For each serving, pour 3/4 cup of Champagne (or ginger ale) into a flute or wineglass and top with 1/2 cup of pear nectar. Squeeze and drop in 1 wedge of lime.

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and ginger and simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Stir in the Campari. Cool and set aside.

Cut the peel and the bitter white pith from the grapefruit with a sharp knife. Working over a bowl to catch the juice, cut the grapefruit sections free from the membranes, keeping sections intact. Place in a medium bowl. Reserve the juice. Strain the Campari syrup and pour it and the reserved juice over the grapefruit sections. Cover and chill. Recipe can be made up to 1 day ahead.

Heat oven to 400º F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.

In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, and butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and add the 2 cheeses, thyme, hot pepper flakes, and buttermilk. Stir until the mixture sticks together. (It will be slightly crumbly.)

Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead gently until it comes together, about 30 seconds. Shape the dough to form an even, flat round about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 wedges. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake until the scones are light golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove with a metal spatula. These are best served fresh but can be made up to 2 days ahead. Wrap in foil and reheat in a 250º F oven for 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Heat oven to 375º F. In a medium bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of chives.

Arrange the bread in a single layer in a 13-by-9-inch ovenproof baking dish. Top with the prosciutto and tomato mixture.

Break the eggs on top and drizzle with the cream. Bake until the whites have set but the yolks are slightly runny, 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with the remaining chives.

Heat the potatoes to boiling in enough lightly salted water to cover. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes or until the potatoes feel tender when poked with a skewer. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the vermouth, scallions, vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir in the horseradish and parsley. Fold in the hot potatoes and trout. Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.

Cut the kale into bite-size pieces, removing any tough stems. Rinse and shake dry.

Warm the oil and garlic in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Remove the garlic as soon as it browns (don't let it burn). Add the kale and stir-fry 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Uncover and add the sugar, salt, olives, and peppers. Cook over medium-high heat until the liquid has evaporated. Spoon into a serving dish; scatter the garlic over the top. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Heat oven to 325º F. Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable cooking spray.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a large bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat. In another large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar at medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and melted chocolate. Mix with a spoon until well blended.

Divide the batter evenly into 8 muffin tins and bake until the cakes have just cooked through, about 15 minutes. The cakes will still look a bit moist on top. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with the caramel sauce and ice cream.