Originating in the charming streets of Milan, the aperitivo symbolizes the Italian approach to life. More than just a happy hour drink, the Italian aperitivo is a social ritual that brings people together to unwind, converse and savor the simple flavors of Italy. We've put to a guide together to help you master the art of aperitivo like an Italian.

Drizzled with bright olive oil and acidic-yet-sweet aged balsamic vinegar, and topped with crispy capers and sharp chives, thinly sliced beef serves as the rich canvas for this exciting yet simple beef carpaccio. Serve with a fresh frisee salad and a glass of crisp white wine for the perfect Italian lunch.

What's better than buttery, pan fried bread with melty cheese in the middle? Using the best melty Italian cheeses, salty Italian cured meats, delicious pestos and spreads, and delicious dipping sauces, we've put together our favorite combinations that come together in a matter of minutes.

Using sweet kabocha squash as the base for this velvety Italian pumpkin soup, Aglio e Oglio seasoning adds a delightfully savory Italian twist to the comforting flavors of fall.

Naturally sweetened by the careful and diligent work of honey bees, honey offers us a peek into the many wonders of our natural world. Flavored with the vibrant taste of lemon blossom, clover, pine or any myriad of flowers, it can be hard to believe that the powerful flavors in assorted honeys derives simply from the bee's preferred pollens or nectars and not from manmade essential oils or additives.

We've entered the best time of year: tomato season. Warmed by the hot summer sun, the plump, sweet and earthy fruits are hard to resist when pulled from the vine. A stunning appetizer or salad, this tomato carpaccio comes together quickly and balances the fresh taste of tomatoes with the zing of a caper dressing.

Tickling the appetite with savory local flavors, antipasti is the first course of a formal Italian meal. From cured meats to brined olives, pickled vegetables, capers, tapenades and striking cheeses, there are no strict parameters to limit what you can or cannot include in your antipasti. The only rules are that it must be delicious, bitesized, and shareable. We've put together a guide for how to assemble the best antipasti for your next meal.

From Italy's northernmost region of Terntino-Alto Adige to its southernmost tip of Sicily, succulent stone fruits sweeten Italy from May through September. Offering the irresistibly juicy, sweet, and tart tastes of summertime, we've compiled some of our favorite ways to incorporate the Italian treat into your summer menus.