Rita Sodi and Jody Williams
Recipes
Cucumber Spritz
A simple homemade lime cordial and a touch of salt make this non-alcoholic cocktail just as special as any boozy option.
Recipes
Strawberry-Rhubarb Spritz
This star of this springtime spritz is an easy homemade rhubarb syrup.
Recipes
Risotto al Limone
Vibrant extra-virgin olive oil, instead of butter, adds the finishing touch to this lemon risotto.
Recipes
Bittersweet-Chocolate Truffles
You can make this truffle mixture will end up on the table in whatever vessel you chilled it in, which could be a pie plate or a decorative platter—it’s your house!
Recipes
Grilled Escarole
This is spectacularly easy, quite mouthwatering, and works as both a first course before an entrée or as a side dish. Escarole is part of the chicory family and has a pleasant bitterness to it. Note that while the outer leaves of the escarole are not used in this preparation, they should not be discarded.
Recipes
Braised Artichokes with Tomatoes and Mint
All your favorite classic Italian flavors plus a hit of fresh mint make these braised artichokes an absolutely irresistible spring side.
Recipes
Cannellini Beans With Spinach
If there is a lot of liquid in the pan when the spinach is done, drain it before adding the beans.
Cooking
Welcome Spring with This Gorgeous, Italian-Inspired Easter Menu
Believe it: Easter is in March this year!
Recipes
Stuffed Lamb Breast With Lemon, Ricotta, And Oregano
Straining the ricotta will tighten the filling, making it easier to roll. Let it hang out in a sieve while you’re measuring everything else out.
Recipes
Cheese-Stuffed Olives
Pre-dinner snacks serve two purposes: They should be salty enough to encourage cocktail drinking but have enough heft to temper the alcohol’s effects. These deliver on both fronts.
Recipes
Dark Chocolate Semifreddo
The texture of this airy semifreddo is somewhere between frozen chocolate mousse and gelato. In other words: You’re going to love it.
Recipes
Stuffed Lamb Breast With Lemon, Ricotta, and Oregano
Straining the ricotta will tighten the filling, making it easier to roll. Let it hang out in a sieve while you’re measuring everything else out.
Recipes
Crostini with Crushed Eggs and Salted Anchovies
Hot tip: Super-fresh eggs are going to be harder to peel than the ones you’ll find at the grocery store.
Recipes
Italian Crudités
There’s no creamy dip to hide behind here: Use the nicest spring vegetables and olive oil you can find.
Recipes
Cacio e Pepe Potatoes
The classic Pecorino and black pepper combination is delicious on way more than pasta. Try it on veg and rice, too.
Recipes
Braised Artichokes With Tomatoes and Mint
Pick artichokes with tightly packed, squeaky-firm green leaves and a fresh-looking cut on the stem end.
Recipes
Sparkling Lemon Cocktail
If you pour the bubbly too quickly, the drink will foam up and over the edge of the glass.
Recipes
Honey-Hazelnut Financiers
Substitute whole almonds for the hazelnuts in these brown-buttery cakes, or use a combination of both.
Recipes
Leeks in Vinaigrette
Despite being a timeless classic, it’s probably been a while since you made this dish. Entertaining bonus: It gets better as it sits, which means you’ll be rewarded for making it ahead of time.
Recipes
Chouquettes with Warm Berries
The dough for these airy desserts is also the foundation for éclairs, cream puffs, and pâte à choux. Minus the ice cream and berries, they make a sweet little breakfast pastry.