These sunshine-coloured tarts will brighten up any meal. Inspired by the Pineapple Zappo lolly of our youth, it's a sweet-sour explosion of flavour.

A tower of pastry and ice-cream, crowned with fresh and freeze-dried raspberries? Now that sounds fun.

Rhubarb and pear dartois recipe - For frangipane, beat sugar, butter and vanilla seeds in a bowl with a wooden spoon until creamy, then beat in egg.

Similar to doughnuts, these French treats are made with a pastry dough similar to choux, which means a light and airy texture contrasted by the crunch of the glaze.

The best way to serve this? Plonk it on the table, arm your guests with forks, and dig in.

This tart is easy to whip up if you have shortcrust pastry on hand. The tangy rhubarb is a great match for the rich but slightly bitter chocolate.

“People still stop me and request it," Christine Manfield says of her five-spice duck and shiitake pies. "Where the humble meat pie holds special significance for many Australians, this version elevates it to a refined status."

Is there anything a vol-au-vent can’t do? Dress them up with poached oysters and caviar or make fast friends with chicken and white wine.