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Curried Beef Puffs

A favorite of my mom's and a bit of an ethnic twist! It tastes best if freshly made. Direction #5 is very important, otherwise the triangles will look pale and sickly. Also, don't roll the sheets. The puffs will not be as flaky.

Snappy Red Bell Pepper Dip with Shrimp

You can prepare this brightly colored dip up to two days ahead.

Coconut Scallops

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Garlic Cheese Fondue

The fondue is the centerpiece of a casual dinner with the LaGuardias. They insist that whoever drops the most bread into the pot is stuck with cleanup duty.

Majorcan

Known as coca, this is the traditional street food of Palma. The name derives from the Latin verb coquere, which means "to cook". Shaped in a long oval or rectangle, baked in a wood-fired oven and sold in room-temperature squares, coca is usually eaten as a snack, but it can also be a great starter for a casual meal. Unlike its Italian counterpart, it is covered only with vegetables, never with cheese. There are sweet cocas and special holiday versions, too. When made with frozen bread dough, coca is a snap to prepare.

Curried Cauliflower Apple Soup

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

White Bean and Escarole Soup with Garlic

Easy to make and satisfying.

Chiles Rellenos

Traditionally, chiles rellenos are batter-coated and fried. This version is baked with a lighter cheese filling.

Weekday Vegetable Soup

Almond-Stuffed Green Olives

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

Chick-Pea and Coriander Soup

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Crab Cakes and Baby Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette

Serve this lovely dish with Champagne.
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