Ever been given a bottle of port at that Christmas party you didn't want to attend? Well, I have the answer if, like me, you don't drink port straight up. Use it to make my port punch that's guaranteed to get the party started, says Shannon.
Shannon Bennett's best recipes for festive entertaining
From cocktails and canapes to main meals and desserts, Shannon Bennett has you covered for all your festive entertaining needs this year.
Fizzy rum and pineapple shrub
Refreshing and light, this cocktail is perfect for any celebration.
Slow-roasted brisket with aromatic spice rub
Okay, slow-roasting a dish all day might not seem normal, but these days, with great oven technology, leaving the oven on while you’re out is completely safe, and wait until you see the results, says Shannon.
Mini crab and mayo sandwiches
"Inspired by the days of Guillaume Brahimi’s famous ‘amuse bouche’ crab sandwiches, these pocket sandwiches remind me of an Australian summer. For a little extra decadence spread a layer of farmed sturgeon caviar over the crab before pressing together. The freshest, softest, whitest bread will make this appetiser all the more special." - Shannon Bennett
Coconut rice salad
Filled with quinoa and brown rice, this nutritious salad is easy enough to make as a side for weekend entertaining or as a standalone meal during the week.
Crisp pork belly with black bean sauce
Black bean sauce? Need we say more. This hearty and downright delicious pork dish will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Stuffed portobello mushrooms with taleggio
Halve the recipe to serve it as an entree, or serve as part of a finger food menu at your next party. However you serve them, you're bound to enjoy it.
King prawns with coriander and chilli butter
A handful of ingredients and a touch of the Shannon Bennett magic make this one quick and easy dish the family is unlikely to forget.
Beetroot rissoles
These earthy, meat-free rissoles are great as leftovers the next day as well.
Murray cod balls with parsley mayonnaise
The crunchiness followed by the delicate texture and burst of flavour from the cod and lemon make these morsels addictive.
Smoked eggplant dip
A version of baba ganoush adapted from a mate of mine, chef Raymond Capaldi. Use as a dip, or loosen with more tahini to make a great sauce, says Shannon.
Snapper pea a la français
Shannon Bennett shows us how to make a feast for the family in record speed time. This one pan fish dish will save on cleaning later. Perfect!
Mariniere of mussels with baked sweet potato chips
Step up your healthy midweek meal game with mussels and sweet potato chips. Easy to make and absolutely tasty.
Honey daikon salad
Love radishes? Then you'll love this daikon salad that's filled with beautifully sweet and sour notes and the creaminess of goat's cheese.
Asparagus, prosciutto and pine nut salad
I see a lot of asparagus at this time of the year, and it tells me summer is nearly here. Yet I don’t see enough cooks celebrate it as the hero. This recipe can be served as a side dish or even a main meal in itself, says Shannon.