Soup/Stew

This is fantastic with coleslaw and warm biscuits. What to drink: A not-too-oaky domestic Chardonnay or a white Burgundy, such as one from France's St.-Véran region.

On a recent trip to California, Susan Livingston of Marblehead, MA had a caramelized garlic and onion bisque at the Edna Valley Bistro in San Luis Obispo. It was so unique and outstanding that she made a point of complimenting the chef, Herbert Norton. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Though egg drop soup is not traditionally made with noodles, we love the texture and substance they add.

This is also terrific with yellow tomatoes. Garnish with thin cucumber slices and some chopped red onion, if desired.

Thyme really shines in this soup; sautéed apples are an interesting sweet garnish.

If you can't find pancetta, you can substitute regular bacon.

Serve this soup with a sandwich or a salad for a delicious lunch or light supper.

"When autumn comes to Chicago, I love going to Lucca's to enjoy a big bowl of pumpkin soup while sitting outside on the patio ," writes Tom Cove of Chicago, Illinois. "Can you get this terrific recipe?" A medley of exotic spices plus coconut milk and banana add complexity and rich flavor.

At Las Ventanas this soup and a corn soup are ladled side by side into the serving bowl.

Hearty fare from Auberge Sauvignon. Filet mignon is used instead of a cheaper cut, but the result is worth it.

Cilantro, sour cream, grated cheddar or Jack cheese, chopped red or green onion and salsa would be great toppings. Look for chorizo in the refrigerated meat or deli case.

Sosizza chi Linticchi The hearty, warming goodness of this one-course meal is only increased by its utter simplicity of preparation. Accompany the stew with crusty bread.

"I love going to Peter Schott's here in Boise for special occasions," writes Tracie Merrell of Boise, Idaho. "The restaurant is elegant but relaxed, and the food is memorable, especially the mushroom soup with Brie croutons." Freezing the Brie firms it, so removing the rind and slicing the cheese are much easier.

"In our family we have a saying that the Greek kitchen is the original twenty-four-hour diner: It never closes," writes Georgia I. Chletcos of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. "The great thing about these home-style dishes is that they're generous to the cook and to everyone else: You don't have to be a pro to prepare them, there's always plenty to share, and you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time." This light soup is based on a traditional Greek recipe called avgolemono.

North African spices combine with a touch of honey and lemon in a refreshing summer soup.

Navain d'Agneau Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

This hearty soup is served at Belvedere Mansion in Staatsburg, New York.

This Boston-area restaurant is dedicated to using locally grown organic produce.