Soup

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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 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.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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.

This soup can also be served chilled.

Crisp baguette slices are a natural with this, or serve the Rosemary Toasts, substituting tarragon for the rosemary. Either way, a salad of Boston lettuce and Belgian endive with lemon vinaigrette makes a lovely accompaniment, and a fruit tart is a good grand finale.