Make these ahead for company

The refreshing flavors of Greece complement a Southern summer.

Enjoy the aroma of fresh herbs and seasonings as you prepare a Greek-style meal for a small gathering of friends. With large Greek communities across the South, we've come to cherish this cuisine's bright flavors, which include garlic, lemon, oregano, and mint.

We offer a tasty seafood wrap and a cool, creamy fruit salad, both of which received high ratings in our Test Kitchens. Make these dishes ahead to serve as a light lunch or dinner for four.

GRILLED-SHRIMP GYROS WITH HERBED YOGURT SPREAD

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PEEL shrimp, and devein, if desired.

COMBINE seasoning and olive oil in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; add shrimp. Seal and chill 30 minutes.

SOAK skewers in water 30 minutes while shrimp marinates; thread shrimp onto skewers.

GRILL, covered with grill lid, over medium heat (300 deg to 350 deg) about 5 minutes on each side or just until shrimp turn pink.

WRAP each pita round in a damp cloth; microwave at HIGH 10 to 15 seconds or until soft. Spread 1 side of each pita round with Herbed Yogurt Spread. Top evenly with shrimp, cheese, tomato, and cucumber; roll up.

Prep: 25 min., Chill: 30 min., Soak: 30 min., Grill: 10 min.

Herbed Yogurt Spread:

WHISK together all ingredients; chill until ready to serve or up to 8 hours. Prep: 5 min.

For a festive touch, wrap Grilled-Shrimp Gyros With Herbed Yogurt Spread in colorful corrugated paper tied with raffia.

MIXED FRUIT WITH SOUR CREAM SAUCE

BRING first 3 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan, and cook, stirring constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until sugar mixture reaches a syrup consistency. Discard mint leaves, and cool sugar syrup completely.

COMBINE pineapple, banana, apple, grapes, and strawberries in a large bowl. Pour syrup over fruit mixture; toss gently. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with Sour Cream Sauce. Prep: 15 min., Cook: 5 min., Chill: 1 hr.

Sour Cream Sauce:

BEAT butter and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla, beating until mixture is creamy. Cover and chill until ready to serve or up to 8 hours.

Prep: 10 min.

CONNIE MOORE

MEDWAY, OHIO

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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