Garlic

Start making this at least one day ahead.

(Arrosto di Agnello alla Toscana) Roasted meats are simple by definition, and in Tuscany they are not just simple, but pure and filled with flavor, too. Lamb is one of the Tuscans' favorite meats to roast. The seasonings in this recipe reflect the Tuscan countryside, with its wild rosemary and the aroma of garlic in the air. Though garlic is ever-present in the cooking, it is generally used in moderation so that it doesn't overpower the other flavors.

Serve this rustic tomato mixture over pasta or as part of an antipasto platter.

Serve this with the Crispy Potato Galette, buttered green beans and a red Côtes du Rhône or white Burgundy.

Chimichurri is a thick herb sauce that in Argentina is typically served with steak.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Fillet of Beef with Tomato Ginger Vinaigrette . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Low-fat mozzarella cheese makes this a rich-tasting dish for brunch or a simple supper.

Button mushrooms would also be fine here. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is really a base for other soups that can also be served on it's own — but consider adding some jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and lime juice; or diced tomato, chopped parsley, matchsticks of zucchini, and thinly sliced basil; cooked peas and small leaves of spinach; lemongrass, curry leaves, and lime juice; or any other seasoning group that seems enjoyable.

Even easier: Use purchased pesto to help speed up the preparation.

Great with chicken, turkey burgers or steak.

Here is one of the most popular ways for cooking shrimp in Italy and throughout the Mediterranean. In American-Italian cuisine, this recipe would be referred to as "Shrimp Scampi," a curious title since scampi means shrimp, which means the name, literally translated, is "Shrimp Shrimp." Good Italian or French bread should always be served with this dish for sopping up the good garlicky sauce.