dolmas

Based on Dolmas' approach, this note reports an expression for the variance of an inflation index that does capture the autocorrelation structure and the lagged cross correlations of the component commodities.

In line with Dolmas' use of spectral analysis, we assume that each series [p.sub.ti] can be modeled as a covariance-stationary stochastic process, and interest centers on the inflation index [I.sub.t]=[summation][w.sub.i][P.sub.ti], where the summation is over the N commodities and the weights [w.sub.i] are collected in a column vector w.

Dolmas and other researchers weight each commodity by its expenditure share in a given time period.

In Arabic, they are called "dolmas," meaning something stuffed." Although the ancient Greeks were known to fill leaves of fig, hazelnut, and mulberry trees, as well as many other vegetables, dolmas' point of origin is open to debate.

In our constant search for something different, we find that dolmas offer a hint of the exotic while celebrating the bounty of the season's freshest produce.

Romaine Dolmas 1/2 cup short- or medium-grain rice 3 ounces dry salami, diced 2 tablespoons drained capers 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar or 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel 8 large romaine lettuce leaves

Dolmas hold well up to 5 hours at room temperature.