From Fine Cooking Magazine

Gnocchi's plump, pillowy texture and mild, delicate flavor make them perfect for rich, hearty sauces like Pan-Seard Gnocchi with Browned Butter & Sage, Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce, and Gnocchi with Sausage & Leek Ragu. In general, meat sauces are a fantastic match, but butter and cream-based sauces work well, too. In Italy, gnocchi are usually served after appetizers (antipasti) as a first course (or primo piatto), instead of pasta. And they're followed by a meat and vegetable course (secondo piatto and contorno). When Italians eat gnocchi this way, the portions tend to be on the small side. However, gnocchi can just as easily be served as a main course, preceded or followed by a light green salad. The servings here are for gnocchi served as a main course.

Potato Gnocchi

From Fine Cooking Magazine

Real Chocolate Mousse

From Pepperidge Farm

The fresh flavors of the Tuscan countryside are featured in this topping for grilled bread that features fresh diced tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil.

Summer Bruschetta

From Betty Crocker

Bite-size pinwheels are bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Making them in advance reduces last-minute prep.

Greek Salad Pinwheels

From Fine Cooking Magazine

Chicken Piccata

From Better Homes and Gardens

The topping of tomato preserves or mango chutney over a round of baked Brie keeps this buffet table favorite lightweight and fresh flavored.

Baked Brie

From Better Homes and Gardens

The pizzelle (peets-TSEH-leh), a crisp waffle cookie, is one of the oldest cookie recipes known. These large crisp Italian cookies are made with a pizzelle iron.

Pizzelles

From Better Homes and Gardens

Ricotta cheese adds an Italian twist to these fried dough dessert bites.

Italian Donuts

From Betty Crocker

Toss a zesty Italian yogurt dressing with tomatoes, zucchini and pasta for a colorful and delicious salad.

Italian Pasta Salad

From Prego Italian Sauce

Rice-studded turkey meatballs simmer to tenderness in Italian sauce.

Porcupine Meatballs

From Better Homes and Gardens

Cannoli are the quintessential Sicilian treat. With sweetened cheese, bittersweet chocolate, zippy orange peel, and rich pistachio nuts, this version brings together many beloved flavors in every bite.

Cannoli

From Better Homes and Gardens

This Alsatian-inspired casserole packs punch with a splash of beer and a crushed combo of aromatic seeds.

German-Style Sausage and Potatoes

From Prego Italian Sauce

Don't overlook the wonderful change of pace that polenta makes from pasta or rice. This dish is sure to become a frequently requested one.

Polenta Sausage Bake

From Better Homes and Gardens

This brained bread recipe blends the spicy-sweet flavor of cardamom with a hint of orange. As a homemade gift, wrap in plastic wrap, tie with a bow, and place it in an attractive bread basket basket. To serve, slice and toast for breakfast or layer with sandwich makings.

Finnish Braids

From Food & Wine

Polenta with Chives

From Better Homes and Gardens

Chilled gazpacho, often referred to as a Spanish "soup-salad," is perfect for hot summer nights. We've added fish to turn it into a low-calorie main dish.

Fish and Vegetable Gazpacho

From Better Homes and Gardens

Gjetost (YEHT-ohst) is a Norwegian cheese, lightly sweet and caramel color, made from goat and cow milk whey. The color and flavor are attributed to slow cooking until the milk sugar caramelizes. Look for mysost (or primost) cheese if gjetost is unavailable. Serve this salad with a light main dish, such as grilled or broiled fish or chicken.

Sizzling Cheese Salad

From Fine Cooking Magazine

White Pizza

From Better Homes and Gardens

Impress your guests with this delicious holiday dessert. This recipe includes chocolate, cinnamon, cranberry, and ginger. Serve on a footed cake plate for an elegant presentation.

Steamed Pudding

From Better Homes and Gardens

Long, slow cooking, with stirring and watching, ensures success in producing the creamy results for this classic Italian side dish recipe.

Garden Risotto

From Betty Crocker

Add Greek flavor to nachos with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives in a tasty, 10-minute appetizer.

Mediterranean Nachos

From Better Homes and Gardens

This savory ground beef dish sweetened with spices and dried fruits is a legacy from Spain.

Picadillo

From Better Homes and Gardens

Soft goat cheese and an array of herbs flavor these bite-size appetizers. They're perfect for your holiday party menu or any other occasion.

Mini Puffs with Goat Cheese and Herbs

From Swanson Broth & Stock

Fresh clams are steamed in a savory blend of Swanson® Chicken Broth, white wine and diced tomatoes accented with bacon, chorizo sausage, garlic and cilantro.

Portuguese-Style Steamed Clams

From Betty Crocker

Try this meat loaf recipe from Betty Crocker.

Mini Greek Meat Loaves with Tzatziki Sauce