Christening

This spicy oil makes an attractive, useful gift. As well as giving pizza a kick, it is superb in vinaigrettes or wherever you use oil but yearn for a little extra heat. Photography by Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif.

Like the hot, roasted, sugared nuts sold outside the marchés aux puces, the Parisian flea markets, these peanuts are gorgeous and fragrant. Photography by Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif.

Good-quality smoked paprika teamed with creamy cashews with a slight bite of heat makes these nuts a perfect pre-barbecue snack. Photography by Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif.

This spectacular cake tastes as good as it looks. Literally dripping with flavour, it's perfect to serve for a special occasion, such as a birthday or dinner party.

These cute ginger flower cookies create a perfect Christmas or Christening gift. They also come out for high tea or afternoon tea!

Australian family gatherings or celebrations wouldn't be complete without a pav, especially in the warmer months when all our favourite soft fruit is super-ripe and cheap. Or top with any fruit you like - banana, kiwifruit, mango or hulled cherries are all good alternatives.

The unforgettable taste of cookies and cream in a glass! A sweet dessert that is guaranteed to impress.

Substitute dried apricots for any other dried fruit of choice. Note

Use jam flavour of your choice. Note

Wear disposable gloves when using food colouring to prevent it staining your hands. Note