The formal, multi-course meals that Italy is known for give way to piatto unico — one dish meals that are well-balanced, hearty, and can include dishes such as bountiful main course salads, filling soups, and homemade pizzas and panini. Recipes are prepared with the same love and passion that are so essential to Italian cooking, yet are still creative and flexible enough for improvisation and unusual combinations to fit anyone's taste. Piatto Unico is filled with recipes that taste indulgent and abundant, but are well-suited to the lifestyle of today's home cook, such as Orecchiette with Creamy Tomato, Leek, and Bacon Sauce, Brothy Bread Soup with Poached Eggs, and Braised Short Ribs with Figs and Balsamic Vinegar.