36a. pare with a knife. W?????E
41a. select only the best. ???? ??? C?O?S?
43a. was acquainted with. ????
54a. full of bravado. ?U?? ??
32d. contracting. S?R???I??
33d. splitting. ?????ING
37d. make smaller. ???? I?
44d. cold apple and walnut dish. ??L???F ?A?A?