Kid-friendly

There's nothing like a piece of homemade rocky road, and the best thing is that you can play around with the ingredients, adding more or less of your favourite bits or choosing to use a different type of nut.

There's nothing like the flavour of home-made jams and preserves. This strawberry conserve recipe uses lemon pips to help with setting, and lemon juice to add piquancy. Delicious.

For an easy, elegant dessert, try these decadent sandwiches of golden puff pastry, juicy berries and custard cream.

Now an established classic in the honour roll of great cookie recipes, these white chocolate and macadamia cookies are crisp on the edges and deliciously chewy inside. The perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.

Treacle is sweeter than molasses, but not as sweet as golden syrup, and it has a slightly bitter taste. If you don't have any treacle you can make these little gingerbread loaves with golden syrup but may want to remove one tablespoon of sugar from the recipe.

Savour a slice of this moist rhubarb and coconut cake with a cup of tea or coffee and a big dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweetness.

Pikelets, as we know them, are a uniquely Australian and New Zealand phenomenon. In some parts of the world, asking for a pikelet will result in either a crumpet or an oatcake rather than fluffy little pancakes.

Rizogalo is a traditional Greek-style creamed rice pudding that can also be served cole. Often spiced with cinnamon and lemon peel, it is also delicious served topped with nuts and honey.

Impress your guests with these delicious, filled and rolled Chinese appetizers.

Chipolatas are always a hit, and paired with this spicy, fruity, tangy homemade barbecue sauce they're simply irresistible.

Add some gourmet elements to the beloved Aussie pie with chunks of steak, succulent vegetables and crisp pastry crusts.

Brighten up a cold morning with this indulgent cinnamon toast with caramelised apples, the perfect dish for a celebratory brunch.

These cakes supposedly take their name from the powder puffs used by women to dust on face powder. Whatever the provenance, strawberries and cream powder puffs are light, airy and absolutely delicious.

This recipe can be made a week ahead. Note

Sweet, golden and crumbly, these beautiful lemon zest polenta biscuits are brilliant enjoyed with a mug of coffee or tea for a morning or afternoon treat.

The caramel frosting has a cheeky burnt sugar edge that serves as the perfect pairing for this indulgent mud cake. It's an excellent teatime cake, and the perfect post-dinner dessert.

Super quick to put together and pretty as a picture, these warm caramel sundaes will win you lots of new friends. Any leftover caramel sauce can be kept in the fridge for another day.

Stuffed full of peanuts and peanut butter, these gluten-free peanut cookies are nutty, chewy and a little bit addictive.

Add a tropical touch to these caramelised pineapple slices by stirring some desiccated coconut through the icecream, and drizzling passionfruit pulp over the fruit.

Fluffy cake with a bright and creamy icing - what better way to start the weekend!

Light, crumbly kisses are utterly divine sandwiched together with Vienna cream. These classic little biscuits are make a scrumptious afternoon treat. The hardest thing is trying not to eat them all at once.

You can decorate these party patty cakes just like we have, or you can use your favourite lollies to make up your own designs. For a fun, if messy, party game place all the bits and pieces out on a long table, and let the kids decorate their own cupcake.

A truly simple dessert that looks stunning and always feels like a treat, summer berry sundaes can be put together in no time at all.

Choc-chip cookies are always a crowd pleaser and these mega choc-chip cookies will be hugely popular. Generously sized, crisp around the edges and chewy in the middle. Perfect.

Toasted lemon and garlic breadcrumbs add a topping of crunchy deliciousness to this fresh, minted spring greens and goat's cheese pasta.

This lime and poppy seed syrup cake is topped with fragrant lime zest. Before you grate the lime, make sure it is at room temperature and roll it, pressing down hard with your hand, on the kitchen bench to bring out the oil in the peel.

Mini pizzas are meal the kids can get involved in cooking too. Whether it be cutting the toppings or helping sprinkle the cheese, this is a good recipe to get the whole family actively involved.

The perfect treat for those of us who prefer zesty flavours to overpoweringly sweet ones. With delicate meringue cases and a lemon cream cheese cake these delights are sure to impress.

These fruity, wholemeal muesli muffins are packed full of healthy grains and tasty craisins. Mashed banana helps keep them moist for days. They make an excellent lunch-box treat.

Piled high with fluffy frosting, cloud cakes are as light and dreamy as their name suggests. Add a dash of colour by sprinkling them with coloured sugar.

A chicken, celery and avocado sandwich is packed with protein and good fats, an excellent option for school lunches.

Dried mix fruit is the perfect healthy snack for the kids to nibble on at school or at home.

Sweet, dense and oozing with sticky golden syrup, this gorgeous steamed pudding is perfect served warm with a dollop of cream or ice-cream for an indulgent weekend treat.

Orange and poppy seeds is a classic combination for friands, you can liven it up by using mandarin instead.

Deep-fried crisps make the perfect party snack.

Put the kettle on and enjoy a sweet, golden passionfruit butter biscuit with your cup of coffee as a relaxing morning tea.

Basic cup cakes make a great project when you're looking to bake with the kids on a wet afternoon.

An Italian filled and baked bread - perfect for children's snacks, lunches or any time!

The perfect summer supper - mild tandoori chicken with a refreshing mint raita.

This frittata, loaded with bacon and potato, makes a great weekend lunch dish, or a light dinner with a green salad and some crusty bread on the side.

A cross between mandarins and grapefruit, tangelos make a jam that's sweeter than marmalade yet still tart, thanks to the fruit's natural acidity. This jam is particularly good spooned generously over rice pudding or served with tangelo cake.

Ricotta cheese takes the place of bechamel sauce to make this a truly quick and easy lasagne without sacrificing flavour or texture.

Recipe unsuitable to freeze. Note

Many varieties of already cooked white beans are available canned, among them cannellini, butter and haricot beans, any of these are suitable for this recipe. Note

Corn or vegetable oil can be used instead of the peanut oil. Note

If you have a sugar (candy) thermometer, use it for these recipes. These nuts are so moreish it will be hard to hand them over; to prevent such a dilemma, double the quantity and the problem is solved! Note

Packaged cupcakes usually come iced, however, you can ice over the top with the frosting or remove the icing. Place the muffins in matching paper cases, if you like. Note

to freeze Complete recipe to the end of step 3. Cool sauce to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container. Label, date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan and continue from step 4. Stir in ⅓ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves just before serving, […]

We used beef sausages here, but this snack would be just as good with chicken, pork or lamb sausages depending on your child’s tastes. You can replace the baba ghanoush with hummus. Note

Christmas cutters are available from all good kitchenware shops or cake decorating shops. Note

Make more cakes from any leftover cake mixture if you like. Cakes are best made on the day of the party. Note

This recipe is best made as close to serving as possible as prawns toughen on reheating. Note

Shredded or flaked coconut take longer to toast than desiccated coconut. You can toast it in the oven or in a dry frying pan – either way, you have to watch it carefully. If you’re using the pan method, stir the coconut the whole time, then take it out of the pan the second it’s […]

Fit for the king or queen of the day, this cake sparkles with edible jewels. Note

Ready made soft icing can be bought from any local supermarkets. We painted the horses with non-toxic paint. The cardboard cylinder must be strong, we used the inside of a baking paper roll. Note

A cracking kids' party wouldn't be complete without a cake to match. Combining everyone's favourite Coco Pops and Mars Bars, this cake from The Australian Women's Weekly's Best-Ever Kids Cakes cookbook will be snapped up in no time!

.Sumac is a purple-red, astringent spice ground from berries growing on shrubs that flourish wild around the Mediterranean. It adds a delightful tart, lemony piquancy to food without the heat of chilli. Available from the spice aisle of most supermarkets and Middle Eastern stores. Note

Cake pops can be made at least two days before the party. Note

This keeps for 4 days. Note

You can find lavender honey (produced by bees fed on lavender) at selected delicatessens. If unavailable, any variety of honey can be used. Note

Ready-made rich chocolate fudge frosting is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

To fold the cream and egg whites into the chocolate mousse mixture, use a large flat rubber spatula. Note

Try layering various herb leaves, such as sage, inside the potato wafers. You can also use russet burbank or spunta potatoes for this recipe. Note

This recipe comes from western Canada. Keeping time: 2 weeks. Note

If you have a juice extractor, you can use it to make the pineapple and mango juice. A mouli is a stainless steel utensil used for grating or pureeing. Note

You can substitute dried apricots or apple rings for the dried pears, if you like. Note

Desiree, bintje or russet burbank potatoes are all good choices for this recipe. Note

These nuts are so moreish it will be hard to hand them over; to prevent such a dilemma, double the quantity and the problem is solved! Note

suitable from 6 months Reheat frozen portions in a microwave oven on MEDIUM (50%) power until just warmed. You could make the combination while cooking the purées; freeze, in 1-tablespoon portions in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Note

Use focaccia, bagels, bread rolls or any other kind of bread. Note

Slice will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Note

Use a 26cm x 35cm baking dish 35cm square cake board. Cake can be made and covered with butter cream a day before the party. Top with popcorn and finish the cake up to three hours before the party. Be sure to remove toothpicks before cutting and serving the cake. Note

You could make the combination while cooking the purées; freeze, in 1-tablespoon portions in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Freeze remaining creamed corn in 1-tablespoon batches in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen portions in a microwave oven on MEDIUM (50%) power until just warmed. Note

Suitable from 6 months Store, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days. Purée is suitable to freeze, in 1-tablespoon portions in ice-cube trays, covered, for up to 1 month. Note

No one will want to pick this guitar up and smash it...it’s much too tasty for that and it's just another of our old-school favourites from The Australian Women's Weekly's famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book' cookbook.

You need 10 ice-block sticks. If the choc orange balls don’t stick to the cookies, secure them with a little melted chocolate. Note

You can use blueberries or cranberries instead of goji, if you like. Store bars in an air-tight container for up to 1 week. Note

Checkerboard cookies look and taste wonderful. These biscuits make a perfect gift. Stack the cookies, then wrap securely in cellophane to keep airtight. They will keep fresh for a week or two. Note

Chipotle chillies in adobo sauce are sold in small cans from delicatessens and specialist food stores; they have a medium-hot smoky taste. Any leftover chillies will keep with their sauce in a small screw-top jar in the fridge for up to 3 months. Substitute with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of chilli […]

Equipment 18 x 30cm cake pop sticks; large square styrofoam block; 2 paper piping bags. Use any firm-textured cake to make cake pops ­ mud, fruit, coconut or butter cakes all work well. Leftover Christmas cake or pudding are real winners as they’re usually moist. Cake pop sticks (also sold as `lollypop candy sticks’) are […]