Soup/Stew

The creamy soup would be great with large sesame-coated breadsticks and a spinach salad with marinated mushrooms. Baked apples and oatmeal-raisin cookies are nice after. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is just right for a family meal or a casual party.

This pretty soup could be a soothing lunch or a light dinner — and it's healthful, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A homey yet sophisticated soup that's great for casual entertaining.

A spectacular one-dish meal that gets its rich flavor from homemade crab stock. The stock is simple to make and does not require a lot of time. Potato helps thicken the soup; butternut squash adds color.

Pass grated cheddar cheese and extra salsa at the table.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve this lively chili with warm tortillas and a colorful plate of sliced avocado, tomato and red onion drizzled with lemon juice.

This is an adaptation of a recipe by Claire Winslow at The Would Bar & Grill in Highland, New York. Winslow and her partner, Debra Dooley, have found that their clientele is becoming more interested in meatless entrées, especially homey ones like this fricassee. Its great with buttermilk biscuits.

A warming and filling main-course soup.

A rich and satisfying soup with great roasted tomato flavor. Put it into a wide-mouth thermos to o keep it cold for a picnic; it's also nice hot or at room temperature.

For a low-fat entrèe, be sure to remove all visible fat and membrane from the veal shanks. Tie them to retain a nice shape.