Snack

These mini tostadas make terrific appetizers. The topping is seasoned with cumin, serrano chili and cilantro.

If time is short, omit the streusel topping.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

When we were children, we adored zeen doy(sesame balls). The dough is fried until golden brown so it is both crisp and chewy from the glutinous rice flour. It is eaten year-round, but especially for New Year's and for birthday celebrations. As the dough fries, it expands, so the Chinese believe if you eat Sesame Balls your fortunes will expand similarly. The Sweetened Red Bean Paste for the filling can be purchased in a can or homemade. Sesame Balls must be eaten the day they are made. The following day, they can be heated in a 300-degree oven but, like so many foods, they are not nearly as good as when they are fresh. Remember to use glutinous rice flour and not rice flour! My Auntie Lil, who taught me this recipe, says the secret is to never knead the dough and to use cold sugar water.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This relish is best at room temperature. Note that the nutritional numbers following the recipe are for the relish only.

New York City's classic dessert gets a luxurious lift from chestnuts.

The German plum harvest is celebrated every year with a festival in Bühl in the southwestern part of the country. In this simple German dessert, cake batter is covered with wedges of fall plums; a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar bakes into a crunchy topping.

These ice cream sandwiches are served at Hula Grill in Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii.

(Greek Cucumber and Yogurt Salad)

Scones are the classic tea and coffee partner. Tiny and elegant for a silver-service tea or as large as a fist, they're everyone's favorite served warm, split and spread with butter or whipped cream and jam.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Look for rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of your market.

Many kinds of vegetables and even some fruits go well with this versatile dip.