Italian

Debbie Daly of Morris Township, New Jersey, writes: "When my husband and I visit my brother in Madison, Connecticut, we frequently dine at a spot called Perfect Parties. The last time I was there, I enjoyed sweet potato ravioli with brown butter sauce served over spinach. I would love to make it at home." Serve the ravioli atop a bed of wilted spinach, if desired, to soak up every bit of the flavorful brown butter sauce.

(Italian Parsley Sauce)

(CROSTINI DI PANE INTEGRALE CON MELANZANE E OLIVE) A simple hors d'oeuvre with rich flavor and very little fat. Note that the onion is sautéed in broth instead of oil or butter; this is a good way to cut fat and calories considerably.

The sprightly flavors in gremolata, a traditional garnish for osso buco, liven up our Lamb Chops with White Beans and can also add zip to other meats, soups, salads, grains such as rice, or even mashed potatoes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Delicious with crudités, this dip is also quite good as a topper for chicken or fish.

(Chick-Pea Flatbread with Sage)

(TORTA DI TRE CIPOLLE CON TALEGGIO)

This style of pizza is called "sfincione" in its native Sicily. Precede it with some canned bean soup that has been accented with chopped fresh sage and diced tomatoes. End with strawberries drizzled with Marsala, and pass nougat candies or assorted chocolates.

You don't have to cook the lasagna noodles first - just assemble the dish, cover and bake.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Popular in the Italian kitchen for eons, risotto and wild mushrooms were embraced in the nineties by American home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. Offer this delicious version as a starter or a main course.

(INSALATA DI POMODORI) Climate and history have combined to make this region an important center for tomato cultivation. Plum tomatoes star in this straightforward side dish, which is a colorful accompaniment to the veal.

This recipe is used to prepare Chocolate Orange Dobostorte.