Grape Tomato
Orecchiette with Garbanzos, Tomatoes, Feta, and Mint
Italy meets Greece in a dish that pairs well with grilled lamb or chicken. What to drink: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Grüner Veltliner.
Farro Salad with Peas, Asparagus, and Feta
This healthful vegetarian dish would be perfect for a picnic. To speed prep time, use trimmed sugar snap peas with the strings removed (find them in the produce section of many supermarkets).
Veal Chops with Roasted Shallots, Arugula, and Soft Polenta
Harold J. Bigley of New York, New York, writes: "A few months ago I went to a party in The Hamptons catered by Loaves & Fishes in Sagaponack. The veal chops with polenta were outstanding. Could you get the recipe?"
Ask your butcher to french (trim the fat from) the bone end of the veal rib chops.
Winter Salad with Sauteed Bay Scallops
What to drink: A crisp Pinot Grigio.
Mesclun and Ricotta Salata on Grilled Garlic Toasts
Like feta cheese, ricotta salata is made from sheep's milk, but it is milder and nuttier. Avoid prepackaged cheese if possible (most cheese stores will cut it from a wheel for you). It keeps for up to three weeks in the refrigerator.
Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min
Green Bean and Grape Tomato Salad with Kalamata Vinaigrette
Grape tomatoes are smaller than cherry tomatoes. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half for this dish.
Marinated Vegetables with Garlic and Thyme
Boiling away the butter and seasonings from the leftover vegetables allows the flavors of the marinade to shine through. (If you don't have any leftover veggies, simply steam a mix of your favorites.)
Onion, Tomato, and Olive Pizzas
These quick and easy pizzas make great use of store-bought pizza dough, which is available in your grocer's freezer.
Roasted Halibut with Tomatoes, Saffron, and Cilantro
The saffron adds not only a lovely aroma but vivid color as well. Open a bottle of Chardonnay to go with the meal.
Tomato, Roasted Beet, and Pickled Onion Salad
Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 hr
