These bites come together quickly, thanks to packaged mini phyllo shells. The filling doesn’t need to be cooked.

CALORIES 49(37% from fat); FAT 2g (sat 0.6g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 1.3g; CHOLESTEROL 3mg; CALCIUM 21mg; SODIUM 65mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 0.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 6.7g

ready in about 20 minutes; serves 15
You might need to buy:
  • sugar
  • honey

CALORIES 331(46% from fat); FAT 17g (sat 6.8g,mono 7.9g,poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 30.4g; CHOLESTEROL 79mg; CALCIUM 29mg; SODIUM 366mg; FIBER 3.1g; IRON 5.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 11.1g

ready in about 195 minutes; serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • hot water
  • black pepper
  • all-purpose flour
  • olive oil
  • tomato paste
  • chopped fresh thyme
  • dry red wine
Coat your fingertips with flour as you crimp the calzones to prevent the dough from sticking. Use mild Italian chicken sausage, if desired.
ready in about an hour and 40 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • Dough:
  • sugar
  • extravirgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • Cooking spray
  • Filling:
  • olive oil
  • no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 2% low-fat cottage cheese
  • grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • dried oregano
  • kosher salt
  • crushed red pepper
Be sure to splurge on freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano for these muffins because the flavor is superior. Serve any leftover muffins with soup or a salad for a light lunch.

CALORIES 176(30% from fat); FAT 5.9g (sat 1.9g,mono 2.6g,poly 1.1g); PROTEIN 7g; CHOLESTEROL 24mg; CALCIUM 191mg; SODIUM 379mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 1.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 23.5g

ready in about 35 minutes; serves 15
You might need to buy:
  • sugar
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1% low-fat milk
  • canola oil
  • large egg
  • Cooking spray

Fresh seasonal berries lend both vibrant color and taste to this pie, but frozen berries will work, as well.

CALORIES 166(22% from fat); FAT 4.1g (sat 2g,mono 1.2g,poly 0.6g); PROTEIN 2.6g; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 18mg; SODIUM 153mg; FIBER 2.2g; IRON 0.6mg; CARBOHYDRATE 30.9g

ready in about 380 minutes; serves 12
You might need to buy:
  • large egg whites
  • salt
  • fresh lemon juice
  • blackberries
  • Cooking spray
  • 2% reduced-fat milk
  • sugar
  • water
Fresh rhubarb works best for this recipe, but frozen will do in a pinch. Its characteristically tart taste combines well with lime juice and sugar for a refreshing springtime beverage. You can add sparkling wine instead of water for adults.

CALORIES 74(0.0% from fat); FAT 0.0g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g); PROTEIN 0.1g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 7.6mg; SODIUM 2.7mg; FIBER 0.5g; IRON 0.0mg; CARBOHYDRATE 19.4g

ready in about 20 minutes; serves 12
You might need to buy:
  • water
  • sugar
  • fresh lime juice
  • lime slices
You can brush this versatile sauce over cubed skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Or use it as a dipping sauce with spring rolls. Time: 40 minutes.

CALORIES 254(14% from fat); FAT 4g (sat 0.7g,mono 0.8g,poly 1.6g); PROTEIN 35.6g; CHOLESTEROL 259mg; CALCIUM 110mg; SODIUM 514mg; FIBER 1.9g; IRON 4.6mg; CARBOHYDRATE 17.6g

ready in about 30 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • Sauce:
  • low-sodium teriyaki sauce
  • Kebabs:
  • Cooking spray
You can omit the small amount of coffee liqueur without drastically changing the flavor. Contemporary Mexican chefs often add ground red pepper to their chocolate desserts; leave it out if you want a more traditional taste.

CALORIES 178(28% from fat); FAT 5.6g (sat 2.7g,mono 1.9g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 5.3g; CHOLESTEROL 26mg; CALCIUM 41mg; SODIUM 90mg; FIBER 1.9g; IRON 0.9mg; CARBOHYDRATE 30.7g

ready in about an hour; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • Cooking spray
  • granulated sugar
  • granulated sugar
  • unsweetened cocoa
  • all-purpose flour
  • ground cinnamon
  • salt
  • fat-free milk
  • vanilla extract
  • large egg yolk
  • cream of tartar
  • large egg whites
  • granulated sugar
Prepare this early on the day of the party; chill until your guests arrive.

CALORIES 52(5% from fat); FAT 0.3g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0.6g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 17mg; SODIUM 1mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 0.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 13g

ready in about 15 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • sugar
  • chopped fresh mint
  • fresh lime juice

Amaretto provides an interesting twist on the traditional margarita’s orange curaçao liqueur. We start with a homemade sweet-and-sour mix that can be prepared several days in advance. When guests arrive, add the remaining ingredients. To serve in salt-rimmed glasses, pour sea salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, and then dip the rim in the salt.

Spirit note: The most important words in choosing a tequila are “100 percent agave.” Unless you spot this phrase on the label, you’re getting as little as 51 percent agave, with lots of sugar added to make up the difference. An exceptional value is 1800 Reposado ($24). “Reposado” indicates the tequila was “rested” in oak, imparting flavors of citrus zest and butterscotch, which complement the nutty amaretto in this innovative margarita. —Jeffery Lindenmuth

CALORIES 209(0.0% from fat); FAT 0.1g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0.4g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 9mg; SODIUM 2mg; FIBER 0.2g; IRON 0.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 31g

ready in about 15 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • orange juice
  • tequila
  • water
  • sugar
  • lime slices