Broil

Bruschetta — a rustic Italian canapé — is the perfect vehicle for the robust flavors of late summer. Serve these topped toasts as a first course or, with a salad and a glass of wine, as a light supper.

If you can't get fresh oregano to sprinkle on the peppers, fresh basil or parsley is just fine.

This is one of my favorite hors d'oeuvres. Normally I make them as rounds, but I have learned that you can also make them larger in sandwich form, which works very well. Any way, shape, or form, these simple toasts are the best. The onions and mayonnaise melt together under the high heat of the broiler and taste delicious. They're a great nibble to serve to get your appetite going, and they couldn't be easier to put together. I like to use a sweet Vidalia onion if I can find it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Other herbs — such as tarragon, thyme or basil — would also work well in this recipe.

When we think of gazpacho most of us think of a cold chunky tomato-based soup. But this world-renowned export from the Andalucian region of Spain is actually one of many different types of soup — cold, hot, thin, red, green and white — which share the name gazpacho. White gazpacho remains closer than most modern varieties to the soup's origins as a simple combination of bread, nuts, salt, olive oil, and vinegar. Cucumbers, grapes and a pinch of cayenne elevate what was once a poor man's meal to a refined soup.

A cored pineapple is used to serve this dessert, so be sure to select one with bright leaves.

A flavorful sauce for grilled lamb or chicken.

Fontina cheese is available at cheese shops and some supermarkets.

A cucumber and red bell pepper relish and a pilaf made with fragrant rice (like basmati) are perfect partners for the lamb. For dessert, have coconut ice cream topped with sliced bananas. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you cannot find smoked chicken, use smoked turkey instead.