Dairy
Twice-Baked Goat Cheese Souffles
These first-course soufflés are just right for entertaining because most of the preparation is done ahead.
Chilled Cream of Celery Soup
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.
Prawn Tandoori
Inspired by the ancient cuisine of Indian kings and queens, this from Appam Restaurant's owner-chef Irene Trias bursts with exotic flavors, yet it is light, refreshing and very kind to the heart.
Layered Ham and Vegetable Salad
The layered salad was popular in the Midwest throughout the seventies. We've updated it for today's speedy lifestyles and lightened-up diets. Round out the meal with a basket of corn bread, and mugs of tomato soup.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Caesar-Style Salad
This take on classic Caesar salad uses nonfat yogurt in place of oil and egg (or oil and mayonnaise) for a lean but creamy dressing that is enhanced by grated Parmesan.
Irish Wheat Bread
By Beatrice Ojakangas
Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice and Raisins
By Jivka Batchvarova-Copley
Chilled Pea Broth with Lemon Cream
We think bowls made of ice are the perfect vessel for this soup, but if space is tight in your freezer, regular soup bowls will work just fine.
Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 8 1/2 hr (includes chilling)
Crostini with Mushrooms, Prosciutto, and Blue Cheese
Bonnie Wilkens Metully of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "As much as my husband and I love to go out to eat, it's just more fun, intimate, and cozy to cook and entertain at home. I've taught a lot of our friends just how easy it is to prepare restaurant-quality dishes themselves. Who taught me? My older sister, who's a professional chef. She showed me the importance of getting everything prepped beforehand and seeking out the freshest ingredients."
This sophisticated appetizer is one of Bonnie's greatest party hits.
By Bonnie Wilkens Metully
Mixed-Herb Pasta with Red Bell Peppers and Feta
Use almost any combination of fresh herbs here (watch the tarragon, mint, and sage, since they're more assertive). Accompany this meatless dish with a salad (maybe arugula and radicchio with a red wine vinaigrette) and some seeded breadsticks. Then add a rich dessert, such as an almond tart from the bakery.