Bon Appétit

Serve with white rice to soak up the sweet and spicy sauce.

In this dish, the mint pesto says spring every bit as much as the carrots do.

A party-perfect entrée — ready in less than half an hour.

For an even easier preparation, buy already-chopped onions and bell peppers; they're available at many supermarkets.

The chive oil would also be delicious drizzled over salmon or chicken. For very hungry guests, poach 12 eggs and serve each person two instead of one. WHAT TO DRINK: Prosecco, an Italian sparkler, is festive, delicious, and a good value.

This works as a first course or as a side.

Paprika oil adds a hit of color — and flavor.

These are just a tiny bit sweet. For the tenderest result, stir in dry ingredients just until blended.

This dish is finished with a delicious (and super-easy) basil and tarragon butter.

You will need to buy eight beets for their greens, but you'll use only four of the roots.

Baby beets, which are roughly the size of a large marble, are sweeter than mature beets and cook more quickly.

Here's a veggie take on classic carpaccio. Chioggia beets would also be beautiful.

Asian ingredients update this Italian appetizer. Specialty foods stores and Asian markets carry ponzu.

This dessert has it all — a pecan crust is filled with a layer of vanilla ice cream, topped with lemon curd, and then frozen. And the finishing touch? A golden brown crown of meringue.