Bon Appétit

This sensational caramel filling complements any kind of nut, so mix and match to suit your own taste.

(PASTA PICCANTE CON POMODORI E RUCOLA) Fresh-tasting, easy to make and perfect for weekday entertaining.

A flavorful filling in an elegant dessert.

Old-fashioned (and high fat) favorites take a lighter turn when prepared with nonfat yogurt or low-fat mayonaise; radishes and herbs give the eggs a modern twist.

Whole roasted salmon always makes an impressive main course. Be sure to have the salmon cleaned when buying it. Begin preparing the fish the day before the party. Serve Champagne to keep things festive.

(TORTA DI RISO CON COMPOSTA DI CILIEGE E ALBICOCCHE) This flourless dessert is popular, especially on the Po River plain. The texture is more like that of a rice pudding than that of a cake. The compote is a refreshing partner. For a treat, uncork a semisweet Lambrusco.

A tangy, refreshing take on summer's classic back-yard side dish.

Serve this with white rice for a dinnertime side dish or alongside ham and eggs for a satisfying breakfast.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Lisa Amundsen of Vancouver, British Columbia, writes: "On a recent trip to New York City, my husband and I stayed near Amy's Bread bakery. We sampled their excellent selection of breads, sandwiches, and sweets. We especially loved the grilled cheese sandwich. It was a little tangy, a little spicy, and altogether wonderful."

Nowhere are vegetables as important as they are in Sicily, and few vegetables are as popular-or have as long a history-as the eggplant. There are said to be hundreds of ways to prepare it. Peppers and artichokes are almost as well loved and common. A country cook often gets produce from a small kitchen garden called an "urtu".

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This southern-style main course is especially good with steamed green beans, some old-fashioned potato salad, sliced tomatoes and buttermilk biscuits. End with lemon sherbet and sugar cookies.

Tart, raw cranberries and horseradish add plenty of zip here. Begin preparing this at least a day before serving.

A simple, zestful relish that makes a quick and delicious hors d'oeuvre when served on toasted sourdough bread rounds. It's also nice for giving a flavor boost to roast chicken or fish.