Tomato

Fontina cheese and caponata (a chunky Sicilian eggplant relish available in cans or jars at most supermarkets) make a substantial sandwich. Have pasta salad as well; grapes and assorted bakery cookies complete the dinner. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The classic cold soup, as interpreted by Ouro Branco restaurant, Vila Viçosa, Portugal.

At the restaurant, this spectacular starter also has a tomato confit vinaigrette. Here, we've substituted chopped seeded peeled tomatoes to simplify the recipe.

The vegetables can be prepared ahead and finished up to the middle of step 3. Heat for 5 minutes before serving.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Delicious served with bread or crackers, these cheeses are also a wonderful addition to pizzas, pastas and salads.

When making this salad, which is lightly spiked with jalapeño pepper, have all the ingredients prepared ahead. Then just toss them together as close to serving time as possible to keep the flavors fresh.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Marinated peppers, mushrooms and eggplant make nice accompaniments to these Mediterranean-style pizzas. Finish up with almond cookies and mixed berries.

This recipe was created to accompany Onion and Bell Pepper Strata with Fresh Tomato Salsa . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you can't find yellow pear or yellow cherry tomatoes, use all red cherry tomatoes to make this colorful and refreshing salad.

Joan Nathan's The Foods of Israel Today is full of intensely flavored recipes, such as this salad. Grab a copy now, while so many fresh vegetables are available.

Put a slice of this butter on any grilled or panfried meat or fish, or slather it on warm corn bread. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min