Dairy

Making one large shortcake is impressive and lot of fun — especially when chocolate is added to the basic combination.

Grapes marinated in Port with rosemary and them combined with the mild garlic and the creamy cheese lead to an inventive appetizer. Use both red and green grapes for a pretty presentation.

These delicate, buttery crackers make excellent accompaniments to cocktails. After a few days they become somewhat softer but can be recrisped in a 300°F, oven for 5 minutes.

Potato gratin is, of course, the traditional side dish with roast beef, and this version is just right for a special occasion. Adding flavor are typical steak house ingredients, like mushrooms, garlic and herbs. Place a baking sheet in the oven on the rack below the gratin to catch any liquids that may bubble over.

The spirit of Mexico spices up this home-style, do-ahead main dish. The enchiladas can be assembled one day in advance and refrigerated. If time is short, use 5 cups of shredded skinless cooked chicken from the deli and 4 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth. Begin the party with chips, guacamole and salsa, and blend a pitcher or two of Margaritas for fun. Watch how to cut a whole chicken into parts to use in this recipe.

Purchased tabbouleh spooned onto whole romaine lettuce leaves is ideal with these Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. Follow with baklava and fresh grapes.

A stylish dinner party dish with a bonus: Much of the prep work can be done a day ahead. At the store, have the butcher bone and trim all of the fat and membrane from a 4 3/4-pound center-cut veal rib roast, resulting in a 3-pound oblong boneless veal loin.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This tart is a snap to put together, thanks to purchased puff pastry. The square shape is something different for the summer table.

Offer with crusty French bread and you have a satisfying summer supper. The creamy dressing is lower-fat version, using half yogurt and half mayonnaise.

In this modified version of the Middle Eastern garbanzo bean dip, yogurt is used to replace some of the high-fat tahini (sesame seed paste). The dip is great with fresh vegetables or toasted pita bread wedges. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.