Your guests will be amazed to find out how tasty these simple snacks are. Peaches or plums also work well in place of the nectarines. You can assemble the bundles up to an hour in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • * 4 cups lightly packed trimmed arugula
  • * 1 teaspoon extravirgin olive oil
  • * 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Grilling heightens the sweetness and flavor of the nectarines. Because they have such thin skins, nectarines don’t require peeling for this dish. However, you may substitute fresh peeled peaches if you prefer.

ready in about 20 minutes; serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • * Cooking spray
  • * 1/4 cup light balsamic vinaigrette

Cannellini beans, or white kidney beans, are smaller than Great Northern beans and add just the right texture. Great for picnics or lazy-day suppers, this salad stirs together in a flash.

serves 5
You might need to buy:
  • * Salad:
  • * 1 cup chopped tomato
  • * 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • * 1/3 cup sliced fresh basil
  • *
  • Dressing:
  • * 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • * 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
  • * 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • * 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Large salt-cured capers, sold in specialty food shops, open up dramatically when fried, but smaller, brine-packed ones will work too. Fingerling potatoes are available in farmers’ markets and grocery stores from midsummer through early winter. Prep and cook time: about 30 minutes.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 8 ounces smoked trout
  • * 1/3 cup olive oil
  • * 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • * 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
  • * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Belongs to shawn Sweet and Sour Slaw 
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 tablespoon sugar
  • * 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • * 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Belongs to shawn Warm Bacon Dressing 
ready in about 20 minutes
You might need to buy:
  • * 4 bacon slices
  • * 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • * 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • * 2 tablespoons honey
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/8 teaspoon pepper
ready in about an hour and 15 minutes; serves 7
You might need to buy:
  • * 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • * 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • * 2 large onions
  • * 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • * Warm Bacon Dressing
serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • * Vinaigrette:
  • * 1/2 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • * 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • * 1 teaspoon sugar
  • * 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • *
  • Salad:
  • * 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 3/4 cup sour cream
  • * 1/4 cup raspberry preserves
  • * 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • * 1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • * 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • * 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • * 1/8 teaspoon black pepper