Elegant Dinner Party Buffet

With its chewy bread base and fruit-cheese topper, this luscious tart is ideal to serve between the main course and dessert in place of the traditional cheese course.

Your guests can dress this roast with the topping of their choice. We show you how to make a sumptuous roast with three different spreads -- a black pepper-olive relish, blue cheese-parsley crumble, and horseradish mayo.

These savory tarts are classy yet simple to make. By skipping the bacon, you can serve them as a main-course alternative to the beef tenderloin for vegetarian guests.

Serve this onion pudding, baked with cheddar and garlic, in individual ramekins. Sage leaves make a beautiful garnish.

This pretty take on baby broccoli is finished in less than 30 minutes. Toasted almonds add crunch, while orange juice adds a light citrus flavor.

Sour cream and chives are classic add-in suggestions for stunningly good mashed potatoes.

This easy side dish gets its bold flavor from cider vinegar; deep purple beets look festive and are healthful, too.

The peppery flavor of curly endive makes a serendipitous match with sweet fresh pear slices and tangy blue cheese. Pecans cooked with salt, butter, and sugar add delicious crunch.

The tart, fresh taste of the grapefruit in this easy salad is a refreshing contrast to rich holiday foods.

A hint of strawberry flavor adds an unexpected twist to this chocolaty dessert. The cocoa-flavored crust is topped with a layer of chocolate and almond-laced mascarpone.