Name: Deborah Madison's Roasted Squash, Pear, and Ginger Soup
Yield: makes about 4 1/2 cups
Ingredients: One 2 1/2-pound Buttercup, Perfection, or other dense winter squash, rinsed; 3 ripe but firm pears, any variety, quartered, seeds and stems removed; 1 chunk fresh ginger, about 2 inches long, thinly sliced; Sunflower seed or olive oil for the squash; Sea salt; 2 tablespoons butter or sunflower seed oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream, optional

Image may contain Bowl Plant Food and Meal

Deborah Madison's Roasted Squash, Pear, and Ginger SoupCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

This fall soup is like putting on the first sweater of the season: it just feels so good. Although the soup takes several steps—roasting the squash and pears (which can be done a day ahead of time), cooking them, and finally pureeing the soup—none involve much from you. It's an easily made soup that will keep well for days—a great possibility for a holiday meal.

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.