Caviar

You can form the sweet-potato pancakes up to six hours ahead, leaving only a quick frying before serving.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We used osetra caviar for this hors d'oeuvre, but feel free to substitute your favorite. Any leftover caviar can be used to brighten up a number of dishes, from scrambled eggs to pasta.

Tartines de Caviar à la Crème Aigre Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

For the start or close of a millennium (or almost any other significant occasion), this is an opulent but fuss-free combination. Purchase the crabs from a busy fishmonger to ensure absolute freshness. Inexpensive caviar (which is often dyed) can turn the dipping sauce gray; invest a little more if you can. Champagne — not too dry — is naturally the beverage of choice.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This delightful open-face omelet is aptly named; it's bursting with flavor and style.

Here's a delicious new take on smoked salmon.

For more information about making pâte à choux, see If the Choux Fits...Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The créme fraîche topping melts fast, so to make the most of its fabulous taste and texture, add it just before eating.