Makes around 22 - 24 crostini

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup that changes with the seasons—there’s no single “correct” version. Made with simple vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a comforting, nourishing dish that has been cooked in Italian homes for centuries using whatever was on hand.

There’s something wonderfully grounding about a bowl of vinaigrette — the kind of salad that feels like it’s been passed from one generation’s table to the next. Earthy beets, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots come together with bright pickles and sauerkraut, creating that unmistakable balance of comfort and sparkle. It’s simple, honest, and quietly beautiful, the sort of dish you make when you want color in winter and a little nostalgia in every bite.

In classic French cooking, dishes with creamy sauces are often associated with the term “à la crème.” Spinach with cream (épinards à la crème) has been served since at least the 18th century, and pairing it with fish like salmon became popular as a way to balance richness with freshness.

Tiramisu means “pick me up” in Italian, referring to its energizing combination of coffee and cocoa. It is a relatively modern classic, believed to have been created in the 1960s in Treviso. Despite its simplicity, it became one of the most famous Italian desserts worldwide thanks to its rich yet airy texture and no-bake preparation.