Cordon Vert

Colin Spencer’s Cordon Vert offers 52 vegetarian dinner parties to provide abundant variety to any of your meatless friends. I really don't have any "meatless" friends. What is an unapologetic carnivore doing with this book? Trust me, I will NEVER invite you over for a big old "meatless" dinner party because if there's no meat it can hardly be billed as a party.

Truth be told, however, one needs those creative sides to serve with your meat. He has a nice way with fruits, too. Here is a great 10 minute alternative to baking an apple pie.

Cinnamon Apples

2lb cooking apples
4 tablespoonsful butter or margarine
1/2 cupful dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cupful heavy cream, whipped

1. Core the apples, but do not pare them. Chop coarsely.
2. Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the apples. Saute for 3-5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. Mix the sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples. Cook, stirring well, for another 2 minutes.
4. Turn the apples into a bowl to cool slightly.
5. Pile the whipped cream on top of the warm apples and serve.

I never like pie crust anyway, so this one is a keeper!