Beverages

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

Some people claim that you must be Louisiana-born to master the art of making pralines—those special brown sugar and pecan patties. This cake takes an easier route: The pecans are simply coated in egg white and brown sugar, then roasted.

Kale with Sautéed Apple and Onion makes the perfect side dish for these chops Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

Inspired by Dionne Lucas's recipe for roulade léontine, this easy flourless chocolate roll cake will delight your guests with its airy texture and intense chocolate flavor.

Add a splash of Angostura bitters, a flavoring found in the supermarket's liquor section, for an intriguing spicy note.

(Ciliege al Vino Rosso) Wine is as much a religion in Tuscany as food is, and rare is the table that is set without a bottle of the local vintage. Wine is also an ingredient in sauces, stews and even sweets. Fruit simmered in wine is a common dessert in the region, and cherries are the fruit of choice during their short summer season.

Thin slices of sweet potato can be grilled alongside the ribs, then drizzled with maple syrup. Have coleslaw and corn bread on the side, too. End with lemon meringue pie.

Try these baked apples topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

This can also be prepared with duck breasts, which is how it is often made in Tuscany. Either way, the dish is good with rosemary-flavored mashed potatoes and sautéed artichoke hearts.

Our food editors agree that this is one of the best-tasting and most elegant shepherd's pies they've ever had. The recipe is not as complicated as it appears at first glance—the different components all come together to make a complete meal in a single dish. The potatoes are stiffer than the average mash because they will be forming the crust for the pie.

"While visiting friends on Cape Cod, I had dinner at the Aqua Grille in Sandwich," says Corolyn Hampton of Saratoga Springs, New York. "The beer-marinated steak, served with a peppercorn sauce and mashed potatoes, was the centerpiece of a fabulous meal."

Here's an easy dish to cook ahead for company. Serve it with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes, then add a vegetable to round out a comforting meal.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For this rustic French meal, start with mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette; serve new potatoes tossed in butter and parsley with the beef; and end with plum tarts topped with whipped cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.