Janice Tiefenbach

Toasting the pine nuts until they’re properly golden brown to the center and not just on the surface is key in coaxing out maximum flavor. That said, pine nuts are expensive and can burn, so keep a close eye on them as they cook.

This bright, zippy chicory salad gets dressed with a punchy anchovy-lemon vinaigrette and adds a serious pop of color to your table.

This deceptively simple chocolate tart has a press-in nut crust that just so happens to be gluten-free.

Polenta alfredo, polenta mac ‘n’ cheese, whatever it is, this polenta is very creamy and cheesy. We like that.

It’s a showstopper. Two bottles of red wine get cooked down to a glossy butter sauce that stains and flavors the spaghetti.