Toast

With months to go before the summer tomato season, we've found that slow-roasting brings out the flavor of winter plum tomatoes.

Martini fans will find that this simple and elegant appetizer goes perfectly with their favorite cocktail.

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).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Anchovies, capers, olives and sun-dried tomatoes enhance the delicious butter. It is also good melted over grilled fish or chicken.

Oysters are a great way to start any meal, but buttered on toast they are ideal winter comfort food.

Great flavor resulted when we made these croùtes in a ridged grill pan, but a broiler will get the job done.

We used smoked bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) for this recipe, but you may substitute unsmoked bocconcini or smoked or unsmoked regular mozzarella, cut into slices and quartered.

"I was married last spring, and my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Del Mar, California, at L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa," writes Leah Morgan of Shoreline, Washington. "While we were there, we enjoyed the cinnamon-raisin French toast. I would love to surprise my husband by re-creating this special breakfast at home." You’ll need to buy unsliced bread from a bakery to make this super-thick French toast.

Pa Amb Tomàquet Rustic and assertive, pa amb tomàquet is a quick and easy hors d'oeuvre or accompaniment, best grilled (and served) in batches. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Freedom from the skillet is a big benefit of this baked version of the classic.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes of less.

(Crostini di Fegatini) Crostini means "little crusts," and in Tuscany, almost every meal begins with a platter of toasted bread slices topped with chopped tomatoes, olive paste or this all-time favorite spread made with chicken livers. Use thin slices of an Italian or French country-style loaf, and serve these crostini with the chicken liver spread on top, or just present the pâté in a pretty bowl surrounded by the toasted baguette slices. Salami and prosciutto would be delicious accompaniments.

To make this easy appetizer even easier, substitute store-bought roasted red bell peppers for the home-roasted ones.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.