Chef Alessandro Panattoni, known as the host of Food 101 , swears by the elegance of simplicity in flavor. His top recommendations? A rich, tender olive oil cake that melts on the tongue, perfectly paired with his house-made lemon marmalade — bright, tangy, and just sweet enough to awaken the senses. To round out any savory dish, he suggests his signature honey miso dressing, a harmonious blend of umami depth and natural sweetness that elevates everything from salads to roasted vegetables.

Cooking rice and pasta perfectly is all about timing, technique, and a little bit of patience. For rice, start by rinsing it thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffy texture. Use the right water-to-rice ratio (typically 2:1 for white rice), bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer without stirring until the water is fully absorbed. For pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until just al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain quickly and avoid rinsing if you’re serving with sauce, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta. With a bit of care, both rice and pasta can turn out perfectly every time.

Cooking eggs properly depends on the dish and desired texture. For a perfect fried egg, heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat, add a small amount of butter or oil, and cook until the whites are set while keeping the yolk runny or firm as preferred. Scrambled eggs should be cooked over low heat with butter, stirred gently to achieve a soft, creamy texture. For poached eggs, simmer water with a splash of vinegar, create a gentle whirlpool, and carefully drop the egg in, cooking for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk. Hard-boiled eggs require submerging eggs in cold water, bringing them to a boil, then simmering for about 9-12 minutes before transferring them to an ice bath. Soft-boiled eggs follow the same process but are cooked for only 4-6 minutes for a jammy center. In omelets, whisked eggs are cooked slowly in butter until set, then folded over fillings like cheese or vegetables. Mastering these techniques ensures eggs are cooked to perfection in any dish.