Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast
Porchetta-Style Turkey Breast

Well-suited for smaller gatherings, this attractive and flavorful roulade of turkey breast will be the centerpiece of your festive table. And because I consider fresh-pressed extra virgin olive oil to be Mother Nature’s perfect sauce, I suggest providing the table with extra oil for drizzling.

Serves 7 to 9Recipe from Fine Cooking, Issue 107

Tuscan-Style Veal Chops
Tuscan-Style Veal Chops

Extra virgin olive oil becomes the base for a savory “board sauce” when mixed with fresh herbs and the natural juices of the meat. Substitute bone-in beef rib eyes or tomahawk steaks if veal is unavailable.

Serves 4Recipe from Food and Wine, June 2007

Barbecued Lamb Skewers (Arrosticini)
Barbecued Lamb Skewers (Arrosticini)

This finger food is very popular in Abruzzo. It is traditionally grilled over a fornacella, a shallow trough of charcoal just wide enough to cook 4 inches of skewered meat. (We use a hibachi or grill pan.) The garlic is my addition.

Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer — Recipe adapted from food52.com and italymagazine.com