Goat Cheese

Tlacoyos con Queso de Cabra Traditionally these rustic cakes are made with a mashed bean filling. The goat cheese called for here adds a contemporary twist.

The aged goat cheese called for in this recipe is firmer than fresh and has a dry rind. Two kinds work best in this dish, Bucheron and Pouligny-St.-Pierre, both of which have just the right amount of tang — but ask at the cheese counter for comparable substitutes if you have trouble finding them. Cafe Pasqual's, in Santa Fe, serves its version of this dish — "pigs 'n' figs" — with blue cheese. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

To make this easy appetizer even easier, substitute store-bought roasted red bell peppers for the home-roasted ones.

Delicious with toasted bread, as presented here, or with celery sticks, red bell pepper strips or Belgian endive leaves.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fresh strawberries and cookies from the bakery round out the meal nicely. Pour a dry white wine or iced tea. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Warm Potato Goat-Cheese Salads with Thyme and Niçoise Olives)

Serve this appetizer with crusty bread and enjoy.

A terrific appetizer for parties.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

A delicious and much lighter version of a favorite dish. Serve this gratin with roast chicken, pork, or beef.

An elegant appetizer from Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.

Prosciutto slices are usually paper-thin-but for this dish be sure they are not too thin or they will tear when you spread the cheese on them. Serve these with the Black Pepper Almonds, and pour Champagne.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A satisfying meatless main course.

A sophisticated main course.

Here's a simple do-ahead salad that travels very well. It's also great as a side dish for grilled chicken or beef.