Dairy

Ouzeries are Greek cafés that specialize in mezedes, or appetizers, as well as in ouzo, the strong, anise-tinged drink after which the cafés are named. Saganaki gets its name from the two-handled pan in which it is made, but it can be prepared in any heavy small skillet. For a final flourish, the cheese is often splashed with ouzo and flamed.

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

For a heartier sandwich, coarsely chopped avocado can be stirred into the yogurt.

This is a fabulous pudding-like dessert that's very easy to make.

This moist Christmas cake takes its cues from the flavors and spices found in the classic Lebkuchen cookie. It's brushed with an orange-scented honey syrup, frosted with a creamy white chocolate icing and then surrounded by sliced almonds.

Spicy crushed red pepper, rosemary and garlic enhance this main course. Uncork an Italian Barbera to match the menu's hearty flavors. For dessert, offer a compote of blueberries and sliced nectarines with crème fraîche (available at many supermarkets) or lightly whipped cream.

Try these as appetizers, as a salad (on a bed of greens) or as a light dessert.

Rajas is the word for a traditional Mexican mixture of sautéed peppers and onions. Green onions work well in this version.

Make the tartar sauce at least one day ahead.

This recipe was created to accompany Chocolate Strawberry Orance Wedding Cake .

All the flavor of individual tamales, but much easier to make.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cake-making equipment and ingredients can be found at cake and candy supply stores. Be sure to use cake flour, not all purpose flour, and begin preparing the cake two days ahead. Buy one 1-ounce bottle of gel base color in the shade called Bakers Rose to tint both the frosting and the fondant a pale pink. Plastic drinking straws are used to support the middle and top tiers. Buy the straight—not bendable—kind.