Toast

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In this easy starter, a mix of tangy blue cheese, chopped toasted walnuts and peppery arugula makes a delicious topping for baguette toasts.

Apples are one of the culinary symbols of Normandy, and Camembert cheese is one of its great man-made products. There is a season for Camembert, too: In September and October, it is at its buttery, flavorful peak. Present this salad French style, after the main course. For dessert, pick up some pastries from the bakery.

Goat cheese and fennel prove to be the perfect partners for smoked salmon. Pour glasses of Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc.

Kari and Brian Chase of St. Paul, Minnesota say that their neighborhood has a great restaurant: 128 Cafe. The last time they were there they tried a delicious appetizer of crisp bread with roasted garlic, goat cheese and apple chutney.

Besides garnishing lobster stew , tomalley croutons can be served as an hors d'oeuvre or if you wish to elaborate, as a topping for crostini or pizza. Lobster tomalley can be purchased separately from most lobster dealers. It is inexpensive and tasty.

This bread is adapted from Jean Lemlin's recipe, from our March 1994 issue.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This bruschetta tastes best with tomatoes fresh from the garden. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A relatively new item in the produce section, broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a milder, sweeter taste than broccoli. Buy German potato salad, and braise red cabbage to serve warm with the open-face sandwiches. Gingerbread and chunky applesauce make a perfect finale.

Goat cheese and mint make for a special springtime version of bruschetta. Serve these on a platter as an appetizer, or offer them alongside the Radicchio Salad .