Cheese

In a twist on classic tiramisu, the leftover almond-flavored macaroons assume a more prominent role: Layered with an airy mascarpone mousse, they take the place of the traditional ladyfingers.

Use a V-slicer for the vegetables and a peeler for the Parmesan.

This super-quick dessert can be served right away, or covered and chilled for up to four hours. (If you're making the parfaits ahead, let stand at room temperature one hour before serving.) Mascarpone (Italian cream cheese) is sold at many supermarkets and at Italian markets.

In this version of chips and dip—an essential snack food—making your own onion dip (spiked with chipotle chiles) really ups the ante. Homemade pita chips flavored with garlic come together quickly and are so much better than anything you'll find in the chip aisle.

Porcini and crimini mushrooms give this hearty soup its deep, almost meaty flavor. Cottage cheese holds the cheesy, parsley-flecked dumplings together.

Ribollita is a classic Tuscan soup that's made up of vegetable soup mixed with pieces of rustic bread. This version is packed with veggies—white beans, kale, chard, potatoes, tomatoes—and served with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

There's something about salty-sweet treats that we find irresistible (and we know we're not alone). Here, as the dates bake they get deliciously sweet and caramely. And the salty part? That comes from the crispy pancetta-and the warm cheese.

Two Italian cheeses (Fontina and Parmesan) lend an Italian flair to these tiny sandwiches. Brushing the bread with sage-infused butter and topping each sandwich with a sage leaf adds flavor—and visual appeal.

A combination of kale, chard, spinach, dill, and fennel fronds gives this soup a fresh flavor. Fiber-rich barley adds a hearty note.

Bison (a.k.a. buffalo) is available at some natural foods stores, specialty foods stores, and farmers' markets.

It does not get cozier than this hearty dish. Yes, you’ll make your own gnocchi. And yes, it’s totally worth the effort.

Use leftover ham or good-quality ham from the deli counter in this dish.

If you prefer, serve the short ribs for dinner with polenta, then use the leftovers to make a few sandwiches.

Potatoes are finely cut into small cubes, then cooked risotto-style.