Recipes

Bruschetta, slices of bread brushed with olive oil, rubbed with garlic, and toasted to light golden, often topped with chopped tomatoes and herbs, is the kind of food I call "Antidote to Worry." For toppings, you are limited only by your imagination. A fun way to serve bruschetta is to put out the golden bruschetta toast and bowls of veggies, cheeses, nuts, beans, herbs, pestos, so guests can make their own.

Next week I'll be asking Bobby Flay a few questions during his book tour visit to the Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington, D.C. Enjoy this preview of his new cookbook, Bar Americain, to be released September 20. The recipes are to salivate for.

Dessert recipes often get neglected by those of us who focus on the rest of the meal and then grab some ice cream or sorbet for dessert. As for weight, some of these dessert recipes are diet-friendly. Others throw caution to the wind. I love a great dessert, but I hate to feel full; I place a high value on physical comfort. So when faced with a bowlful of calories, I can be content with a small portion of deliciousness.