Salad of Smoked Chicken, Endive, and Red Currants

The bright borschty-pink dressing for this salad thickens considerably and develops a rich, sour cream flavor, thanks to the interaction of the fruit acid and heavy cream. As a variation for fruit-based salads, follow the directions below, substituting a scant tablespoon grated ginger for the horseradish and adding a little more sugar.

When you want to whip up a fast, elegant little luncheon, add toasted almonds, breadsticks, poached peaches, and lemon sugar cookies to your menu, an