White Wine

Complement the entrée—and the Chinese theme—with rice, stir-fried snow peas, then pineapple sherbet topped with coconut.

Although they no longer remember who gave it to them, my parents received a fondue pot for their wedding. I have distinct memories from childhood of standing on my tiptoes, peering over the stove top and begging my mother for another chance to whisk the bubbling cheese mixture. As the cheese became thicker and thicker, we all took turns stirring. Since preparation for dinner was a family affair, fondue was a meal reserved for special occasions.

Here's a hearty and satisfying pasta that makes an easy entrée for a dinner party.

Italian Chicken with Mushroom-and-Wine Sauce The Creamy Polenta with Parmesan is a nice accompaniment to the chicken.

From the Williamsburg Inn's Regency Room.

When showing me his straightforward technique for making this traditional dessert, chef Cesare Giaccone (at Da Cesare restaurant in Albaretto della Torre) credited a parish priest in a nearby hamlet for giving him new understanding of zabaglione. Whether that meant pointers or inspiration was hard to tell, but knowing that this ambrosia has such a godly source allows me to enjoy it even more!

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.