Foraging for mushrooms is ritualistic and requires immense patience. After hours spent tromping through mushroom territory, you may come home bearing pounds, ounces, or none of the marvelous treasure. Filled with the earthy nuances of wild fungi, this mushroom risotto balances rich textures with umami flavors with a bright pop of lemon, fresh herbs, and aromatic fennel pollen. A wonderful dish to serve throughout the year, it is particularly nice during the holiday season.

Slowly braised so to fall-off-the-bone, this rich and luscious braised lamb shank can be served over polenta, with roasted potatoes, or alongside your favorite grilled spring vegetables.

Sweet, vegetal, and aromatic, fresh wild fennel offers a vibrant yet delicate expression of anise that is beloved by many. Native to the Mediterranean basin, fennel is expressed in regional cuisine through a myriad of mediums. Cold-pressed into fresh, light juice, fennel adds a deliciously botanical quality to this cocktail.

A traditional family-style meal in the mountains of Northern Italy since ancient Roman times, polenta alla spianatora is a communal experience. Creamy, golden polenta is spread into the center of the table to create one large, delicious canvas. Next, a rich, saucy ragu is carefully spooned on top, distributing luscious flavors and chunks of precious meat across the thickened maize. As the wine flows and each fork sweeps through the perfect mess of soul warming flavors, the air fills with chatter and laughter.

Enjoy these delicious and flavorful Swordfish rolls as a part of your Feast of the Seven Fishes or just by themselves. Buon appetito!

Some cook seven courses; some just put seven types of seafood in a stew and call it a feast. Many families abide by their own traditions, but all Italian-Americans can agree that seafood is a part of Christmas Eve.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, discover this delightful and zesty seafood recipe courtesy of our friends at Our Italian Table.

Discover this delicious smoked pork shoulder ragu, courtesy of Chef Jeremy Williamson.