Soup/Stew

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.

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.

(Spicy Chicken Broth with Chicken, Vegetables, and Chick-Peas)