Sandwich

These little toasts are nice before dinner or alongside a green salad.

Okra replaces the usual eggplant in an innovative and appealing appetizer.

Why not grill the chicken and bread for this sandwich instead of broil them? Laura Ortega, who lives and cooks in the land of air conditioning— in Palm Desert, California— told us that it's far easier (and cooler) for a quick lunch to turn on the broiler than fire up the grill. Suit yourself! Either broiled or grilled, these ingredients make for a delicious sandwich.

The genteel ladies’ tea, at which guests wore hats and white gloves and nibbled tiny sandwiches, was very much a part of home entertaining during the thirties. Borrowed from the British, it was a trend that flickered and then died out, but has now come back in homes and hotels across the country. These modern tea sandwiches are more savory than sweet, and would go well with a glass of Sherry if you’re in need of something a little stronger than Earl Grey.

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

Round out the picnic with a green bean salad, peaches, and biscotti.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

To make the salad, Mary uses leftovers from a roast chicken and adds giardiniera, Italian-style pickled vegetables.

A Provençal specialty, pan bagnat is literally a sandwich with "bathed bread" — that is, the loaf of bread is split and drizzled with olive oil and/or a vinaigrette before being filled with other ingredients. In this version, grilled chicken stands in for the traditional tuna. Begin these sandwiches at least four hours and up to one day before serving. Get the picnic started with a selection of cheeses, salami, and crackers. What to drink: A light red, slightly chilled, such as a Beaujolais or Bandol Rosé.

Offer a plum-tomato salad with the sandwiches. Round out the meal with sliced strawberries drizzled with crème de cassis.

Indian spices have been part of Scandinavian cuisine for hundreds of years thanks to the region's thriving shipping trade.

This old favorite is a delicious way to use up cold turkey.

This rib-sticking soup makes a fine meal, especially with a salad alongside. See how to dice potatoes.