Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon and toasted pecans.

Pickled green beans canned with dill, garlic, and cayenne pepper.

Thanksgiving stuffing with Italian sausage, apples, and herbs.

Crock pot green beans slow-cooked with bacon and onion.

Classic Italian pasta with pancetta, eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper.

Slow-roasted plum tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

Creamy Italian risotto with dried porcini mushrooms and Parmesan.

Italian potato gnocchi shaped by hand and served with sauce.

Vibrant green pasta dough made with pureed spinach.

Quick egg pasta dough mixed in the food processor.

Handmade egg noodle dough rolled and cut for pasta.

Creamy Arborio rice risotto finished with tomato sauce and Parmesan.

Baked semolina gnocchi rounds layered with butter and Parmesan.

A cheesy corn casserole with Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and eggs.

Baked potatoes scooped, mashed with sour cream and cream cheese, then baked again with melted cheese.

Baked herb stuffing and spinach balls with Parmesan — a Christmas Eve tradition.

A savory orzo stir-fry with shitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette.

Braised green beans with golden mushrooms in a cream sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.

Loaded mashed potatoes with bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and chives.

German egg noodle dumplings pressed through a spaetzle maker, tossed with butter and herbs.

A rich baked spinach casserole with Swiss cheese, sour cream, and a splash of sherry.

Whipped potatoes with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream — perfect for a crowd.

Quick rhubarb jelly made with sugar and cherry or raspberry jello.

Homemade cucumber pickle relish seasoned with mustard seeds, cloves, and turmeric.

A holiday side of ground cranberries, marshmallows, apples, and whipped cream chilled overnight.

Boiled flour dumplings topped with ground poppy seeds and sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Boiled potato dumplings served with caraway sauerkraut and roasted pork — a German and Bohemian tradition.