September's arrived but summer is reluctant to leave. Pleasantly warm weather and sunny days are still with us, signaling there's still plenty of time for relaxed entertaining and sharing succulent, bold-flavored foods that invite finger-lickin' informality. Do-it-yourself finger-food appetizers are the perfect icebreakers for sharing the table with good friends or guests who have never met before. This easy make-ahead three-dish appetizer hits the spot and makes serving as easy as carrying three dishes from the refrigerator to the table.

DISHING UP THE GOOD STUFF: It's best to serve this starter at the table and provide each person with a small dish and extra napkins. Invite the guests to take a slice of the eggplant, spread it generously with the Smoky Garlic Spread and top it with a dollop of Herbed Tomato and Onion Salsa. The trio of flavors is positively symphonic!

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Roasted Eggplant

1 very large or 2 medium eggplants, unpeeled
Salt

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (Gas Mark 5) and have ready 1 or 2 large ungreased baking sheets or jellyroll pans. Wash the eggplant and cut it into 3/8-inch (1 cm) crosswise slices. If the eggplant is very large, cut the slices in half. Place them on the baking pans, sprinkle lightly with salt, and roast for 25 minutes, or until they are fork tender.

While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the Smokey Garbanzo Spread. When the eggplant is done, transfer the slices to an attractive serving platter and provide a fork.

Smoky Garbanzo Spread

1 15-ounce (425g) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup (60 ml) walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
5 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon liquid hickory smoke flavor

Combine al the ingredients in the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Stop the machine once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again to incorporate all the ingredients. Transfer to an attractive serving bowl and provide a small knife for spreading.

Herbed Tomato and Onion Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 tablespoons minced cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 to 1 finely minced jalapeno
1 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix well. Transfer to an attractive serving bowl and provide a spoon.

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