Starter

What to drink: The menu's sweet-tart flavors call for a floral Riesling or spicy Syrah.

These toasts are also delicious without the foie gras or with a slice of country pâté substituted for the foie gras.

If your tomatoes are on the acidic side, add a little sugar to the sauce. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 14 hr (includes chilling)

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve these as an appetizer with a salad of baby greens.

"I'm hoping to get the recipe for a terrific appetizer I tried at Hamiltons' at First & Main in Charlottesville, Virginia," says Sue Carter of Murieta, California. "The seafood fritters came with lettuce leaves (to wrap around the fritters) and a spicy sauce."

For a prettier salad, we used two varieties of radicchio — the common Verona, with red leaves and white ribs, and Treviso, which can range from pink to red and has narrower, pointed leaves.

The créme fraîche topping melts fast, so to make the most of its fabulous taste and texture, add it just before eating.

This is a colorful variation on the classic potato latke.

Add a pleasing crunch to this velvety soup by topping it with plain croutons.

A little grated Parmesan sprinkled on top is a nice addition.