Sour Cream

The German plum harvest is celebrated every year with a festival in Bühl in the southwestern part of the country. In this simple German dessert, cake batter is covered with wedges of fall plums; a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar bakes into a crunchy topping.

This is the Rolls-Royce of bran muffin recipes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is a sophisticated first course. The soup is also nice without the lobster. Uncork a Chardonnay or a French Sancerre.

While the birth of the Brandy Alexander cocktail may be obscured in the history of mixology, the creation of the like-named pie can be traced to right around December 1933, when Prohibition was repealed. Americans could once again enjoy a legal drink. That apparently inspired some creative cooks to flavor recipes once again with wines and liqueurs, and the forerunner of this pie was born. We've replaced the traditional graham cracker crust with one made of chocolate wafer cookies, and we've added white chocolate to the rich brandy and crème de cacao filling.

Bake this at least a day before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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.

This tart is a snap to put together, thanks to purchased puff pastry. The square shape is something different for the summer table.

Here's a modern spin on blini, the buckwheat pancakes that are a classic for caviar. Also topping them with smoked salmon is a delightful way to gild the lily.

We particularly liked this sandwich on slipper-shaped ciabatta bread, although any type of soft Italian bread is suitable.

Here's an opportunity to enjoy the best summer fruit. Serve this dessert with butter cookies from the bakery.

This cool indulgence is actually made with light cream cheese and low-fat sour cream. Begin preparing it the day before your party.

Don't worry if you can't wait for this yummy cake to cool - it's also delicious warm.