Fontina

"Years ago, I was working on a client at my hair salon when we realized that our conversations always led to food," writes Sandy Ercolano of Ridgewood, New Jersey. "She happened to be taking classes at a local cooking school and suggested that I come along. After one class, I was hooked. Now, in addition to running the salon, I'm an instructor at that same school." You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these delicious toasted sandwiches, which are skillet-grilled on the stovetop. For added visual appeal, finish in a ridged grill pan.

Healthy bonus: Bone-building magnesium and calcium from arugula

Debbie uses whatever cheese she has on hand, and she's always happy with the results. This could be a meatless main course or a rich side dish.

Fontina cheese is available at cheese shops and some supermarkets.

Pasta Fazool is slang for the classic Italian pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans). This recipe includes Italian sausage and beef along with kidney beans and pasta. It's all topped with Fontina.

These hearty mushrooms, from Il Radicchio in Washington, D.C., are a stellar start to the meal.

(GNOCCHI DI SPINACI ALLA BAVA) Spinach adds great color and flavor to these light dumplings. The topping consists of melted butter and Fontina cheese, a product made in the neighboring region of Valle d'Aosta but used for many local dishes.

There's horseradish in the cream sauce and, for good measure, some more in the buttery crumb crust.

Healthy bonus: Vitamin A and lycopene from the red peppers

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This strata is ideal for Christmas morning — it is assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving. Mimosas are a nice addition to the menu.

If you have leftover roast chicken or turkey, use it here and save a step. You'll need 3 cups of shredded meat.

In this dish from La Belle Vie in Stillwater, Minnesota, the asparagus could be broiled if that's more convenient.

Petto di Pollo alla Valdostana con Lenticchie Brasate I sometimes suggest some side dishes to go along with main courses and let you make up your mind which you prefer to serve. I love this combination so much, though, that I'm including the side dish as part of the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.