Winter

Winter, when bracing weather stimulates hearty appetites. A time for feasting, with classic dishes like bollito misto, and for the heady luxury of truffles and foie gras. Or simple rustic tastes like daube of beef, confit of duck and pork cooked in milk Italian-style, until meltingly tender. Desserts emphasize comfort, with magic combinations like panettone bread and butter pudding, or apple, prune and zabaglione tart.