Your guests don't have to know it was easy

We've chosen a couple of recipes from "Chef, Interrupted: Delicious Chefs' Recipes That You Can Actually Make at Home" by Melissa Clark with the more intimate dinner party in mind, and we offer a few of our own tips for making the event go smoothly.

"Spicy Linguine with Squid" is a great recipe for more adventurous eaters who love bold flavors. But if you're squeamish about squid, just substitute medium-size prawns for a similar fusion of flavors.

A recipe for "Miso Black Cod with Salmon Roe" is one of the simplest, best seafood recipes we've tested. The fish marinates and cures for two days in the refrigerator, so the prep work is done in advance. All it takes to finish the dish is some time spent under the broiler. With a touch of coral-hued caviar spooned on top, it's the kind of dish that would be great for a small, midweek party. But if caviar is out of the question, the simple garnish of thinly sliced green onions is elegant in itself.

Light-as-air 'Veal Ricotta Meatballs' use fresh ricotta cheese, an ingredient that's worth seeking out for its silky texture and superior flavor. Whole Foods, for instance, produces its own hand-dipped ricotta, but specialty cheese shops and supermarkets with well-supplied cheese counters are also good sources.

The meatballs can be formed and refrigerated the morning of the party and can be browned and put into a tomato sauce with dashes of chopped garlic and basil and cooked.

CeCe Sullivan, Seattle Times food staff writer