This unorthodox Italian nougat, or torrone, adds cherries and almonds to the classic pistachios. Talk about being decked out in Christmas bling.

This Italian pear, basil, and pecorino Toscano salad is a perfect fall dish. The sweet pears, pungent basil, and meaty pecorino Toscano play well together.

A classic dish from the island of Ischia, this slowly braised rabbit becomes imbued with red wine and herbs.

This Italian ribollita is dense with bread, greens, beans, and caramelized onions. Rich with flavor, the ribbolita is a family dish.

Anyone who thinks Sicilian men don’t cook should meet Giuseppe Scarlata, a native who likes to create dishes alla fantasia.

For this Sicilian dish, mahi mahi is stewed with tomatoes, onions, olives, and seasoned with briny capers. The mahi mahi becomes infused with tomato flavor.

Supple strands of pasta luxuriate in an easy, elegant, knock-your-socks-off veal sauce that’s gilded with butter and tomatoes. All in 30 minutes.

A sort of inside-out take on tortellini filled with spinach and ricotta, this quick weeknight pasta supper boasts a rich spinach and ricotta sauce.

These herbed omelettes, flecked with chives and Parmesan cheese, are rolled around a ricotta filling and cut into pieces. The omelets can be made ahead.

This recipe for a frozen terrine, called semifreddo, is an ideal dessert to make ahead and pull out, slice, and serve. A great ending to an outdoor meal.