Fennel

This soup can be pureed by pressing it through a strainer or a food mill. It can also be pureed in a blender and then strained.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

Fresh fennel bulbs and crushed fennel seeds add subtle anise flavor. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the fennel seeds, or simply place them in a plastic bag and pound them with a rolling pin. The soup can be made a day ahead and rewarmed before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The shanks need to marinate overnight, so plan ahead. Uncork a spicy Syrah, Pinot Noir or Merlot to go with dinner.

The flavor of the stuffing complements most fowl--there is enough here to stuff a 12-pound turkey or six game hens. The stuffing is also delicious as a side dish with roast pork or as a filling for cabbage rolls.

From Le-Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.

Gremolata is a parsley and lemon peel mixture commonly used in Italy with osso buco.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

On the Cycladic islands, homemade salted pork flavors most vegetable dishes. Pancetta makes a good substitute here.

Accompanied by Champagne, this beautiful and delicious appetizer starts the meal on a sophisticated note.