Snack

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

Bruschetta — a rustic Italian canapé — is the perfect vehicle for the robust flavors of late summer. Serve these topped toasts as a first course or, with a salad and a glass of wine, as a light supper.

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

Ginger, cumin, and black pepper add an exotic touch to this refreshing and colorful three-melon dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Grissini, long, thin breadsticks, are found at Italian markets and some supermarkets.

This cake is good sprinkled with powdered sugar or topped with vanilla frosting.

These are made with an Italian sourdough starter known as a biga, which has to be prepared one day ahead. Note that before baking the breadsticks, you can give them amusing shapes by forming one end of each dough rope into a squiggle, a loop, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Delicious on crackers or as a filling for small tea sandwiches.

These flavorful toasts are easy enough to make for last-minute guests. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dish was inspired by pain au chocolat, a chocolate-stuffed croissant that is adored by both children and adults in France. Cranberries have been added-perfect for a Christmas brunch.