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

Cepelinai are traditional Lithuanian potato dumplings filled with seasoned meat. Their name comes from their zeppelin-like shape, inspired by early airships. The dumplings are made from a mixture of raw grated potatoes and boiled potatoes, which creates their characteristic soft yet sturdy texture. Traditionally served with fried bacon, onions, and sour cream, cepelinai are a beloved comfort food often prepared for family gatherings and special meals.

Everything tastes better when it's wrapped in a warm, fluffy hug!