A ripe pear is notoriously difficult to purchase so we always seem to have a number, in various degrees of ripeness, sitting in our fruit bowl …. just in case. This week a few rapidly ripening offenders were put to very good use in our Pear, Ginger and Honey Cake which we topped with Pears Poached in Mead ....

While we put macadamia nuts to good use in biscuits, cakes, puddings and so on, they also make a great savoury snack for an instant pick-me-up. And, of course, they’re delicious with a cool drink at the end of a day ….

Similar to the much-loved Lemon Delicious but with a more exotic flavour, this light and comforting gluten-free pudding is sure to please ….

While mandarins are still in season we thought we’d introduce you to these delicious Duck Breasts with Chinese Five-Spice and Mandarin. It’s an easy recipe but you’ll need to begin the day before by curing the duck breasts overnight in spiced salt, a process that helps crisp up the skin and enhances the tenderness and flavour ....

This week we’re focusing on delicious polenta, whether it be soft and creamy straight from the pot, or allowed to set, cut into shapes, brushed with olive oil and baked until crisp on the outside but with its trademark creaminess through the centre ....

Iranian Curry Powder has many uses - one example is to dust a whole fish before roasting. Also, it’s great mixed with some plain yogurt to serve with boiled chat potatoes or to marinate pieces of chicken before barbecuing. Try our recipe for Spice Roasted Macadamias. So versatile ....

The quinces and almonds in this cake make a wonderful marriage but it is the addition of pastry cream that gives it its fabulous texture and sticky crust ….

If you’re looking for an easy way to add extra flavour to a range of different vegetables, try this simple Japanese technique ….

Easy to whip up and even easier to devour, our gluten-free, Pear, Chocolate and Vanilla Cake is as delicious eaten warm as it is at room temperature. But don’t be put off by its modest appearance. A slice will deliver wafts of vanilla, sweet and juicy slices of pear and bursts of chocolate all in a moist, sweet gluten-free cake ….

Chargrilled eggplant is nothing new but it’s definitely worth a revisit, especially when crowned with a salad of pomegranate and walnut ….

 A Tarte Tatin was traditionally only made with caramelised apples and known as an upside-down apple tart but these days anything baked with the pastry on top, a good suntan, and turned up to serve, is referred to as a something-or-other Tatin, sweet or savoury ….

Our beef short ribs, slowly braised in the oven with a simple paste of fresh garlic, ginger, coriander and onions, some chicken stock and sherry, will make a very tender and succulent stand-alone dish. But when topped with its Hot and Sour Salad it will zing with chilli, fresh herbs and lime …