A Couple of Things to Feed Your Guests While You Finish Dinner

It's unfortunate that your guests are slurping cocktails on the sofas and you're stuck in the kitchen perfecting dinner's finishing flourishes. Or, behind schedule as the night yawns wider. If you're in the weeds at least you (and everyone else) will feel better passing the time with Baked Ricotta with Herbs. Good with all manner of cocktails or wine, serve either cut into small squares or in the casserole itself, accompanied by buttered rye bread or simply a dish of olives. Begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F. while you mix together 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 T. or so minced fresh herbs of choice and a pinch of salt. Spread the ricotta into a lightly oiled, shallow casserole dish and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or so, let cool slightly and serve sprinkled with your best finishing salt.

Olive oil and bread for dipping is hardly a novel concept, but the satisfaction of a fruity and/or peppery fine oil is hard to top. So boost the pre-dinner experience even higher by seasoning oil with equal amounts mixed of dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped or ground toasted almonds. Season to taste with a coarse high-quality salt and plenty of red pepper flakes.