Classic sponge recipe

Need a cake for a special occasion to please a crowd (or your mum)? Few people have the willpower and self-control needed to say no to a slice of decent sponge cake. This recipe from Christchurch-based food photographer and recipe developer Jessica Donaldson is perfect for a treat or celebration. Is there a […]

Chocolate truffle martini

Is it dessert? Is it a cocktail? We’re pretty sure mum won’t quibble with the semantics when you present her with this delicious, chocolatey treat. Ingredients: 60ml vodka (vanilla or chocolate vodka) 30ml chocolate liqueur 30ml Irish cream liqueur 30ml cream Ice cubes, 2 or 3 Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, […]

Creamy carrot & bacon soup recipe

Perfect for those wintry days, this heart-warming soup from the new book by Sue Heazlewood, Tangleby Everyday Recipes Book Two, is a delicious lunch when served with buttered and grilled ciabatta. Head along to the book’s launch on 21 May at North Canterbury Books. Ingredients | Serves 4 150g bacon, diced 1 tbsp […]

Banana miso caramel cake recipe

Caramelised bananas sit on top of a tender spiced cake in this elevated upside-down variation, with a sweet and salty twist. Developed by Jessica Donaldson of Semla Studio, this treat is best served warm while the caramel is soft and glossy. Ingredients, serves 8-10 For the cake   • 120g caster sugar • 3 […]

Mini lemon thyme polenta cakes

From the baking book called You Had Me At Cake by Emelia Jackson, these little cakes are a riff on the classic pound cake – a pound of this, a pound of that – which is why you’ll find very rounded amounts in the ingredients list. Emelia says she used lemon thyme to […]

Mixed berry & rhubarb pie

Serve up elegance this Easter. A lighter pie filled to the brim with juicy tart berries and rhubarb, it’s perfect for an Easter tea table or as a dessert topped with ice cream. INGREDIENTS | Serves 6-8 Pastry • 1 1/3 cups plain flour • 1/3 cup icing sugar • 125g salted butter, […]