Beverages

Aromatic spice and herb blends can quickly turn an ordinary soup recipe into something extraordinary. Here they transform a basic carrot soup into a special concoction you'll crave again and again. So start utilizing the "cook once, eat twice" theory; just freeze half of the recipe or make a double batch whenever possible.

These ultra-rich and chocolaty sandwich cookies have creamy, coffee-spiked centers.

This celery looks very much like the variety found in most supermarkets, but its stems are thinner and it has an abundance of leaves that resemble Italian parsley. Cooking mellows Chinese celery's pronounced flavor — for a stir-fry, it's often blanched first. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Loosely translated, tiramisù means "pick me up," and it has been picked up on practically every menu in America. Since the early eighties, it has been one of the most famous Italian-American desserts, and like spaghetti and meatballs, it is far more prevalent here than in Italy. Purchased angel food cake makes this especially easy.

You don't need an ice cream maker to prepare this classic frozen treat. Accompany with amaretti or other Italian cookies.

(Parfaits Glacés D'annanas En Piña Colada)

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

This hearty breakfast dish is served at The Ahwahnee Hotel.

Use on your favorite toast for breakfast or spoon over vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.