Pecorino

Sfinciune

(Sicilian "Pizza" with Onions and Anchovies) Sfinciune derives its name from a word in local dialect meaning soft, light, or tender, a reference to its rich, airy crust. This version of sfinciune has a bread-crumb topping, which gives it a pleasant crunch.

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

For a more elegant presentation, ask your butcher to french the rack of lamb (that is, trim the meat and fat from the ends of the bones). Also serve the Potato Silk with Truffle Oil and sautéed cherry tomatoes. A good Merlot is the perfect accompaniment.

Basil-Arugula Pesto

Toss this delicious pesto with 1 1/2 pounds of your favorite pasta, or spread it on slices of Italian bread.

Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper

Cacio e Pepe For this recipe, you need to grate the cheese with the ragged-edged holes of a box grater for ease of melting. Don't use the small teardrop-shaped holes or a rasp, as your cheese will clump up in the bowl.

Frittata Rolls Stuffed with Ricotta and Fresh Mint

Be sure to use fresh ricotta cheese from an Italian market — authentic ricotta has the rich, dense texture that's best for this recipe. Make the rolls one day ahead so the flavors can develop. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Perciatelli with Meatballs and Tomato-Porcini Sauce

If you love spaghetti and meatballs, then you'll love this upmarket rendition featuring perciatelli-long, hollow pasta. The noodles are topped with a rich tomato and porcini mushroom sauce, and meatballs made with ground veal, Italian sausage and more porcini. Start things off with an antipasto platter of olive, assorted marinated vegetables and cured meats. Offer breadsticks alongside, and pour a full-bodied Chianti.

Farfalle with Four Cheeses, Carrots, Peas and Prosciutto

Summer Pasta with Olives, Roasted Peppers and Capers

Serve this with a basket of crusty bread.

Savory Cheese Turnovers with Mint

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

Potato and Cheese Ravioli with Fresh Tomato Sauce

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

Penne in Country Ragù

What to drink: Sangiovese wines are a classic pairing with robust pasta dishes. Try the Cantina di Montalcino 1999 Poggio del Sasso, a good-value Super Tuscan.