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Fava beans are exceptional in a spring risotto, like this recipe from NYT Cooking that incorporates asparagus and saffron, or pasta primavera, or even a fava bean lemon ricotta dip spread on crostini.

Keep a well-wrapped, good bread in the freezer too, and some sort of bruschetta or crostini is waiting to happen.

Mayo, mustards, chutneys, relishes or jams, hummus, barbecue sauce, hoisin sauce, plain Greek yogurt, salsa, pestos of all flavors - maybe there’s even a leftover dip or crostini spread lurking in the fridge that holds appeal.

We couldn't help but return often to the cozy little Italian place on the corner with dim lighting, an impressive wine list and delicious appetizers like sweet pea pesto crostini and focaccia barese, but there was so much wonderful food within walking distance that anywhere we landed, we were happy.

But the dip comes with chicharrones and everything-spiced crostini, which deliver as much interference as flavor.