Food preparation doesn't mean you have to travel all over town to shop for ostrich and quail eggs to have a great meal, the basics are the best. Yes, the basics.

Cooking at home should be simple. Save the hard to find ingredients and fancy plate presentations for restaurants or really special occasions. No need to spend all evening in the kitchen balancing a parsley leaf on something resembling the Eiffel Tower!

Food is a social exchange that connects people. It is a universally understood language that speaks to one's senses through aroma, taste and sight. It melds cultures and broadens social understanding at the dinner table. Our society learns the value of family through the timeless traditions of holiday dinners as generations unite through family recipes.

Now let's get stuck into some recipes. First, decide what mood you are in. Do you fancy a delicious dessert all by itself or would you rather curl up on the couch with a bowl full of mashers? Perhaps you have a dinner party with friends or a romantic evening planned with your loved one? Whatever the occasion you'll find something yummy in this repertoire of recipes.