It has been quite cold, and quite wet in Italy this week. Those in Torino are more fortunate than most, because they have some of the finest cafes in all of Europe, and also have bicerin, a heavenly coffee-and-cocoa concoction that does an incredible job of keeping the cold at bay.

Whisky, grappa, mulled wine.... Who needs them when one can enjoy Bicerin?

The bitter sweetness of dark chocolate combines delightfully with the tangy sweetness of candied orange and lemon peel, and these candies are wonderful as snacks or party foods, though you can also serve them at the end of a substantial meal, to give those who would be prostrated by a richer dessert a tasty alternative. They're easy to make, too!. Just make a lot, and don't nibble, because once you start it's very difficult to stop.

Crespelle are close relatives of the French Crepes. They make for wonderful first course dishes that look beautiful, and are much easier to make than people might expect. In short, perfect for company.

The Crespelle alla Fiorentina pictured here are made with a creamy spinach filling. There are other options, however, and you can also leave them whole rather than cutting them into bite-sized portions before spooning the sauce over them and putting them in the oven, though the way Chef Alessio Pesucci cuts them up does make for a beautiful presentation. Some Recipes:

• Alessio Pesucci's Crespelle alla Fiorentina, with a creamy spinach filling (illustrated and in a single page)
• Crespelle al Salmone with, well, a salmon filling
• Ideas for Canelloni/Manicotti, whose fillings will be perfect in crespelle too

This time of year is traditionally one of protein abundance in Italy, with people digging deeper into their pockets than they might normally to purchase both fish and meat. And it is good. But it begs an accompaniment, and we're in the midst of the leafy vegetable season, with spinach, beet greens, and leafy cabbages playing a very important role. For example:

• Spinaci Rifatti, tasty spinach sauteed with garlic. Very simple and very nice.
• Broccoli Rapa Strascinati, stir fried broccoli raab, are a traditional beginning to the Christmas Eve Dinner. But quite good enough to enjoy now.
• Fava Bean and Beet Green Soup. Healthy!

Personal favorite flowering cabbage recipes