Cheese

This recipe comes from my brother, Chris, a high-school athletic coach. If you think stuffed mushrooms sound too foofy for Super Bowl Sunday, I refer you to "Little" Brother. He tells me they are winners every time. There's plenty of room for play in the recipe. The only firm rule: Use more crab than cream cheese.

At Woodside in West Los Angeles, owner Noel Ampel and executive chef Nigel Faulkner both believe in taking the freshest ingredients and combining them in simple, yet highly sophisticated ways. This pasta is a fine example of that philosophy. A basket of crusty warm rolls and a salad of mixed baby greens with a Sherry vinaigrette are great accompaniments. End with coffee gelato and chocolate-dipped biscotti. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In this elegant entrée, the leeks mellow to lend a bit of sweetness to the sauce.

Homemade ravioli are made simple here with readily available gyoza wrappers (look for them in the refrigerated Asian section of your supermarket).

Things made with phyllo are generally off-limits to dieters. Try this light version of the classic Greek dish with fruit and a tossed salad for a satisfying meal.

Ragoût de petits L
égumes au Parmesan et Vinaigre Balsamique Also nice as a meatless entrée—with some crusty French bread, of course.

Cheesecake and Champagne are a great finale. Begin making the dessert a day ahead.