Gingerbread-espresso cookie dough is shaped into cones, filled with a pecan-brown sugar-cherry mixture, and baked until golden and fragrant. These charming bell-shaped cookies are a treasured holiday heirloom recipe with warm spice, toasty nuts, and a touch of fruity sweetness in every bite.

Grilled shrimp, corn, jalapeño, and scallions are chopped and tossed with cucumber, red onion, lime, smoked paprika, and diced avocado into a chunky, smoky salsa. This substantial, protein-packed salsa blurs the line between dip and salad, offering a fresh, grilled twist on traditional salsa that steals the show at any cookout.

Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup are churned in an ice cream machine until smooth, then scooped into hollowed-out frozen lemon halves and garnished with sugared lemon zest. This palate-cleansing sorbet served in its own natural cup makes a beautiful, refreshing finale to a rich French-inspired meal.

Slow-cooked beef chuck with Italian peppers piled onto rolls and topped with a tangy giardiniera aioli. A hearty, hands-off sandwich that feeds a game day crowd.

Homemade crackers made with extra-sharp cheddar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne, baked until golden and crisp. An irresistible savory snack ideal for nibbling on a cozy night in.

Onions, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, Tuscan kale, and cannellini beans are simmered into a hearty broth and thickened with chunks of rustic peasant bread stirred right in. This classic Tuscan bread soup is the ultimate comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal that only gets better as the bread absorbs the rich, savory broth.

Spiced lamb meatballs seasoned with coriander, cumin, and cinnamon, grilled in a basket and served on charred naan with a grilled tomato sauce and crumbled feta. A Mediterranean-inspired flatbread made entirely on the grill that brings bold, aromatic flavor to an all-day grilling session.

Amaro, dark rum, and sweet vermouth are muddled with fresh mint and combined with citrus juices and simple syrup, then topped with club soda for a refreshing pitcher cocktail. This Italian-inspired drink transports guests straight to Rome and pairs beautifully with a pasta-themed evening.

A fresh green salad topped with crispy pan-fried polenta croutons and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. A clever twist on a classic salad with satisfying crunch.

Chicken thighs are baked and then broiled with a homemade barbecue sauce built from apricot preserves, Fresno chiles, and Dijon mustard until caramelized and sticky. These sweet-heat thighs deliver a glossy, finger-licking glaze that balances fruity sweetness with a slow chile burn, perfect for a casual dinner party.