Loving to cook the way I do, Ina's philosophy would not always be my first choice. However, it is sound when presented with a situation where time is of the essence. The key is combining pre-made, assembled and homemade. Since you are preparing the entree, apps and dessert are the perfect place to go with already made and items you (or your husband) can assemble in just a few minutes.
I know in Europe the preference is the cheese course near the end, but I love a cheese board for an app because it gives me flexibility. Even one really good cheese, some nuts, dried or fresh fruit, olives and bread or crackers is my idea of a good time
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.