Starter

For a picnic, we love this soup chilled, but it's just as delicious served hot.

You can use small manila clams or cherrystones if you can't get cockles. You can also use mussels, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter.

The flavors of gremolata — the garnish of finely chopped lemon peel, parsley, and garlic that traditionally tops osso buco — are terrific with asparagus. The asparagus can be blanched and chilled one day ahead.

Complete the menu with a tomato and red onion salad, sourdough bread, and poached pears (or canned) with raspberry sauce.

"Being a vegetarian, I was delighted to find a hearty meatless main dish at the Stamford Plaza hotel in Auckland, New Zealand," writes Barbara Abbott of Santa Rosa, California. "The mushroom risotto was outstanding; I'd be pleased if you could get the recipe."

The salad can remain at room temperature up to two hours before serving.

Tyrenies Variation on a theme: These Kimolos cheese pies are one kind of dozens of similar cheese pies found throughout the Cyclades.

This lovely side can be made a day ahead.

The perfect appetizer with Champagne.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

These are nice as part of a barbecue buffet.

"Your readers would love the food at Stella's," writes Annoria Tohrm of Richmond, Virginia. "This Greek cafe in Richmond serves all the standards — moussaka, taramasalata, and baklava. But I can't get enough of the baba ghanouj, and I want to make it at home." This Middle Eastern eggplant spread is also a delicious dip for raw vegetables.

If fresh figs aren't available, dried black Mission figs can be substituted here; look for ones that are soft and moist. What to drink: Crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the entire meal.