Pillowy, tender and perfectly light, homemade sweet potato gnocchi are as soothing to make as they are to eat. Enjoy the balance of sweet potato gnocchi combined with savory pancetta, bitter greens and deeply flavorful 12-year Aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena.

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.

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.

Bringing influences from Arabia, Greece, Spain, and France, Sicilian caponata is an expression of the islands history. Stewed into a deliciously tangy, sweet and sour agrodolce sauce, eggplant is traditionally the hero of the classic dish. This adaptation swaps eggplant for hearty squash, making it the perfect dish to serve for the holidays.

This classic Sicilian comfort food is great around the holidays or as a side dish anytime of the year. What better way to enjoy this unique vegetable than with this flavorful Italian tradition.

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

This light and simple salad will leave you dreaming of more.