What should I cook today? GialloZafferano's menu for Thursday, October 22

Today we're suggesting a menu that alternates baked recipes, spiced dishes, and melty preparations, with plenty of ideas you can also organize in advance. From appetizer to dessert, five ideas for bringing something different to the table without giving up the pleasures of home cooking!

Spinach and ricotta balls are a tasty vegetarian appetizer, also ideal for getting little ones to eat their vegetables. The spinach is sautéed in a pan with garlic and oil, then mixed with ricotta, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs. Once shaped and breaded, the balls are baked until golden on the outside, while keeping a soft, delicate center. Perfect served while still warm!

Smart tip: You can also use frozen spinach, as long as it is well drained and squeezed dry. If you want to get ahead, prepare the balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator until it's time to bake them.

Couscous with chickpeas, chicken, and pumpkin is a rich and hearty first course that can also become a one-dish meal. The pumpkin and chicken are cooked in a pan with onion, garlic, and a spice mix that includes cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon. Chickpeas, raisins, and toasted walnuts complete the sauce, while the couscous is rehydrated in hot vegetable broth. A colorful, fragrant recipe that's also convenient to take to work.

Smart tip: Make an extra portion for the next day! It will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, and you can warm it in a pan with a tablespoon of broth to bring the grains back to their soft texture.

Provola alla pizzaiola is a melty, flavorful main course that requires very few ingredients. Slices of smoked provola are placed in a tomato sauce flavored with garlic and oregano, then left to gently melt with the lid on. The result is a soft, stringy cheese wrapped in a sauce that's perfect for mopping up with a nice slice of toasted bread.

Smart tip: You can prepare the tomato sauce the day before, too. When it's time to serve, all you have to do is heat it and add the provola: in just a few minutes, your main course will be ready!

Sautéed porcini mushrooms are a simple side dish that enhances the aroma and flavor of one of the most beloved ingredients of this season. After being cleaned and sliced, the porcini are sautéed in a pan with garlic and extra virgin olive oil for just a few minutes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of pepper complete this dish, which is also excellent for serving with polenta or topping bruschetta.

Smart tip: If you can't find fresh porcini, you can use frozen ones, cooking them directly in the pan without thawing. If you have leftover cooked mushrooms, use them the next day to dress a plate of tagliatelle!

Cookie cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves American chocolate chip cookies. Imagine one big crumble tart, with a crumbly shell full of dark chocolate and a creamy ganache filling made with cream and chocolate. The golden surface hides an incredibly indulgent center, to discover slice after slice. An ideal dessert for a special snack, too!

Smart tip: remember to take it out about 30 minutes before serving, so the filling will become softer and creamier again.