This crostini brings together culinary worlds that once seemed far apart—Italian crostini and the classic New York bagel with lox. It’s like a mini bagel reinvented as an elegant Italian appetizer, uniting the smoky richness of Jewish deli tradition with the fresh, herby simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine.

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 is nothing so impudent and funny that it cannot be swallowed, seasoned with praise." Moliere

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.

Baklava gets better with time as the flavors meld together, making it even more irresistible the next day!