Here was a challenge of mythic proportion: To put together an imaginative, party-sized menu that would not take a lot of time to prepare and would be blushingly beautiful and healthy, to boot. After all, help-yourself dips and finger food can be deceiving. A few handfuls of this, a few crackerfuls of that, and before you know it you and your waistline are having irreconcilable differences.

Not at this gathering: We succeeded in creating a filling, low-fat menu that no man can tear asunder. As for looks and taste, witness our interpretation of a finger sandwich: Striped Ribbon Sandwiches, featuring layers of red bell pepper puree and blue cheese. Instead of cliched meatballs, we've created a spicy alternative: Beef Triangles With Chutney Sauce. Again, much of the preparation for these recipes can be done ahead. Each dish serves 12 to 24.