Big dippers

Big dippers
Ohio's own Robert Rothschild Farm now offers "Cheese Ball" dips -- cream cheese-based spreads with a lively array of ingredients -- that can be served from the jar or formed into retro-ish mounds. They match well with crackers or veggies. Flavors include sweet pineapple margarita, hot pepper peach and a more savory dirty martini (it's got green olives). The dips are 8.50- 10.50 each at various gourmet shops and by mail (robertrothschild.com or (866) 565-6790).
Party smarts
A friendly voice, oodles of doable recipes and party-friendly tips that emphasize a can-do spirit make "The Two of Us ... and Friends" (Marlowe & amp; Co., 27.95), by caterer Jessie Carry Saunders, a great resource for anyone new to entertaining. Chapters focus on dinners for two, four, six and upwards of eight. The author's whimsical illustrations make a fine complement. The book is at some Borders and Barnes & amp; Noble bookstores and amazon.com.
Just enough joe
Flavored coffees can be cloying, but the varieties from Folgers' Gourmet Selections offer a light touch, especially the chocolate truffle and caramel drizzle. Other flavors include vanilla biscotti and hazelnut cream. A 12-ounce bag of ground coffee costs 5- 6.50 at various grocers and Target.
Did you know this about olive oil?
Spain is the leading producer of olives and the world's leading producer of olive oil.
Extra virgin olive oil is the strongest olive flavor of the four varieties of olive oil. Best used for drizzling, salad dressings, marinades, sauces, stews, soups.
Virgin olive oil shares extra virgin olive oil's strong flavor, but is slightly more mild. Best used for grilling, sauteing, drizzling, salad dressings, marinades, stews, soups.
Olive oil is much milder and better suited for cooking. Best used for baking, frying, grilling, sauteing.
Light olive oil is the mildest of the four varieties and best used for baking, frying, grilling, sauteing.
For baking, simply substitute equal amounts of olive oil for vegetable oil.