Canned Tomato

"Here is a simple dish I came up with that is especially good during the cold months, as the chipotle chiles can be pretty fiery," says B. Fairbrother of Chicago, Illinois. "My Mexican neighbors were the inspiration."

A delicious soup from Tágide.

This rich, slightly smoky sauce is cooked for only ten minutes.

Margaritas and some guacamole with chips and/or vegetable "dippers" would start this Mexican-style dinner off right. Ladle out black bean soup to precede the tamale pie, and serve a Caesar salad with it. Finish by teaming lime sorbet with orange segments that have been marinated in tequila.

This feisty sauce gets its name from one of its ingredients, dried crushed red pepper (arrabbiata is Italian for "angry"). Use extra red pepper for an even spicier result. Serve with: Deli antipasti such as olives, roasted red peppers, and provolone atop a bed of arugula, and seeded semolina bread. Dessert: Purchased tiramisù.

Lighter in flavor and texture, this is the perfect sauce for ravioli.

Pasta chi Civa is traditionally served during Carnilivari (Mardi Gras) in Polizzi Generosa to fortify the revelers.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

The hearty sauce is also great over couscous.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Braised Chicken with Vinegar and Tarragon)