Beverages

I don’t rent out my house in Italy but I do let friends stay there. The “rent” that I charge is always the same: one book and one DVD. Our collection of both is pretty random, but thankfully someone at some time thought to bring the movie Il Postino, one of my all-time favorites.

Wild boar, called cinghiale, is hunted and sold all over Umbria, so as a born-again Umbrian I would feel as if I were betraying my experience of Italy if I didn’t include this ragù at my restaurant. Cutting the boar is the hardest part of this recipe, and it isn’t hard at all. The ideal is to buy frozen wild boar and cut it while it’s only partially defrosted, when it’s easier to cut.

Dates stuffed with marzipan are an exotic confection of Middle Eastern origin. They are a snap to prepare.

A popular ingredient in many confections, candied orange peel is also delicious eaten plain or dipped in chocolate.

I originally created this recipe for Bon Appétit magazine. With its deep undertones of coffee and chocolate, it is one of my favorites.

If you like cappuccino, you will love this fudge. It goes perfectly with after-dinner coffee.

Colored and flavored layers of marzipan are stacked one on top of another and cut into squares to create this yummy candy.

Espresso adds extra depth to the rich flavor of these candies.

These bite-size candies are terrific with after-dinner coffee.

White chocolate and apricot complement each other perfectly. The addition of apricot brandy or Cointreau gives these truffles a special zip.

The pungent flavor of crystallized ginger blends perfectly with the richness of white chocolate. These truffles have a slightly granular texture, which adds to the pleasure of eating them.

Lime zest, cream of coconut, and white chocolate are blended together to create a scrumptious flavor in these truffles. Cream of coconut is sold in cans, and is available in the baking or specialty foods section of most supermarkets, or in large liquor stores. Be sure to stir the cream of coconut thoroughly before using.

The flavors of milk chocolate, rum, and coconut in these truffles complement each other perfectly.

Top-quality Scotch whisky, like Glenfiddich, is smooth and very tasty. When it’s combined with raisins and dark chocolate, the result is flavor heaven.

Orange and chocolate have a natural harmony. Candied orange peel imparts a chewy texture to these truffles.

Green tea adds a distinct yet mellow flavor to these uncommonly good truffles.

Espresso coffee and chocolate are accented with coffee liqueur to produce a classic flavor combination. A candy coffee bean adorns the top of each truffle.

Eating these truffles is like sipping a cup of rich cappuccino.