Parsley

Most Russian Orthodox families roast the meats the day before the feast so that preparation can be kept to a minimum when they come home from church. The baby lamb is symbolic of Christ as well as an ode to the arrival of spring.

Serve with: Mixed baby greens with shredded radishes in a citrus vinaigrette, and a sesame baguette.

Sliced raw fennel, roasted baby artichokes, and bright green edamame make one fabulous, Italian-inspired salad.

Decadent and inimitably French, this recipe was inspired by Jacques Drouot, manager of Le Dôme in Paris. Any leftover fresh truffle can be shaved over scrambled eggs, pasta, or risotto. Jarred truffles are an option, too, but don't have the same intensity of flavor. Or the truffles can be omitted altogether.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A nice accompaniment to grilled sea bass, scallops or shrimp.

For this recipe the lamb racks are frenched all the way down to the eye of the meat. For decorative purposes, we asked our butcher to leave a 1-inch-wide strip of fat along the top of the eye of the rack.

Serve a dry Riesling to complement the subtle ginger flavor of the roasted chicken.

Start with Belgian endive spears filled with caviar of red salmon, golden whitefish or black lumpfish. Serve with your favorite Champagne or Chardonnay.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try these flavorful meatballs on their own, in a tomato sauce or in a submarine sandwich.