Goat Cheese

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

What to drink: Delicate blanc de blancs Champagne pairs well with these hors d'oeuvres.

Pâte de Fromage de Chèvre aux Herbes Fraîches __ Chopped edible flowers add color to the dip. You can find packaged edible flowers at specialty foods stores and in the fresh herbs section of some supermarkets. __

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In France, tartines are slices of bread topped with butter and sometimes cheese, honey, or other spreads. Here that simple idea is turned into a sophisticated appetizer when the bread is brushed with chive oil and topped with smoked salmon and goat cheese.

These would also be great with beef or pork.

A great combination of flavors that makes an elegant first course--for brunch or for dinner. The timbales need to be chilled overnight, so begin preparing this dish a day before serving.

The warm goat cheese toasts make delicious croutons for the salad, but they would also be an easy hors d'oeuvre.

The blend of dried herbs known as herbes de Provence usually consists of basil, thyme, rosemary and oregano. Sometimes lavender is also included, which adds a flavor that is the most evocative of Provence. An accompaniment to Herb-and Spice-roasted Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine-Shallot Sauce . Sharpen your chopping and mincing skills with our technique video.

This soufflé-like tart makes a nice lunch or light dinner with a salad of mixed baby greens.

Piping the filling into the potato shells with a pastry bag makes an attractive presentation. You can also just spoon in the filling and crosshatch the top with the tines of a fork.

Four years ago, while food-styling with chef Alain Rondelli, we got to sample one of his creations—an inspired combination of pears and Roquefort and pepper. Its playful mix of sweet and savory led to this dessert. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

To set a festive mood, serve these with mimosas made with icy-cold Prosecco and freshly squeezed tangerine juice.

This vegetarian main highlights roasted carrots two ways: glazed as the center of the Wellington, and blended to form the tender filling.