A lovely autumn side dish or lunch salad that can also be made with kumara.
Sautéed broccoli with pesto, chilli and pine nuts This side dish goes with anything from meatloaf to roast meats to fish. It’s so simple yet so full of flavour.
Venison with port and blueberry sauce Venison and blueberries are a wonderful match, and port adds even more depth of flavour to this sauce.
Tangleby duck breast I often serve duck at a dinner party, but this tangy ginger sauce goes equally well with chicken.
Moroccan pork casserole Pork partners so well with tart fruit, such as apples and apricots. This family sized meal can be cooked in the oven or a slow cooker.
Hoisin pork ribs Start preparing these sticky Asian ribs a couple of days in advance so they have time to marinate well.
Hearty autumn meatloaf This great make-ahead meal partners well with Sautéed Brocolli with Pesto, Chilli & Pine Nuts.
Mongolian lamb Adding a teaspoon of baking soda helps to tenderise the lamb. Serve this fragrant casserole with rice.
Chicken, leek, bacon and thyme pie The addition of bacon and thyme takes a classic chicken and leek pie to another level.
Chicken milanese with green apple salad This crispy chicken will have the whole family excited. I sometimes make extra chicken schnitzels to freeze for an even faster meal another night.
Asian salmon and salad It’s so nice to see the arrival of wee mandarins every autumn. I like to toss them through a salad to serve with soy-glazed salmon.
Chocolate, ginger and caramel slice A soft chocolate base, creamy ginger and caramel filling and smooth chocolate topping add up to pure indulgence.
Marshmallow, apricot and ginger square I liken this slice to a grown-up lolly cake – and it’s just as addictive.
Cucumber and ginger tea sandwiches I first tried these wee delights over 30 years ago in a small café in central Christchurch. The combination of refreshing cucumber and crystallised ginger is surprising but it works!
Vegetarian sausage rolls Packed full of vegetables, these delicious vegetarian sausage rolls will convert even the most hardened meat-eater. The recipe is very easily doubled so you can make extra for the freezer.
