Starter

The classic cold soup, as interpreted by Ouro Branco restaurant, Vila Viçosa, Portugal.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Not just for afternoon tea, these sandwiches also accompany cocktails well.

Escalivada Served hot, at room temperature, or chilled, this versatile vegetable mélange shows up frequently on Catalan menus. We love to use Unió, a fragrant, peppery oil made from the region's arbequina olives, both for cooking this dish and for drizzling over it.

In this simplified version of raclette, one of Switzerland's classic dishes, Swiss cheese replaces raclette cheese, and the cheese is melted in individual portions instead of being scraped from a large wheel as it melts. This dish makes a terrific appetizer, or it can be served with a green salad.

A nonstick skillet and an adjustable-blade slicer make this elegant dish easy. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 30 min

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

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

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Delicious served with bread or crackers, these cheeses are also a wonderful addition to pizzas, pastas and salads.