Bell Pepper

Serve this zesty pasta with a salad of tossed winter greens sprinkled with shaved Parmesan or Asiago cheese, and a basket of seeded country Italian bread. Finish with orange sorbet and chocolate biscotti.

This salad is as versatile as it is delicious. We loved it with squid and with shrimp. Add a loaf of crusty bread, and you've got a complete meal. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Italian Chicken with Mushroom-and-Wine Sauce The Creamy Polenta with Parmesan is a nice accompaniment to the chicken.

A low-fat alternative to beef, ground buffalo is becoming increasingly available.

You would never guess by tasting these robust sandwiches that they are low in fat and calories. The secret is spread made of low-fat mayonnaise, nonfat yogurt, Dijon mustard and chopped arugula.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can use leftover roast chicken too.

Set bowls of mixed nuts around the backyard, and serve the salad with glasses of chilled Beaujolais wine.

The classic cold soup, as interpreted by Ouro Branco restaurant, Vila Viçosa, Portugal.

This recipe is used to prepare Cod Cannelloni with Swiss Chard and Roasted Peppers . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Escalivada Served hot, at room temperature, or chilled, this versatile vegetable mélange shows up frequently on Catalan menus. We love to use Unió, a fragrant, peppery oil made from the region's arbequina olives, both for cooking this dish and for drizzling over it.

The vegetables can be prepared ahead and finished up to the middle of step 3. Heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.