Red Skin Potato

Hummus, a dip/spread traditional in many Middle Eastern countries, is usually made with chick-peas (garbanzo beans), but we use white beans for a change of pace. It is delicious with steamed potatoes and artichokes as well as blanched broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.

Potatoes are tossed with a rich mustard dressing and served atop a bed of crisp lettuce in this unusual and delicious salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Mashed potatoes give this spectacular bread a moist texture.

Dijon mustard and dry white wine add French flair to this longtime favorite.

Raita is a yogurt salad, and integral--and cooling--part of an Indian meal. It can be prepared with raw and/or cooked vegetables (we use both here) or with fruit.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. If fingerling potatoes are not available, small red potatoes, halved, may be substituted.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve this newfangled main-course salad with a crisp flatbread, such as lavash, and white wine or rosé spritzers.

Round out this collection of sophisticated hors d'oeuvres with oysters on the half shell and purchased chicken liver pâté accompanied by crackers. Chilled Champagne and dry Martinis are perfect with these easy appetizers.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is the one potato salad that purists dream of-plenty of tangy dressing and just a bit of crunch. Low-fat or nonfat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used.

Try preparing this salad for casual luncheons.

Baking the potato adds an interesting depth of flavor to the salad and lends a mouth-pleasing texture.