Red Onion

This light and refreshing slaw is best eaten the day it's made, chilled or at room temperature.

This healthful vegetarian dish would be perfect for a picnic. To speed prep time, use trimmed sugar snap peas with the strings removed (find them in the produce section of many supermarkets).

If you're making your vinaigrette with white-wine vinegar, use 1/2 teaspoon sugar (instead of 1/4 teaspoon) to balance the higher acidity.

Luganega, a coiled slender Italian pork sausage sold at Italian markets and some supermarkets, often comes with flavorings such as spices and cheese. If you can't find it, substitute any fresh Italian sausage.

Ravioli al Radicchio Rosso Stuffed pasta shows up less frequently in Florence than it does in the nearby Emilia-Romagna region. But when it does appear on menus, it's usually dressed simply, like the ravioli here, with a little butter and a bit of grated Parmesan.

Fresh pizza dough is now available at some supermarkets; look for it in the refrigerated deli case or use thin Boboli crusts. Piave is similar to, but a bit creamier than, Parmigiano-Reggiano. Look for it at Italian markets and specialty cheese stores.

Low-fat and low-cal, this dish tastes lively and bright.

In this rich, sweet salad, we've included not just onions but their relatives in the Allium family — shallots, leeks, garlic, and chives. For meltingly tender results, be sure to peel off the papery outer layer, the leathery second layer, and any paper-thin membranes from the onions, shallots, and leeks.

Serve with: Texmati rice pilaf tossed with toasted pecans, and broccoli florets sautéed with sliced garlic.

Michael Shrader of Nine Restaurant Group in Palm Springs, Florida, writes: "Both sides of my family cooked a lot when I was growing up, so I've had plenty of inspiration to draw on as a chef. From my mother's Sicilian heritage, I learned about homemade pasta, braised meats, and biscotti—before they became fashionable. My dad is part German, and he was known for his talents working the grill. On my days off from the restaurant, I cook for my wife at home. We tend to eat light, and I cook with foods that are in season since I've never been one for complicated dishes. It's just not my style. I'd rather have sliced tomatoes with a good olive oil or pasta with vegetables than something fussy." A sophisticated, fresh, and spicy dip for tortilla chips or baguette rounds.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

Tart, raw cranberries and horseradish add plenty of zip here. Begin preparing this at least a day before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.