Parmesan

Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is always sold flowering, though its buds are usually still closed.

The rolls should be served warm, so reheat them in batches as platters need replenishing.

These delicious strudels can be put together one day before baking.

Round out this meatless — but hearty — main course with a big spoonful of deli pasta salad on a bed of arugula, and end with purchased tiramisù topped with berries.

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to shave the Parmesan cheese into long strips.

Pasta with shellfish is an old Italian tradition. Have crusty bread on hand to serve.

"Being a vegetarian, I was delighted to find a hearty meatless main dish at the Stamford Plaza hotel in Auckland, New Zealand," writes Barbara Abbott of Santa Rosa, California. "The mushroom risotto was outstanding; I'd be pleased if you could get the recipe."

Petto di Pollo alla Valdostana con Lenticchie Brasate I sometimes suggest some side dishes to go along with main courses and let you make up your mind which you prefer to serve. I love this combination so much, though, that I'm including the side dish as part of the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Stone-ground cornmeal has more texture and corn flavor than steel-ground.

Healthy eating was always a priority in my mother's kitchen, and this colorful, delicious dish continues to be a staple at our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. Using dried bread crumbs will create a crispy topping, while fresh bread crumbs produce a more tender result. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

No-boil noodles cut down on the prep time.

Try these flavorful meatballs on their own, in a tomato sauce or in a submarine sandwich.