Saute

You can prepare the polenta a day ahead. The chicken and vegetables can be made earlier in the day, and both can be reheated before serving. Team this with a radicchio and arugula salad, and uncork a Pinot Grigio.

Serve this lovely dish with Champagne.

Literally translated as "hot bath," this dipping sauce for vegetables often appears in many Italian homes as part of the Christmas Eve buffet. Although cardoons (an edible thistle related to the artichoke but resembling celery) are traditional, celery makes a fine substitute and any combination of vegetables will do. In Italy, the routine goes like this: Vegetable pieces are dipped into the sauce (a fondue-style fork will help) and then eaten, with a slice of bread held underneath to catch the drippings. Once the bread is soaked with sauce, it's eaten, too. Then everyone starts over. It's fun for a party appetizer no matter where you live.

The savory butter is also good on potatoes, rice, pasta or bread.

Add the grated peel from half an orange to the dressing if you want a more intense orange flavor in the salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A version of the Tuscan specialty, fagioli all'ucccelletto.

A mixture of cottage cheese, lowfat yogurt and lemon juice replaces the sour cream in the traditional version of this dish. Ground turkey makes an especially good choice for those watching their cholesterol intake.

Fricasse De Girolles This makes a wonderful side dish to poultry or seafood, or a lovely dish all on its own.

These steaks would be great served with the Endive Salad . Tip steak is from the round, which is a tougher muscle and has less marbling than other cuts of beef. It should be cooked rare to medium-rare for maximum flavor and juiciness.

These mushrooms make a wonderful side dish for just about anything.

Try this with any roasted meat or as a topper for crostini. Begin making it a day ahead.