Pistachio pesto
JuanJo's Farm Pistachio Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes

For his pesto, JuanJo used semi-matured goat cheese rather than Parmigiano-Romano (see more in the Healthy Ingredient Spotlight in Newsletter). It was simple, fast, and stunning. He dolloped it on just-roasted tomatoes, and it’s equally delicious on bruschetta, as a sandwich spread, tossed with hot pasta and a splash of pasta water, served with grilled fish or chicken, and stirred into warm white beans.

Yields 4 servings

glorious greens salad
Glorious Greens Salad

The variety of lettuces is what makes this salad so special. It features a vinaigrette that combines the sweetness of balsamic with the tartness of red wine vinegar. Remember that true balsamic vinegar must come from Modena, Italy. Turn this salad into a meal by adding cold shrimp or grilled chicken.

Yields 6 servings

Peach pebre (salsa)
Peach Pebre

Pebre is the delicious Chilean spin on salsa. This recipe brings in sweetness from peaches and makes a terrific summer accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish.

Black Garlic Aioli
Black Garlic Aioli

Move over, ketchup! This is about to become your favorite dip for fries and roasted potatoes as well as the perfect panini condiment. A Microplane grater is ideal to make the zest and grate the garlic.

Yields about 3/4 cup

Béarnaise
Béarnaise

Rich and buttery, this is the ultimate sauce for steak—and the perfect dip for roasted potatoes.

Yields a scant cup, enough for 4 steaks

Farfalle with Creamy Tomato Ricotta Sauce
Farfalle with Creamy Tomato Ricotta Sauce

While there’s a place for slowly simmered red sauce, I love how quickly this version comes together, enriched with extra virgin olive oil and ricotta cheese.

Yields 4 to 6 servings

Soba Noodles and Peas with Olive Oil-Soy Dressing
Soba Noodles and Peas with Olive Oil-Soy Dressing

Thin buckwheat noodles, called soba, have been enjoyed in Japan for thousands of years. But it wasn’t until 1993 that the first soba restaurant was opened in the Southern Hemisphere. From Sydney, the concept spread to other Australian cities. Add cooked shrimp (boiled, sautéed, or grilled) if you want to turn simple soba into a more substantial dish.

Serves 4

hazelnut-chocolate spread
Hazelnut-Chocolate Spread

It’s one of the world’s favorite spreads, yet most packaged hazelnut-chocolate blends are mostly palm oil (high in saturated fat) and sugar with minimal hazelnuts and chocolate. My recipe emphasizes the two flavors you’re craving and has a minimal amount of sugar. It also keeps in the fridge for weeks, though the spread will likely be gobbled up long before that.

Yields about 1-1/2 cups

Celery leaf bruschetta
Celery Leaf Bruschetta

One of the many foods unique to Umbria, and nearly impossible to find anywhere else, is “black celery,” grown near the ancient town of Trevi. While not exactly black, its leaves are a much deeper and brighter green than common celery. My adaptation of the dish served at Albergo Ristorante Il Terziere includes similarly hued parsley and has all the freshness of the original.

Serves 4 to 6

Rich onion dip
Rich Onion Dip

No need for a dried onion soup packet to create a zesty chip-and-veggie dip. The shallots add just the right amount of sweetness. For a large crowd, double or triple quantities.

Jerk Seasoning on Chicken
Jerk Seasoning

This Caribbean-inspired blend favorite is a highly spiced dry rub that’s ideal for chicken and salmon but works with any protein. To impart the greatest flavor, rub it in well and let the food marinate overnight before cooking. Grilling is traditional, but you can use any method you like. Store any extra in the fridge for up to a month.

Yields about 1/2 cup

Fresh Herbs for Marinade
Fresh Herb Marinade

This marinade imparts deep flavor to meat, especially when marinated overnight. Consider the following herbs a suggestion—make this recipe your own by combining your favorites, fresh or dried. Note: This Condimento Barili Exclusivi marinade is excellent for beef, lamb, and game; you can adapt it to chicken, pork, and fish by using Condimento Bianco Senape from my collection instead of Barili Exclusivi.

Yields about 2/3 cup