Recipes with black pepper

Company ham roasted on a bed of onions and apples, rubbed with thyme, cinnamon and marjoram, basted with sherry and beef broth. A holiday-ready centerpiece without a sweet glaze.

Steamed zucchini and yellow squash rounds with garlic, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. A fast, diabetic-friendly side dish with only 29 calories per serving.

Thick-cut rib eye steaks rubbed with a bold blend of black pepper, paprika, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then grilled over coals to a smoky char. A peppery dry-rub steak built for the grill.

Veal Marsala with scaloppine pan-seared in butter and finished with a quick Marsala wine pan sauce. A classic Italian entree with just 6 ingredients, ready in 30 minutes.

Chicken piccata with mushrooms, lemon, and white wine sauce. Thin-pounded chicken breasts pan-fried golden then simmered in a bright, reduced pan sauce.

Chicken with peppers and onions, boneless thighs seared golden and folded into sweet bell peppers cooked down slow with a splash of red wine vinegar and a pinch of sugar. A one-skillet weeknight classic.

Corn and lima bean stew with a polenta crust, smoky chipotle, cumin, and fresh vegetables baked casserole-style. A hearty vegetarian Southwestern stew topped with chile-spiked cornmeal.

Curry garlic dip whisks mayonnaise with chili sauce, curry powder, garlic, grated onion, and Worcestershire for a make-ahead party dip. Doubles as a sauce for cold shrimp, steak, or lamb.

Curried cold asparagus soup with chicken broth, egg yolks, and cream, lightly spiced with curry powder and brightened with a squeeze of lemon. Elegant chilled spring soup for first courses.

Whole oven-baked sea bass on a bed of bacon, apple, onion, lemon, and green pepper, basted with a buttery Worcestershire and soy sauce. Rustic, smoky, and savory.

Chicken-stuffed mushrooms with garlic, parsley, and bread crumbs baked until golden. Poached chicken breast filling bound with egg yolk for a rich appetizer.

Oven-braised beef short ribs in tomato paste gravy with onions, carrots, and celery, served over noodles tossed in the pan drippings. Slow-cooked comfort food that falls off the bone.

Tangy baked meatballs with oats and evaporated milk, glazed in a sweet-smoky sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke. Big batch recipe for parties or freezing.

Five Lilies Chowder is an allium-lover's soup built from five members of the lily family: onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, and chives. A light, elegant chowder with white wine and sherry in a clear chicken broth base.

Cream cheese and sour cream dip with fennel seeds, minced white onion, and paprika. A no-cook, make-ahead party dip with a subtle licorice twist.

Very berry salsa is a sweet-savory fruit salsa of blueberries and strawberries with Vidalia onion, blueberry vinegar, and toasted almonds. Served over sorbet or with pork and poultry.