Dining alfresco is back on the menu with the return of warmer weather

From the team at NZ House & Garden [NZ House & Garden] [NZ House & Garden - Style and Entertaining] Hi {NAME}, Many everyday meals can take on a new dimension when packed up and transported to another spot. So with the warmer weather on its way, this is a good time to think about escaping to somewhere new to dine outdoors, or simply whip everything out into the garden for a change of scenery. This month’s recipes in NZ House & Garden are a movable feast. Whether enjoyed inside or out, mid-week or weekend, these dishes make for flavoursome, fuss-free eating. Pop a table in a pleasant spot and linger until dusk; take your time and savour every mouthful. Like companionable friendship, I find this sort of unhurried, alfresco eating is good for the soul. [Julie Le Clerc] Julie Le Clerc Food Editor [Julie Le Clerc] Julie Le Clerc Food Editor       From the files   Black Doris Plum & Almond Cake The candied almond topping adds a lovely crunch to this moist plum cake. Tinned apricots or stewed rhubarb will also work. [Get the recipe]( Flaky Pastry Chicken Samosas These cheat samosas are a great alternative if you’re short on time. Serve as finger food or a light meal with salad. [Get the recipe](     I'm loving...   Plated By Tina Duncan, Camberdown Press, $60 Cantabrian caterer extraordinaire Tina Duncan shares her life story and her huge wealth of knowledge in this gorgeous big cookbook. With recipes and advice drawn from Tina’s lifetime experience of catering for a crowd, this book will help you entertain with ease, be it for a casual family meal or a grand event. The recipes are both delicious and highly doable and Tina’s indispensable advice, tips and tricks will revolutionise your planning, prep, cooking and presentation. With her minimum stress for maximum effect approach and well-tested recipes to cater for any occasion, Tina will have you entertaining like a seasoned professional. This way, you’ll be able to spend more time with your guests than in the kitchen at gatherings, large and small. 5 Ingredients Mediterranean By Jamie Oliver, Penguin Random House, $65 Jamie Oliver has always had a keen awareness of where people are at and the types of recipes that fit well into busy lives. In his familiar, brilliant style, Jamie’s latest cookbook focuses on recipes that use only five ingredients and celebrate the vibrant, diverse flavours of the Mediterranean. You have to be clever to cook big, bold-flavoured food with just five ingredients but Jamie has done all the hard work for us. Here, long shopping lists and loads of preparation or washing up are not needed to make everyday meals exciting. The recipes will inspire you to plate up delicious food any day of the week, with a minimum of fuss. 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