Entertain during the dog days of summer

When summer starts to wane, the truly lazy days begin. Everyone's feeling a bit sluggish, and to our way of thinking, this is an excellent time to entertain. Expectations aren't so high: You can serve a glass of wine and perhaps a pre-restaurant nibble, and your guests are grateful just to get out of the house.

It's best to issue the invitation on the spur of the moment. (Let's keep those expectations low!) We love saying, "Why don't you stop by here for drinks before we head out to dinner?" You get credit for hosting without stressing out.

Today's recipe for Mini Feta and Artichoke Tarts is great for these impromptu gatherings. The ingredients are exotic, there's almost no preparation, and after a quick run in the oven, these yummy nibbles are done.

For our Crab and Artichoke Appetizer Pizza - another quick and easy entertaining recipe - visit our website, KitchenScoop.com.

Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross are co-authors of "Desperation Dinners!" (Workman, 1997), "Desperation Entertaining!" (Workman, 2002) and "Cheap. Fast. Good!" (Workman, 2006). Contact them at Desperation Dinners, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or send e-mail to tellus@kitchenscoop.com. Or visit the Desperation Dinners website at www.kitchenscoop.com.