Coconut

"The flavours in this cleansing dessert combine to give a taste that's greater than its simple parts would have you imagine," says Carey.

"This is a delicately spiced curry dish with lots of green flavours - bay leaves, green chilli - and a light curry powder," says Carey. "This dish uses some of my favourite flavours from both Italy and Sri Lanka."

Fresh coconut and warm spices feature in O Tama Carey's cabbage mallung, a common dish in Sri Lankan meals. Serve it alongside her black braised brisket.

Tangy apricots, coconut, and a rich caramel-like batter is an excellent combination, especially with a crunchy crumble topping.

This soup's combination of spices, chicken and crispy noodles is sure to pack a punch.

The ultimate make-ahead, no-guilt sweet treat.

Any good café worth its salt is serving matcha lattes these days. Here's our popsicle version, with a crunchy puffed-rice base.

This gluten-free coconut slice has a macadamia and cashew crust, matched with a passionfruit for a tasty and crunchy tropical dessert.

Salted maple almond balls- Simmer maple syrup in a saucepan over medium-high heat until caramelised. Remove from heat and stir in coconut oil.

This simple spiced coconut sauce adds a lot of flavour to barbecued prawns (or fish or chicken, for that matter). Vietnamese mint gives a beautiful lift, but this dish works just as well with other mints.