Salami

Think of this flavorful medley as an antipasto pasta. Add sides like tomato bruschetta and a romaine-radicchio salad for a fantastic summer supper. What to drink: A bold Sangiovese or Rioja.

To minimize untended grill time, bring the stuffing and reserved cheese to the grill along with the mushrooms.

This fun dish combines classic antipasto platter ingredients with pasta. If you're in a hurry, omit the sautéed mushrooms.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(SMACAFAM) The name of this dish means "hunger killer" in the dialect of the Trentino part of the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige.

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

An Italian take on the Cuban sandwich called media noche ("middle of the night").

These are great for a picnic. They taste even better when made a few hours ahead, which allows the flavors to blend.

Steve Silverman of South Burlington, Vermont, writes: "In my cooking I tend to be very quick and health-conscious. During the summer, my wife, Mary, and I usually grill chicken or fish and make salads. I'll use whatever fresh vegetables and ingredients I have on hand and come up with a wonderful meal for the two of us." To make this a substantial main course, add 1 1/4 pounds cooked shrimp.

Salami and Cheese Rolls Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

This was one of those invented-while-walking-up-and-down-the-aisles-of-the-supermarket dishes; the thought process in it is a good example of how one uses taste elements to design a dish. It was a cold day and the idea of a hearty pork roast conjured up some equally substantial lentils. Then the hard salami and figs suggested themselves for salt and balancing sweetness. We figured the bulbiness of the onions would pull up all of the strong tastes in the wild palate of this recipe. Serve with lentil stew.

Vidalias star in a nice version of the relish that is essential to this New Orleans specialty. Try the relish on grilled halibut, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Healthy bonus: Vitamin A and lycopene from the red peppers

(Italian-Style Meat and Cheese Sandwiches) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

This recipe was created to accompany other canapés: Shrimp Canapés, Pickled Herring Canapés and Smoked Mackerel Canapés.