New Years

Barquettes are small, boat-shaped pastry shells that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

This was one of those invented-while-walking-up-and-down-the-aisles-of-the-supermarket dishes; the thought process in it is a good example of how one uses taste elements to design a dish. It was a cold day and the idea of a hearty pork roast conjured up some equally substantial lentils. Then the hard salami and figs suggested themselves for salt and balancing sweetness. We figured the bulbiness of the onions would pull up all of the strong tastes in the wild palate of this recipe. Serve with lentil stew.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

In Sweden various combinations of matjes herring — a type of herring cured in a spiced sweet-and-sour brine — are eaten with the first tender white potatoes of the season. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany other canapés: Shrimp Canapés , Cheese Canapés and Smoked Mackerel Canapés .

Francoise preferred not to share her specific recipe with me, but she gave me enough hints so that I could make this version of roestis, (which means twice cooked in the Jura dialect) which closely resembles the delicious dish I had at La Grangette. Try this with thick slices of gently smoked ham and a white Arbois, from the Jura, or another buttery white wine.

A sophisticated yet simple dip that is wonderful with toast triangles, crackers or some assorted raw vegetables.

A twist on the traditional sauce for raw oysters. It works well with steamed clams, too.

Little polenta "tarts" are filled with tomatoes, pine nuts, and blue cheese, then popped into the oven until the cheese melts.

Le Cirque's elegant take on roast chicken.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crown of Shrimp with Truffle Sauce .

A creamy sauce and a trio of caviars are the "dream" of this party dish. Buy the quality and quantity of caviar that fit your budget.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Also try the salsa with some corn bread or scrambled eggs for a spicy treat.

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

This can be served immediately as a warm salad or made ahead and served chilled.

A simple and sensational starter.