Toast

Crostini with Spicy Green Olivada

What to drink: Offer a Pinot Grigio with these toasts.

Garlic Toasts with Swiss Chard, Raisins, and Pine Nuts

Although this mix of greens with pine nuts and raisins is typically a vegetable course, here it is placed on toasted bread rounds to serve as a tapa. If you prefer it as a side dish, chop the chard very coarsely.

Okra Caponata Toasts

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

Bruschetta with White Beans and Walnuts

Challah French Toast with Berry Sauce

If you happen to find a brioche loaf, it also would make terrific French toast. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 30 min

Creamy Mushrooms on Toasted Country Bread

Croûte Forestière This is based on a croûte forestière I tasted at the Bois Gourmand restaurant outside Champagnole, in the heart of the mountainous Jura region in France. The restaurant is known in the area for its regional specialties, and this was an intriguing interpretation of the typical croûte forestière which is made entirely with morels.

By Susan Herrmann Loomis

Mushroom Sauté with Goat Cheese Crostini

"Recently I had dinner at a fine restaurant with a peculiar name: The Place Next to the San Juan Ferry," says Beth Fogarty Day of Redmond, Washington. "It's right by the water in Friday Harbor, Washington. I'd love the recipe for the mushroom and goat cheese appetizer."

Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aïoli

"The bruschetta topped with portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions at Tapas 177 is one of the best things I've eaten in this town," writes Laurence Schacht of Rochester, New York. "I'd like to re-create this dish at home for my friends." The restaurant-style results of this recipe are worth the effort. Use roasted red peppers from a jar instead of roasting fresh ones, if desired, and note the do-ahead steps.

Peppered Pita Crisps

Grilled Pesto Breadsticks with Goat Cheese-Pesto Spread

Prepared pesto is put to delicious use in this easy and elegant appetizer.

Fillet of Beef, Arugula, and Artichoke Crostini

Sourdough Toasts with Smoky Tomato Confit

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Roast Beef and Arugula Crostini with Olive-Red Pepper Relish

Sliced Radishes and Watercress on Buttered Ficelle

Ficelle, a slender demi-baguette available mostly from artisanal bakeries, makes elegant slices, but any narrow French baguette will work. For added indulgence, use a European-style butter such as Plugrá or Insigny St.-Mère. What to drink: Brut Champagne (or sparkling wine) sets a festive tone and can be poured throughout the meal.