Broil

This lively salad is from Jorge Navarro, the chef-owner of Café Navarro, a cozy, Caribbean-style spot in Eugene, Oregon.

Using a pastry bag to pipe the hummus onto the pita toasts saved us a lot of time (and made for nice-looking hors d'oeuvres). You can make your own pastry bag with a heavy-duty plastic bag. Just spoon the hummus into the bag and squeeze it into one corner. Then snip off the corner to make a small hole and begin piping.

Fresh Ricotta, Anchovy, and Oregano Toasts Crostini refers to a whole family of antipasti based on thin slices of bread, toasted, sometimes brushed with olive oil, and covered with any number of savory toppings. If you can, buy fresh anchovies and marinate them yourself or buy them already marinated from an Italian or Hispanic deli (where they are known as alici marinati or boquerones respectively; see note below).

You can use leftover roast chicken too.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is another Italian version of steak, popular with those who like the flavor of tomatoes.

This fresh chutney is an excellent condiment for beef, chicken, and fish.

This recipe is used to prepare Cod Cannelloni with Swiss Chard and Roasted Peppers . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A fitting way to celebrate the arrival of plum season. Figs, peaches, and hulled strawberries can also be broiled in this manner.

Crush the anise seeds with the side of a large heavy knife. Broiling the honey-coated plum makes it caramelized and tender. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

Rajas are a type of stewed chili pepper. In Mexico they are traditionally served with different broiled meats.

A true demi-glace — the luscious sauce made by reducing homemade stock and red wine to a rich concentration — needs to simmer for several hours, making it the perfect activity for a lazy winter Sunday.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr