Beverages

(BISCOTTI ALL'ARANCIO E MANDORLE) While all Italian cookies are referred to as biscotti, these are really "biscotti," which means they are baked twice. True biscotti are made in many different flavor combinations in many different parts of the country. These delicate ones come from the region of Lazio, where Rome is located. The secret to the cookies' lightness is not to use too much flour and to freeze the dough before forming it into logs.

Be sure to start the brisket at least a day before you plan on serving it - although it can be made up to three days ahead.

The herbes de Provence used in this recipes—a blend of dried marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary, fennel seeds and lavender—is typically found in the cooking of southern France. It can be purchased at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets in the States.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cava, Spain's sparkling wine, is readily available at supermarkets and liquor stores.

We cooked our sausages and sauerkraut with the Oktoberfest beer that we're serving with the dish. Using a lager like this results in a deep, caramelized flavor.

Serve these sensational ribs with an avocado, citrus and red onion salad, some cold beer - and plenty of napkins.

Serve these chicken roulades with rice pilaf and steamed baby squash. Slices of purchased chocolate mousse cake would make an elegant dessert.

Serve over freshly steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Set the truffles in paper or silver-foil candy cups, and offer them in baskets wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with raffia and pinecones. If you prefer, coat the truffles in 12 ounces of melted bittersweet chocolate instead of white chocolate.

Offer this elegant dish with a sauté of vegetables.

Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon are good served alongside. Pour a Zinfandel, Syrah or Chardonnay during the meal.