Spicy Shrimp on Spinach by John Spottiswood

We made this as one of the dishes at our annual stay at the Koehler Winery near in Los Olivos near Santa Barbara. Everything we made was delicious, but this might have been my favorite. We served it as an appetizer, and everyone raved about it. It was extremely easy and quick and the presentation was beautiful. I made this with a…

Filetti di pesce all'acqua pazza by Frank Fariello

Acqua pazza, or 'crazy water' is the humorous term for an extremely easy, but tasty way to poach fish--or, more specifically, to the poaching liquid.

Shrimp in Green Garlic Sauce by John Spottiswood

Wow, this is a really powerful and delicious dish. If you are looking for subtle flavors, search elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for a garlicky, "must dip my bread in every last bit of that sauce", type of dish, you cannot beat this. I'll admit our kids are not normal, but all four of them downed these shrimp and were dipping…

Grilled Tuna Steaks over Arugula Salad by John Spottiswood

I adapted this recipe from one in Cook's Illustrated and served it during a trip to San Luis Obispo with friends. The vinaigrette was fantastic and the technique for marinating the fennel bulb slices in the vinaigrette to soften it is definitely a keeper. You could try this with just about any fish with good results I think. I…

Scallops in Scallion Nests by John Spottiswood

This is an attractive, flavorful dish, ideal as the first course for an elegant dinner. The scallions, which are cooked briefly in boiling water and served with a mustard sauce, are fantastic. I adapted this recipe from Jacques Pepin. While I loved the presentation, and everyone at our dinner party seemed to enjoy it, I wasn't…

Insalata di riso (Summer Rice Salad) by Frank Fariello

Mid-August, when the temperatures climb to tropical heights, is a time when the enthusiasm of even the most avid cook can begin to wane. Italians often turn to easily prepared dishes that need minimal or no actually cooking. Salads are an obvious choice, and rice salads are a favorite. Not only are they delicious, but they are easy to…

Spanish Scallops by Nancy Miyasaki

These are amazingly rich and tasty. I served these as an entree, but I think they would make an extremely good appetizer too. Make sure to serve with some crusty artisan bread for dipping in the Romesco Sauce.

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio by Frank Fariello

Here's an elegant yet very quick and easy starter that suits just about any menu: a 'carpaccio' of smoked salmon, dressed simply with oil and lemon.

"Barbecue style" langoustines with cumin by Alida

Makes a great starter. A quick recipe and very tasty. Good if you want to impress your guests!

Tagliatelle al tonno e panna by Frank Fariello

Here's a dish for iconoclasts: tagliatelle with tunafish simmered in butter, cream and parmesan cheese—a dish that violates one of the cardinal rules of Italian cooking: never mix fish and aged cheese. But this may be one of those exceptions that prove the rule, as the result is really very good.

Spaghetti alla cipolla rossa e alici by Frank Fariello

This was not a dish my grandmother Angelina ever made, as far as I know, but it is certainly the kind of pasta-cum-vegetable dish that formed the foundation of her culinary repertoire. The robust flavor and texture of the onion and anchovy sauce would go well with other long pasta shapes like linguine or even bucatini.

Grilled Salmon with Basil Cream Sauce by John Spottiswood

Grilled salmon goes very well with lemon and basil. This cream sauce makes an interesting and attractive dish to serve for family or for guests. Our kids went back for more sauce. They love pesto on pizza and pasta, and this has a similar, though milder, flavor.

Bruschette with mussels and cherry tomatoes by Alida

These bruschette are quick to prepare and of great effect. They make a light and tasty starter.

Linguine with Wine and White Clam Sauce by Vivien