Snack

The almond biscotti for the easy crust are available at supermarkets, bakeries and Italian markets. The recipe is from chef Kimball Jones of Wente Vineyards Restaurant in Livermore, California.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tall and beautiful, sweet and tart, this cake has lots of lemon flavor and plenty of style, too. It's the perfect finale for a St. Patrick's Day dinner or other special occasion.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 40 min

Use this focaccia to make Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches and Genoa Toasts.

In this recipe-for a change of pace from plain olive oil-try any of the oils currently on the market that are flavored with garlic, basil, or rosemary.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Red potatoes keep their shape well — they don’t disintegrate during cooking — and they absorb the flavors around them, like the garlic and rosemary in these pizzas. The flaky white crystals of Maldon sea salt, which is hand-harvested in Maldon, England, make a beautiful garnish for these pizzas. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 4 hr

Here's a different use for one of the ingredients from the first Thanksgiving. Though this recipe is particularly easy to prepare with frozen winter squash purée, canned pumpkin purée or mashed freshly cooked butternut squash will work just as well. The squash will impart a beautiful golden color to the rolls.

(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.