Toast

Caponata is a Sicilian antipasto; its bold flavors usually include eggplant, anchovy, olives, and capers. We call our version a "caponatina," because we've finely diced the ingredients for a more refined hors d'oeuvre. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These five-ingredient sardine toasts make the perfect party snacks to pass around during cocktail hour.

These bruschette from the cookbook Simple to Spectacular by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark Bittman (Broadway Books), look both simple and beautiful. Each is topped with an array of mushrooms—shiitake, cremini, and chanterelle —that is set off by fresh tarragon. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Chilled Tarragon Tomato Soup with Vegatable Confetti . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 15 minutes Start to finish: 1 1/4 hours

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This Welsh dish is also called "rabbit." The name rabbit may be traceable to the fact that the Welsh, who live in prime dairy land, were as fond of melted cheese as they were of rabbit. "Rarebit" may have been a later gentrification of the word, or a reference to the texture of this rare (soft) dish. Either way, it is excellent served in bite-size pieces for a party.

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

These little toasts are nice before dinner or alongside a green salad.

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