Latest from Amanda Laird

Let's face it - it really isn't summer unless the air is thick with the heady aroma of charcoal-infused food and the sweet sound of a sizzling grill-plate, jam-packed with a raft of delicious treats.

Serves 4. 1 cup steamed edamame beans - peeled. 3 radishes, finely sliced. ¼ watermelon, peeled, deseeded and diced. 100g feta, crumbled. 2 Tbs olive oil, plus 1 Tbs extra for grilling the salmon. Juice and finely grated zest of one lime.

Serves 4. Garlic oil: 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp fresh thyme, 200ml extra virgin olive oil. Salad: 200g broad or green beans, 1 eggplant, 1 red capsicum, 1 yellow capsicum, 3 courgettes, 100g buffalo mozzarella.

Softened butter to grease an oven tray, ¼ cup water, 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, 1½ cups raw peanuts, ½ cup pecan nuts, ½ tsp salt, 2 Tbs butter, 1 tsp baking soda

This recipe needs to be made a day ahead. 400g dark chocolate - at least 60 per cent cocoa solids, 200ml cream, Zest of one orange, plus a little extra to garnish, 2½ Tbs crystallised ginger, finely chopped

Sponges need a gentle touch but the results are worthwhile.

Perfect for summer, chilled soups can suit any occasion.

Sweeten up the guests at your next gathering.

Take cues from takeaways but with your own healthy, fresh twist.