Almost-instant appetizers using pantry basics

AN AMAZING variety of small bites can be put together quickly and on short notice if you keep some basics in your pantry and refrigerator. Stock up on harder-to-find ingredients at occasional trips to specialty food stores. Though most of these items can be found at mainstream groceries, for food lovers this would be a wonderful excuse for a field trip to a couple of slightly out-of-the-way treasures.

By Russ Parsons

September 3, 2008