Name: Carrot with Toasted Almond Soup
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Makes 4 (first course) servings
Ingredients: 1 cup sliced shallots (about 4 large); 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; Rounded 3/4 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter; 1 small boiling potato (3 oz); 1 1/2 lb carrots, peeled and cut crosswise 1/4 inch thick; 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz); 1 cup apple cider (preferably unfiltered); 1 1/4 cups water; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Image may contain Bowl Cutlery Spoon Food and Gravy

Carrot with Toasted Almond SoupRoland Bello

The secret to this simple recipe is using the best carrots you can find; taste them to make sure they are sweet and full of flavor.

Cooks' notes:

•Soup can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat over low heat. Thin with additional water if necessary.
•Almonds can be toasted 2 days ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.