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 Caesar
Salad
A classic Caesar Salad is universally loved and surprisingly
snappy to make. The from-scratch version takes about 5 minutes
longer than one of those grocery store bagged kits and uses
ingredients that are cheap and easy to keep on hand.
 Caribbean
Pineapple Chicken
This sweet chicken dish looks like you went to a lot of trouble,
but it actually cooks up quickly and simply. Delicious served
with Coconut Gingerroot Rice, below.
 Classic
Queso
Anyone who has ever scraped the last glob of queso from the
bottom of a bowl while sucking down margaritas knows the lure
of this addictive classic dip. Despite its humble beginnings,
it's tasty, easy, cheap, and a great soaker-upper for excess
booze.
 Cocktail
Weenies (aka Li'l Smokies)
As Homer Simpson said: "It looks like ketchup, it tastes
like ketchup, but baby--it ain't ketchup!" (Selma's wedding
to Sideshow Bob)
Coconut
Gingerroot Rice
A creamy rice dish with a nice compliment of Tabasco heat
and ginger zip. Nice with Caribbean or Indian dishes. 5 minutes
of prep, then it can be left alone while you prepare your
main dish.
Fancy
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Lighter than the all-American standby, this mac and cheese
chameleon uses any cheese and changes character accordingly.
I've made it with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss--use whatever
you have on hand.
French
Toast Stars
Based on Elvis' favorite French Toast and bedecked with berries,
these star-shaped beauties are as at home on the dessert plate
as on the bunch table.
 Mango
Purée Dessert Sauce
A simple sauce perfect for dressing our key lime pie, or for
glorifying plain vanilla ice cream or sherbet. Mango give
it a great sweetness and texture, while lemon juice keeps
it bright and tempers it with a tart bite.
 Queso
Fundido
The upscale answer to classic Tex-Mex queso is made by broiling
a combination of Mexican cheeses with roasted green chile
strips. No crock pot necessary.
 Red,
White and Blueberry Tart
Although it's quick and easy to make, this tart looks fussy
and will win you oohs and aahs at your next party. This version
features berries, but the same principle and works well with
any soft seasonal fruit. Try kiwi for a cheaper, faster (the
larger kiwi slices cover more surface quicker) variation.
Rosemary
Scallop-and-Shrimp Skewers
These beauties grill up quickly on the barbie or under the
broiler. If you don't mind shelling out a few bucks,
these elegant seafood skewers will take you above the barbecuing
fray. Ooh la la!
Sausage
Wraps with Curried Crème Fraîche
Your favorite sausage is taken to new heights with the help
of some tortillas and Malin's spicy crème fraîche
dipping sauce. Serves equally well as both an attractive appetizer
or a tantalizing entree.
 Speedy
Meat Sauce
Don't let the surprise ingredient frighten you--coupled with
crushed tomatoes and plenty of red wine, it makes a lovely
sauce. Just don't tell your guests.
 Spicy
Green Beans
This is about as close to instant gratification as you can
get. Simple, fast, delicious. A great accompaniment to Italian
or Asian dishes, or a tasty veggie snack. Yes, outside of
these beans, the concept of snacking on vegetables is alien
to me, too.
Stuffed
Mushrooms
These bite-sized beauties look fancy, but are very easy to
prepare. A perfect finger food at any shindig! Your guest
will think you slaved in the kitchen, but actually these puppies
only take a few minutes of prep work.
Turkish
Salad of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Feta
A cool, tempting salad that makes a pleasant alternative to
heavy mayo-based sides. Only a few minutes need be sacrifice
to create a gratifying homemade salad dressing.
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