Prosciutto

The crostini can be assembled two hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to broil and serve.

(Veal Cutlets with Prosciutto and Sage) Although chef Serge Dansereau of Kables at The Regent uses thin slices of veal from a boneless veal loin, he suggests making the dish at home with veal cutlets, which are less expensive and more widely available. If the cutlets you buy are too thick, use the smooth side of a meat pounder to pound them, between sheets of plastic wrap, to less than 1/8 inch thick.

Here are potatoes with Italian flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(PROSCIUTTO E MELONE) The delicate pink cured ham from the hills of the province of Parma is one of Emilia's most important products. Purists insist it should be served on its own or with a slice of bread, but others enjoy it with melon, figs or pears; the sweetness of the fruit sets off the prosciutto's salty tinge perfectly. This simple dish is a classic example. Pour a dry white Albana di Romagna or Trebbiano di Romagna. If you can't find one of those, go for a Verdicchio from the neighboring region of the Marches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Cheese)

Grissini, long, thin breadsticks, are found at Italian markets and some supermarkets.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Crisp, freshly cooked shrimp are wrapped in prosciutto slices, then set atop a salad of roasted peppers, garbanzo beans and artichokes tossed with a tangy dressing.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Bonnie Wilkens Metully of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "As much as my husband and I love to go out to eat, it's just more fun, intimate, and cozy to cook and entertain at home. I've taught a lot of our friends just how easy it is to prepare restaurant-quality dishes themselves. Who taught me? My older sister, who's a professional chef. She showed me the importance of getting everything prepped beforehand and seeking out the freshest ingredients." This sophisticated appetizer is one of Bonnie's greatest party hits.

Salmorejo Cordobés In Córdoba, gazpacho is reduced to its most basic elements, with no cucumbers or peppers, and is known as salmorejo. It takes on a saucelike consistency but is still considered a soup and is served in small portions. It is scattered with chopped hard-boiled egg and julienne strips of serrano ham, both indispensable to achieving salmorejo's fullest flavor. Salmorejo is sometimes used as a dip.

This lemony pasta dish is great with sesame breadsticks and a salad of sliced tomatoes and Vidalia onions in a red-wine vinaigrette. End with hazelnut cookies and a mixed-melon compote splashed with Champagne.