You know what they say: if it's too good to be true, then it probably is. For a while, the weather was unseasonably warm, and I started to think there might not be a Winter in the Bay Area. But then this week hit, and boy, was I wrong. Not only is it cold, but the sky's poured rain incessantly, and the bleak forecast continues all week. So I did what I'm wont to do in cold weather: I made clam Read more

My new favorite weeknight meal is a soup recipe that comes together in minutes. It's a very abbreviated version of French onion soup, which traditionally begins with yellow onions, cooked down and reduced for hours until dark and sweet. This quick and dirty version begins with our butter-braised onions, which I always keep on hand, and calls for little more than broth, bread, and cheese. It may Read more

Until this month, I'd never before had or even seen chestnuts. Water chestnuts, yes — but those mythical chestnuts roasting over an open fire? Well, we'd never crossed paths. The good news is now that I've fallen in love with their slightly waxing texture and their sweet, lingering aftertaste, I can't get enough of them. This week, I put their creaminess to good use in a sherry-and-mushroom Read more

You're probably scratching your head wondering why this picture, which looks strangely like French onion soup, is labeled Irish onion soup. Well, let me explain. It's a jazzed up variation of the classic onion and bread-topped soup that uses two important Irish ingredients: Guinness and cheddar cheese. It has the same flavors as the traditional rendition, but the beer provides a delicious Read more

The other day I had friends over for dinner, and since it was raining, I wanted to serve a comforting meal like soup and sandwiches. The classic soup and sandwich combination is tomato soup and grilled cheese, but I was in the mood for something a little different, something like roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with prosciutto (stay tuned for that recipe!). This easy soup, Read more

Carrot soup's the perfect remedy for those days when you're in the mood to wind down with a meal that's truly light. One of my favorite versions is so silky-smooth you'd think it was simmered with cream like a traditional bisque, but the secret ingredient to its consistency is actually a blended potato, which adds a velveteen heft. I like to build flavor by first sautéing the aromatics, then Read more

If you are trying to keep warm this Winter and have already tried these 10 essential soups, don't fret, a chicken meatball and cheese tortellini soup will soothe your soul just the same. This is a great weeknight meal since it comes together relatively quickly and takes a minimum amount of effort. On my first go around, I made the meatballs a little too large, so next time I'll aim for a more Read more

Although the traditional white clam chowder has origins in New England, the hearty soup is enjoyed throughout the entire United States — especially in San Francisco where it's commonly served in sourdough bread bowls. Since I grew up eating the hearty and creamy soup, I find it incredibly tasty and absolutely comforting. A combination of bacon, potatoes, clams, and milk, it's the perfect Read more

From potato skins to twice-baked potatoes to potatoes au gratin, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the glorious combination of cheese and potatoes. When the weather is cold, however, you can't beat a steaming hot bowl of potato and cheddar chowder. It's thick, it's creamy, and it's comforting. The best thing about this version is the small surprising bites of spicy chorizo. Although the recipe Read more