Flavors

Morgan's Manhattan catering and carry-out shop, Flavors, is a cornucopia of boldly seasoned soups, salads, entrees and desserts--from Polenta-Crusted Deep-Dish Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Tart to suavely maple-edged Coffee Angel-Food Cake. Morgan serves up these and 200 more of her recipes, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and her home state of Texas. There's Smoky White Bean Spread with Roasted Garlic and Basil, Red Chile-Rubbed Roast Young Turkey and Blackberry Creme Brulee, as well as inspired sandwiches, drinks and baked goods. A wide assortment of high- and low-calorie lunch and dinner parties could be put together from these dishes (and Morgan provides some menus), but the readers will be reminded that the great advantage of take-out is that someone else does the cooking. Many of Morgan's selections are complicated and demand advance preparation (brewing basil oil, concocting macadamia praline). Most are worth the effort, however, and there are irresistible extras like Dijon-Brie spread for ham sandwiches or smoky chipotles in the meatloaf. Recipes come with explanations for ingredients or techniques, suggested improvisations or serving ideas. Morgan and McLaughlin (All on the Grill) want you to succeed with these creations and to have fun doing it. (May)