Name: Cream of Tomato Soup with Souffléed Cheese Toasts
Yield: about 6 cups
Ingredients: 2 1/2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 celery rib, chopped; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled between your fingers; Pinch of ground cloves; 2 tablespoons flour; Two 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes in puree or juice; Pinch of baking soda; 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock or water; 1 1/2 cups milk; Sea salt and freshly ground pepper; Tomato paste if needed; 1 egg, separated, or 1 egg white only; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Pinch of cayenne; 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon minced scallion or shallot; 4 slices sandwich bread, lightly toasted

Image may contain Bowl Plant Food and Meal

Cream of Tomato Soup with Souffléed Cheese ToastsCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

This quick soup, an American classic, makes a fine pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or crisp romaine salad. Here the grilled cheese sandwich takes a different form—a souffléed Cheddar topping on a good piece of toasted sandwich bread. Use an organic brand of tomatoes, one that's thick with puree as well as chunks of tomato.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

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.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

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

White Bean Turkey Chili

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

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.