Simmer

A filling of bittersweet chocolate truffles is the surprise in this elegant dessert from Michele Dennis at Zefiro.

We've substituted the florets of regular broccoli for broccoli rabe, since they are more readily available. Use rabe if you can find it at your market; it will lend a stronger, more authentic flavor to the dish.

Top this homey dessert with green grapes and orange slices for a pretty presentation.

Start with hearts of romaine topped with balsamic dressing and diced feta cheese, and pass whole grain bread. Have chocolate cupcakes afterward.

Purchase a roasted turkey leg or whole chicken at your market. This is also a great use for leftover turkey.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The juices from any roast—poultry or meat—caramelize in the pan, leaving a residue of brown glaze with intense flavor. In the process called "deglazing," we melt these brown bits in hot liquid (wine, stock, and/or water), to create a quick sauce of concentrated natural essences. Make this pan sauce for either of our roast chickens.

GELATO DI MELONE

This recipe is an accompaniment for Mascarpone Cheesecake with Quince Compote .

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 4 1/4 hr (includes making stock and rouille)

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 12 hr (includes chilling)

Spoon these cherries over ice cream or pound cake, or serve them topped with whipped cream and biscotti.

We thought of this dish as a main course for lunch, but it would also be great for dinner, particularly with grilled steak. (Serves four as a starter or side dish.)

This is like a frozen mousse, which helps explain its name: semifreddo, or "half-frozen." Start preparation a day ahead.