Ask the Splendid Table: Spiced-up coleslaw pairs with fish

Q I am looking for a great coleslaw to serve with fish.

A The spice and citrus make this particular slaw (recipe at right) a good foil for fried fish, not to mention what it can do for a sandwich, or anything grilled.

Serve it right after you've blended in the cabbage for a crunchy effect, or let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator and drain away most of the slaw's liquid to get more of the character of the seasonings.

Either way, this salad comes together fairly fast. Use a food processor with the steel blade to make the dressing, leave the dressing in the bowl and switch to the slicing blade to cut the cabbage and onion directly into it. Tip it all into a bowl and toss.

Party perfect host Q My first party was a dud. The roast and sides that I spent days working on didn't get eaten, and people pretty much didn't move all night. How do I get mingling going?

A If it helps at all, know that the first party my husband and I gave was such a disaster that I kept praying for something that would give me an excuse to leave.

There are a few things that could help.

And if a recipe ends with "serve immediately," do not go near it with a 10-foot pole. Do all the cooking ahead, and have pitcher drinks you do in advance. Also remember that "sturdy" is the operative word for dishes, whether they be china, paper or plastic.

Additionally, have a tag line with each introduction. "Jen, this is Tim. I think you both are into '50s music." Any shred of common ground could kick off conversations.

Also, keep people moving. Moving around breeds mingling. Always have more people than chairs. Set up food and drinks in different parts of the room, or the house, instead of in one place. Ask shy guests to help you out with serving, picking up and introductions.

Finally, try to relax. You know the old bit about if you are having a good time, so will everyone else?

Well, it's mostly true, but do keep your host antennae up -- keep an eye out for anyone who's cornered by a nonstop talker, or who seems lonely.

A This sounds close to a recipe from an article I did for Bon Appetit magazine a long time ago. Who knows? Maybe it led in some way to his recipe.

This is an updated version of those potatoes, complete with herb cheese and cabbage. Hopefully, they are close to the ones you are craving.