Spreads

Serve this tapenade on bruschetta or as a sandwich spread.

This is quick, easy and delicious - the perfect addition to a holiday buffet.

By the seventies, Julia Child, through her books and television shows, had made French food accessible, and the Cuisinart, introduced in 1973, made many of the cuisine’s more complicated techniques quick and simple. As a result, pâté became increasingly popular, and remains so today.

This recipe was created to accompany Spinach and Endive Salad with Lemon-Ginger Dressing and Crisp Won Ton Strips. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"When I had dinner with my son recently at Wild Abandon restaurant in Portland, our bread was served with a garlicky potato spread," says Pauline E. Dickey of Medford, Oregon. "It was a nice alternative to the usual butter or olive oil."

Nonfat yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise provide a creamy base for this dipping sauce for the artichokes. It's also great with asparagus, as well as with grilled tuna, salmon, chicken or flank steak. Begin making the sauce the day before serving since the yogurt needs to drain overnight.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This pâté is neither easy nor inexpensive, but when you are looking for a tour de force, it is a gorgeous thing. If you feel the urge to simplify, omit the topping, but frankly, the pâté won't be quite as impressive without it, and you also won't have the exquisite contrast of the parsley and the crunchy almonds.

Honey, brandy and spices enhance purchased marmalade for an easy-to-make gift.

Many kinds of vegetables and even some fruits go well with this versatile dip.

Use leftover poached or baked salmon. Canned red salmon that has been drained, skinned and boned also does the trick.

"While in Greenville, South Carolina, we dined at The Palms, located in the Phoenix Inn," writes Marilyn J. Smith of Bradford, Pennsylvania. "All their food is outstanding, but I would particularly like the recipe for the Roquefort terrine. It was delicious!"

Fresh mint and lemon peel are combined with feta and chevre in this topping. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Herring is an essential part of Scandinavian cuisine and always has a place in the breakfast smorgasbord, along with other kinds of salted and pickled fish, breads, pastries, cheeses, cereals, eggs, and potatoes. (We admit that herring for breakfast may seem a little unusual to some people. But try it on a thick slice of buttered rye—you'll be quickly converted.) Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min