European

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. When blood oranges are out of season, you can use any type of seedless orange.

Soupe aux Pois Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 1/2 hr

Most of the Christian Mediterranean cultures have some form of rich, festive egg bread that they prepare for the Holy Week before Easter. This is when pinze were made at our house. It is a tradition that is still strong in the Veneto region of Italy. The panettone and colomba cakes often found in the country today are derivatives of pinza. Making good pinza requires some understanding of leavening and bread making, which I have carefully described below. It also requires patience, because the dough, rich with eggs and butter, requires several long risings. Serve slices of pinza with espresso, tea, or, in the morning, with caffè latte. For a richer dessert, top with whipped cream or mascarpone and berries, or enjoy it as is on a wonderful festive table or for brunch on Easter Sunday. The loaves keep well for one week at room temperature if sealed in plastic wrap for six to eight weeks in the freezer. For the effort, it pays to make a larger quantity and enjoy for weeks after.

Bianco Another Corfiote fish recipe with an Italian-sounding name. Bianco is pungent with garlic and is called "white" because it is made without tomatoes.

A popular salad on the island of Pantelleria.

Great to give as gifts in pretty boxes or tins or to have on hand for unexpected company.

What to drink: Sangiovese wines are a classic pairing with robust pasta dishes. Try the Cantina di Montalcino 1999 Poggio del Sasso, a good-value Super Tuscan.

Spinach and Feta Phyllo Triangles

Panforte — a cross between a cake and a candy — is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means "strong bread"). This recipe yields much more than you'll need for the party, but it keeps so well that you'll have delicious leftovers long after the holiday season. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling)

Elisa Mazzaferro-Rosenberg of Fort Collins, Colorado, writes: "I love to entertain, but between coming home late — I just completed my Ph.D. in small animal clinical sciences — and feeding my husband, Adam, and myself plus our little family of five cats and two dogs, I haven't had the time to have friends over much."

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

When you're cooking with veggies, don't overlook dessert! This cake has great texture, thanks to both pureed and grated carrots. It's delicious with or without frosting and great for parties.

Here's a hearty and satisfying pasta that makes an easy entrée for a dinner party.