" This week, we've invited friends whom we haven't seen in quite a while for supper. While searching for dishes that were light and refreshing as well as easy to prepare, I remembered that several weeks ago I had served a delectable watercress salad with an unusual vinaigrette along with soup for out-of-town company. Our guest liked the salad so much that she asked for the recipe. "
" What distinguishes this salad is the unusual dressing, which is made by adding chopped hard-cooked egg, minced red onions and capers to a classic red-wine vinaigrette. Peppery watercress sprigs are tossed in this mixture, then garnished with crisp, golden croutons. "
" I decided that this dish would make a perfect garnish to baked salmon fillets seasoned with lemon and fresh dill. Steamed haricots verts (slender green beans) will round out the main course, and a bowl of clementines, offered with almond and ginger biscotti (purchased from a local bakery) and cups of espresso, will create a tempting and manageable dessert. "