Summer is here, which means now is the time to start planning fabulous gatherings.  For many summertime party hosts, the organization of their event includes the preparation of hors d'oeuvres. Spike Mendelsohn, a contestant on the most recent season of Bravo's popular Top Chef, offers two recipes guaranteed to entice even the most discerning palate.  The recipes can easily be created by home cooks with varying levels of gastronomic experience.The Summertime Greek Puff Pastry is a delicate and flavorsome tart prepared with only four ingredients.  For the 'chef' who is up for a challenge, The Tamarind Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewers combine unique elements to create a flavorful mélange.

Read on for the detailed recipes...  

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Seafarers would call out with glee when land appearing on the horizon marked the end of an arduous voyage, and possibly signified the beginning of a new life.  A look at the positioning of this luxury real estate in Manalapan Beach, Florida could inspire anyone to dream of their ideal waterfront lifestyle. 

The amazing plot in Florida's Gold Coast encompasses over five-and-a-half acres with approximately 500 feet of frontage on both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.  Private beach and dockage possibilities add to the appeal of the perfect spot for the ultimate Florida luxury home or homes.  This slice of South Florida waterfront paradise is listed by Premier Estate Properties, Inc. for $42,900,000.

Throughout my (low-stakes) poker life I've enjoyed playing both online and live games.  While online poker has the benefits of being able to connect to a game from anywhere and automatic chip counting, it pales in comparison to the feeling of a live game where chips are stacked in front of you, the cards slide through your fingers, and you're visually sizing up your competitors.  Poker purists may take issue with the X10 Ten Player Automated Table, which infuses live poker with some of the "convenience" of an online game.  There is a 27-inch display at the center of the table that keeps track of the action, while 12.1-inch screens lay in front of each player.  After virtual cards are distributed by a virtual dealer, players reveal the cards to themselves by touching their screen.

I suppose, at the very least, having one of these $30,000 machines in your basement will prevent one of your poker buddies from misdealing or shorting the pot, but is it worth the atmospheric sacrifices?