Starter

This simple appetizer is a clever blend of sweet, salty and tangy flavors.

Crisp, golden onion rings have never been so pretty or so simple to make.

Potatoes are the typical main ingredient in this classic garlicky Greek spread. The use of white beans in their place-plus the addition of tahini along with lots of fresh mint and parsley-transforms the easy appetizer into a whole new treat.

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

To make this dish especially fast and easy to prepare, you can use store-bought roasted peppers.

Puntarelle (a Catalonian chicory) with anchovy dressing is a classic Roman dish. We have substituted celery for the puntarelle because the latter is not widely available in this country*. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

After experiencing a dazzling meal and the gracious hospitality of Martín Berasategui, one of the top Basque chefs, at the restaurant that bears his name in Lasarte-Oria, he gave us a final taste of his talent in a wonderfully refreshing granizado de cava. The following concoction I devised is very nearly the same, and surprisingly simple.

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

This is a nice starter for brunch or supper. It can be made a day ahead and rewarmed before serving.

Prepared pesto is widely available; here it brightens up quickly cooked clams. Offer some crusty bread for soaking up the broth and a salad of bagged Mediterranean greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. End with gelato and biscotti for an authentic Italian touch.

Two kinds of cornmeal are essential here: The fine cornmeal keeps the coating together, and the polenta makes it crisp.

For this salad choose a very fresh, tightly closed artichoke with no brown edges and do all the prep work right before serving to prevent discoloration. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fresh fennel, fennel seeds and the anise-flavored liqueur Pernod are combined here.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tidbits to serve with before-dinner drinks.