Prosciutto

The crostini can be assembled two hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to broil and serve.

Here are potatoes with Italian flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Veal Cutlets with Prosciutto and Sage) Although chef Serge Dansereau of Kables at The Regent uses thin slices of veal from a boneless veal loin, he suggests making the dish at home with veal cutlets, which are less expensive and more widely available. If the cutlets you buy are too thick, use the smooth side of a meat pounder to pound them, between sheets of plastic wrap, to less than 1/8 inch thick.

(PROSCIUTTO E MELONE) The delicate pink cured ham from the hills of the province of Parma is one of Emilia's most important products. Purists insist it should be served on its own or with a slice of bread, but others enjoy it with melon, figs or pears; the sweetness of the fruit sets off the prosciutto's salty tinge perfectly. This simple dish is a classic example. Pour a dry white Albana di Romagna or Trebbiano di Romagna. If you can't find one of those, go for a Verdicchio from the neighboring region of the Marches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Crisp, freshly cooked shrimp are wrapped in prosciutto slices, then set atop a salad of roasted peppers, garbanzo beans and artichokes tossed with a tangy dressing.

(with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Cheese)

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

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. For this recipe we used a Belgian waffle iron, but a standard waffle iron will also work. The batter yields four 4-inch-square Belgian waffles or eight 4-inch-square standard waffles.

Neapolitan in origin, this make-ahead savory pie is delicious either warm or at room temperature.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 40 min