Kitchen garden

Serious cookware isn’t always this fun. Le Creuset, which makes some of the finest enamel-coated cast-iron pots and pans in the world, has added a little whimsy to its line with the Tomato Casserole. The heavy, 2-quart, bright-red vessel is perfect for tomato soup, macaroni and cheese with tomato, or spaghetti with marinara sauce. It costs $99.95 and is available through Sur La Table by calling (800) 243-0852 or online at www.surlatable.com.

Table of content

The stripes say summer, but the harvest hues on Crate & Barrel’s “Torriano Stripe” table linens will help you ease into autumn in style. The place mats ($5.95 each) reverse to solid red, while the brown napkins ($3.95 each) have a coordinating stripe along the hem. Both are available, along with tablecloths, at www.crateandbarrel.com or by calling (800) 967-6696.

Olive the time

So you got home from work late. You’re having friends over for dinner. And you want to serve something a little more elegant than chips and dip as a snack. Don’t fret. Crackers and Cheez-Whiz aren’t your only option. The folks from the California Olive Industry suggest Tomato Citrus Marinated Olives, which combine sun-dried tomatoes and canned olives in a tasty hors d’oeuvre that looks like it took all day to make. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained; 1 minced garlic clove; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 6-ounce can pitted ripe olives, drained; 11/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon each chopped rosemary and thyme; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Season to taste. Marinate at least 3 hours and serve alone or on slices of hearty, crusty bread.