Food Processor

You can prepare this brightly colored dip up to two days ahead.

Purchased puff pastry and almond paste help make an elegant dessert in minutes.

Any colorful combination of seasonal fruit can be used to decorate this pretty dessert.

Here's a great combination of colors and flavors that add up to a pretty and refreshing seasonal finale.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An accompaniment to Sauteéd Scallops with Hazelnut Vinaigrette . Also great with roast lamb or chicken.

At the fish market, ask them to remove the head, tail and bones from the trout, then to cut each trout into two fillets, leaving the skin intact.

We adapted this recipe from one by Terrance Brennan, the chef-owner of Picholine restaurant in New York. He tops the soup with strips of smoked salmon.

Brush this peppery sauce onto beef, chicken or pork during the last 15 minutes of grilling. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(GELATO AL PISTACCHIO) Gelato is made from whole milk, egg yolks, sugar and natural flavoring. This version calls for pistachio nuts. Softer in texture and more intense in taste and color than typical ice cream, gelato is one of Italy's great culinary creations.

Creamy mascarpone cheese and pureed roasted pumpkin are blended with just a delicious touch of cinnamon to make an interesting sauce for the fettuccine starter. Uncork a Dolcetto.

A spice combination that is inspired by Indian cuisine enhances this sensational soup. Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc as a refreshing partner.

This is the chocolate lover's dream dessert: rich, creamy and intensely flavored.

Literally translated as "hot bath," this dipping sauce for vegetables often appears in many Italian homes as part of the Christmas Eve buffet. Although cardoons (an edible thistle related to the artichoke but resembling celery) are traditional, celery makes a fine substitute and any combination of vegetables will do. In Italy, the routine goes like this: Vegetable pieces are dipped into the sauce (a fondue-style fork will help) and then eaten, with a slice of bread held underneath to catch the drippings. Once the bread is soaked with sauce, it's eaten, too. Then everyone starts over. It's fun for a party appetizer no matter where you live.