Ham

Typical of hearty vegetable dishes of the Apulian region of Italy is this easy-to-make mixture of cabbage, onion and prosciutto.

Fontina cheese is available at cheese shops and some supermarkets.

The classic combination of tomatoes, basil and cheese is unbeatable, especially with the addition of prosciutto. Pair the pizza with a salad of radicchio and romaine in an oil and vinegar dressing. Follow up with cannoli and espresso.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Purchased Italian treats like roasted red peppers, assorted olives, caponata, salami, marinated mushrooms and crusty breadsticks make a great antipasto platter. Biscotti and a bowl of fresh grapes are just right for dessert.

(BEEF AND SAUSAGE ROLL WITH PROSCIUTTO, PROVOLONE, SPINACH AND EGGS) At one time very little meat was eaten in this region. When it was, humbler cuts were transformed by long cooking into delicious stews or combined with other ingredients to make meatballs or a meat roll such as this one. It is good hot, at room temperature or even cold. Leftovers are great in sandwiches. Serve with the Mixed Salad and some bread.

Have some carrot sticks, sweet gherkin pickles and buttered dinner rolls with the salad; if the picnic is taking place in the back yard, offer some corn on the cob as well. Oversize oatmeal cookies and watermelon wedges are a great finish. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Braised carrots, a cucumber salad, and some steamed new potatoes sprinkled with chopped fresh dill are good choices to accompany this Swedish-inspired dish. Holiday cookies and mugs of hot apple cider make a happy ending.

This versatile salad can also be made with leftover beef, lamb or chicken.