My reward for helping mum with some computing tasks on the weekend was a plate of her caprese salad, accompanied by some crusty bread, olives and a few slices of Istra prosciutto. Since buffalo mozzarella is like smack to my fellow Nomists at the moment, I've put together some tips for the perfect caprese. »

An emergency chicken dinner I prepared at short notice for my Mum during the Summer holidays. Based on a Maggie Beer recipe, it's now a weekly staple as the reward far outweighs the effort.
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Its a big claim, but these are better than any spring roll you've had before. You can make them more decadent by replacing the pork with more crab, or the pork & prawns with crab. The crabbier, the better - 100% crab is just fine. »

This is a really hearty Jamie Oliver recipe - I've made it a few times, and although it's got a fair few ingredients, most of them are cupboard staples. It's worth making just for the amazing smells when you chuck in the curry leaves. »

These chicken sandwiches have been a staple for race days, wedding, birthdays, several funerals, and hot nights when the idea of turning on an appliance is more than you can handle. They really are the best. »

Non-Americans are usually disturbed by the idea of pumpkin pie. But I assure you, the first bite will taste weird, and all subsequent ones will taste perfect. I usually roast my own pumpkin and puree it; you can also buy canned pumpkin puree. I also often use butternut squash which, technically, is not a pumpkin, but works really well. I recommend eating this pie with cream or vanilla ice-cream. It makes a great breakfast. »

I inherited this marinade from my Malaysian friend Hock. I don't think it's especially Malaysian, but it sure is the tasty business. Works best with chicken breast on the BBQ, but whatevs. »

I make this at work for lunch during winter every so often. It has excellent warming qualities, and can be varied in all sorts of exciting ways according to what you have available. »

Gourmet Traveller had a recipe for banana splits in the February '09, the crowning glory of which was peanut brittle. »

I have made this Jamie Oliver recipe so many times I might as well have invented it myself. »