Beverages

These crisp, low-fat cookies are just right for dipping into dessert wine or cappuccino.

A spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, toasted walnuts and lemon vinaigrette is a fine accompaniment, along with potato salad from the deli. Buy a fresh peach pie, and you're all set.

A soup this hearty calls for wedges of crusty country bread alongside. For the salad, arrange sliced pickled beets on romaine leaves and sprinkle generously with fresh dill. Apple strudel is just right to finish up.

A new take on a classic. For an exotic touch, sprinkle with chopped crystallized ginger before serving.

This ultra-rich dessert is inspired by the classic Rigó Jancsi cake, named for the legendary Hungarian Gypsy violinist. Make it one day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

This sweet-and-spicy dish is delicious with tan-skinned sweet potatoes or the sweeter red-skinned ones (also known as yams).

These mushrooms go well with the creamy Parmesan polenta , making a fine vegetarian meal.

"Although I live in Athens," writes Yolanda Paterakis, "my connection to the islands is very strong — my husband, Andreas, is from Crete, and we have a vacation home on the Greek island of Euboea in the Aegean Sea. No matter where we are, we love to entertain our two children, our three grandchildren, and scores of friends. For these get-togethers, I always prepare quick, simple dishes because my busy schedule demands it; I write children's and travel books, and I'm the general secretary of the National Society of Greek Writers. I've often thought that cooking is like writing a story — always best when you put your heart into it." Rich and fragrant, this main course goes well with boiled potatoes or rice.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

At Aqua, the sea bass is presented with shrimp tortellini in lobster consommé.

We have transformed this classic dessert from Blum's coffee shops, which used to grace the streets of San Francisco, into a low-fat luxury. We use caramel and Rice Krispies in the crust instead of fat-laden nuts — and you'd never guess that the rich chocolate coffee filling has no butter in it.

Sweetened mascarpone cheese is a rich counterpoint to the refreshing grapes.

A boldly flavored dish that's great served over orzo (rice-shaped pasta).

Flambéing was all the rage in the '40s, not only for its drama but also for its utility — chafing dishes let the cook go home early and let the host or hostess show off in the dining room. Everyone's heard of cherries Jubilee, but we prefer strawberries set aflame in boozy syrup.

John Schumacher bought the historic but deteriorating Broz Hotel, 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis, back in 1974. After renovating the building, he reopened it as a European-style hotel and restaurant. Schumachers' is now on the National Register of Historic Places. John's wife, Kathleen, runs the front of the popular restaurant, and John is the chef. His specialties are central European fare — like this veal sauté.

The inclusion of fennel and a dash of Pernod puts a sophisticated spin on the classic chilled potato soup. Offer your guests iced tea with the meal.