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Marinated Olives with Oregano and Fennel Seeds
The olives can be prepared three days ahead and refrigerated, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Grilled Bread with Chimichurri
Ciabatta, a long, flat Italian bread, is ideal for this recipe, but you could also use a rustic round loaf; instead of splitting it horizontally, cut 6 1 1/4-inch-thick slices. You can refrigerate leftover chimichurri in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Popovers with Wild Mushroom Sauce
We used morel mushrooms, a spring variety known for its nutty flavor and pitted flesh, but any wild mushrooms, an assortment, or even cultivated mushrooms will also make a nice sauce. You can prepare the popover batter in advance, and refrigerate it for up to one day. Let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. The sauce can also be made one day ahead. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat over medium-low heat, adding heavy cream to thin, if necessary. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to one day.
Prosciutto Crostini and Fresh Figs with Gorgonzola
If you can’t find lemon thyme, use small, fresh basil leaves instead.
Pita Crisps with Feta-Radish Spread
The thick consistency of Greek yogurt is ideal for this spread. If your grocer doesn’t sell it, use another whole-milk yogurt, and drain it for 30 minutes in a fine sieve set over a bowl. You can make the spread one day ahead and refrigerate it (cover with plastic wrap); wait until just before serving to stir in the parsley and radishes.
Goat Cheese and Pistachio-Stuffed Dates
You can make the goat cheese filling one day ahead and refrigerate it. These hors d’oeuvres can be assembled several hours before serving. Loosely cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Cheese Balls Three Ways
Make all three flavored balls, or prepare just one or two, adjusting the ingredients accordingly.