Sausage

Start preparing this one day before serving — it needs to chill overnight.

Perfect for entertaining, this gorgeous torta—sheets of delicate crespelle layered with rich besciamella and sweet Italian sausage—won't disappoint. You'll be deliciously rewarded for your effort.

A fennel trifecta—you'll find that the sweet fronds, bulb, and seeds mix harmoniously in this dish.

What to drink: Andeluna 2004 Reserve Merlot from Argentina ($23), with spice aromas and plum and blackberry flavors.

For a vegetarian version, substitute Soyrizo for the chorizo.

It is said that eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day will bring good luck. Here's a fresh take on the southern dish traditionally made with salt pork (we've subbed in andouille sausage) and served over rice.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Jamie Oliver's book, Jamie's Italy. This dish features a classic Italian combination — lentils and sausage — and is a traditional part of New Year's because the main ingredients are thought to be lucky. Salsicce con lenticchie verdi e salsa di pomodoro The equivalent of bangers and mash in Italy is definitely a good roasted sausage with a pile of lenticchie di Castelluccio and a spicy salsa rossa tomato sauce — a genius combo.

Rest assured that your guests won't leave your party feeling hungry — these omeletlike hors d'oeuvres, not to be confused with Mexican flour tortillas, are as hearty as they are delicious.

Sweet caramelized onions and a tart Granny Smith apple are a perfect balancing act, especially when combined with rich smoked sausage.

Cooking a pot of rice is much easier than tearing up and toasting bread for stuffing. Assembling the side dish a day ahead saves time, too.

Super-simple and super-satisfying — for breakfast, brunch, or supper.

Hearty ingredients load this quick Italian dinner with spicy, cheesy flavor.

In this version of cassoulet, garlic-crumb topping is served on the side. Rather than acting as a thickener, the crumbs give our brothy version of the dish a crisp layer of texture.

Clams and pork are a classic Portuguese combination. The briny sweetness of the bivalves and a tomato sauce studded with zesty chorizo bring out the richness of the chops.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe—a different sausage or cheese may make it your new no-hassle dinner standby.