Starter

Insalata di Radicchio, Frisée, e Carciofi Including raw artichokes in a salad is an Italian trademark — their flavor is fresher and milder than that of cooked artichokes. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The dumplings can be assembled and chilled up to eight hours before steaming.

These rice-coated meatballs, commonly referred to as zhen zhu, meaning "pearls" in Chinese, are often prepared at home in New York City's Chinatown. Steaming them on lettuce leaves helps prevent them from sticking to the steamer rack. They are traditionally made with sticky rice (sometimes called sweet rice), but we've used long-grain rice, which is easier to find.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These hearty mushrooms, from Il Radicchio in Washington, D.C., are a stellar start to the meal.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sopa de Camarones con Chile Pasilla Fried pasilla chile strips add an alluring crunch and intense caramelized flavor.

Called panadas, these little pastries make wonderful hors d'oeuvres.

This silky puree can be made one day ahead. What to drink: That's easy — offer guests Irish ale throughout the meal.

Mocha custards are the "coffee" part of this whimsical "coffee and doughnuts" dessert.

This recipe for breiks comes from Kitty Morse, the celebrated expert on North African cuisine. She serves them with lemon and harissa paste, available at Middle Eastern Markets.

Purchased wonton wrappers stand in for fresh pasta in this easy recipe.