Starter

Deriving its name from the Latin word "focus", meaning "hearth," focaccia evolved from the unleavened hearth cake eaten during the Middle Ages. It was made by patting the dough into a flat round and cooking it directly on a hot stone or under a mound of hot ashes. While it has become something of an Italian national dish, this popular bread's true home is the area around Genoa. It seems as if every seaside resort on the Italian Riviera has its own special focaccia. Whether soft or crisp, thick or thin, the dough is typically flavored with local herbs and olive oil.

The crisp Rosemary Toasts taste great dunked into this flavorful soup. To serve on the side, toss arugula with sliced red onions and basalmic vinaigrette, then top the salad with shavings of Parmesan cheese. For dessert, keep it simple with ripe pears and amaretti (almond cookies).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This simple and elegant starter is excellent with Sauvignon Blanc.

Although we used Asian greens and radish sprouts for our salad, we encourage you to explore your local farmers market and use whatever small young greens (baby spinach, arugula, or watercress, for example) and other fresh goodies you find.

Arugula adds zip to this creamy risotto.

Usher in the zucchini season with these neat little vessels. They're tender and moist with a pungent, crunchy top. You might also attract a few young children to zucchini in the process. Let them sprinkle on the cheese and this may actually interest them in eating the final result.

Goat cheese and fennel prove to be the perfect partners for smoked salmon. Pour glasses of Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc.

I appreciate a good lasagne but hate the work and time involved — precooking the noodles, layering the dish, and baking it for an hour. So I came up with this uncomplicated spaghetti recipe which combines all the elements of a good lasagne without the trouble.

(TIAN DE POIVRONS ET D'AUBERGINES AUX ANCHOIS) This can be served hot or at room temperature, making it a good partner for roasted meats and fish or sandwiches. If you're not an anchovy fan, leave them out—the tian will still be great.