Simmer

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 25 min

If you aren't counting calories, add some crushed baked corn tortillas to this soup just before serving.

We found celery root and Jerusalem artichokes equally delicious in this puree.

A creamy "comfort" soup that has plenty of richness without a lot of cream.

We used 2 spoons to form the ice cream into the traditional egglike shape of a quenelle, which enables it to sit snugly in a curved tuile.

For a richer dish, splurge by adding an ounce of reconstituted dried porcini mushrooms to the sauce.

If desired, this soup may also be served cold‑chill soup in a bowl set in another bowl of ice and cold water, stirring, about 20 minutes. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An old-fashioned and versatile dish. Serve it over split hot biscuits (or toasted English muffins) for brunch or over egg noodles for a comforting simple dinner.

This earthy pasta dish is delicious made with the wide, long noodles called pappardelle, or with the thinner and more readily available fettuccine.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Rice pilaf can be made traditionally, with basmati rice, or with regular long-grain white rice. For a real treat, garnish the pilaf with shredded coconut, raisins and chopped green onions.