Snack

These tiny turnovers have the same balance of filling to dough as my number one favorite cookie, rugelach, but they are easier to prepare because they aren't rolled. Rugelach means rolled; therefore, I have dubbed these "un-rugelach." The buttery cinnamon/walnut flavors fill your mouth with opulent pleasure, but despite their richness, they are easy to keep on eating because of the fresh tangyness from the apricot jam filling.

Inspired by a spicy-hot snack mixture sold by East Indian markets in the United States, we played around with the "back of the box" recipe for Chex Mix and came up with the following. The sesame sticks called for are often included in cans of mixed nuts, but they are also found, without the nuts, in boxes or the bulk bins at natural foods stores and supermarkets. If you can't find them, substitute additional cereal.

There will be plenty of leftover biscotti for afternoon coffee breaks.

Store-bought seasoned salt can also be used in the following recipe. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Pears and walnuts are often seen growing side by side in wine-country orchards. They make ideal partners in this delicate, old-fashioned dessert.

The prepared poppy seed filling is available in the kosher food section of most supermarkets across the country.

Honey and dried currants add sweetness.

The preserves keep these moist and tender.

Purchased Boboli crusts make these pizzas a snap to prepare. Offer prosciutto and melon as another appetizer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fresh spinach, sauteéd in oil with garlic, is pureed with sour cream and green onions to create this delicious dip. For a picnic, transport the dip and the vegetables in a cooler, or surround them with cold packs in the picnic basket.