As easy as raita is to make, if you are in a hurry you can cheat and buy tzatziki, which is the Greek eqivalent of the Indian raita. Note

Cook the chicken the night before. Note

Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour prior to use, to prevent splintering or scorching. Note

Aïoli can be made easily at home: Combine ½ cup whole-egg mayonnaise and 1 crushed garlic clove in a small bowl. Season to taste. Note

The richness of pork works perfectly with fresh and aromatic flavours, as in the coating mixture and salad for this recipe. Loin chops have a fatty edge ­ trim it if you wish, but don’t remove it as it makes the meat flavoursome and luscious. Note

Treacle can be used in place of molasses. Note

Use a soft creamy blue cheese for the blue cheese mousse. The mousse can be made a day ahead and kept, covered, in the fridge. It’s best to cook the beef as close to serving time as possible. Note

The beef can be cooked in the oven, if you prefer. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and cook, uncovered, for about 1 hour. Note

Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them scorching during cooking. Note

This tomato chilli jam is deliciously versatile ­use it as a condiment in sandwiches, to pep-up stir-fries or as a glaze for chicken, fish or lamb fillets or skewers. Note

Delicious sweet and spicy Asian-style ribs are great for summer barbecues and dinner parties.

Sprinkle with nuts, season to taste. Note

American-style pork spareribs in a rich and delicious plum and star anise marinade with a light Asian-style pear, ginger and chilli salad.

Cooking the pizza in a covered barbecue gives it a wonderful smoky flavour similar to a wood-fired oven. If not using covered barbeque, pizza can be cooked in the oven. Place toppings on dough and bake until browned and crisp. There is no need to turn the dough over using this method. Note

The pork neck can be marinated in the glaze the day before. The pork and potatoes can be roasted in an oven at 180°C/350°F. Note

Teppanyaki is the name given to a traditional Japanese cooking style where the food is cooked rapidly on a searingly hot grill plate on or near the table. Pink pickled ginger, also known as gari, can be found in most Asian grocery stores. Note

Run a teaspoon down the centre of the cucumber to remove the seeds. If using bamboo skewers, cover the wooden ends with foil toprevent them from burning during cooking. Note

Tzatziki is a Greek yoghurt dip made with cucumber, garlic and sometimes chopped fresh mint. You can buy tzatziki ready-made in supermarkets and delis. Note

Sweet and sticky maple-glazed chicken with a fresh and nutty salad; a wonderful summer dish.

A quick and easy pork dish with a sweet and salty Asian coleslaw by Australian Women's Weekly.

A light and summery dish of char-grilled scallops with a zesty corn salsa.

A perfect summer dish of barbecued sausages with tomato relish.