This chapter will definitely hit home with soup lovers. For those of you who really love soup,we once again have some great and easy-to-follow recipes to enjoy no matter what the season. For the readers who feel that soup has its place—you know, the folks who only eat soup when they’re sick or whose favorite brand in a can is on sale— I dare you to flip through these pages and try out one of these recipes. I am sure that something’s gonna grab you.

As on the show, each recipe will remind you of your own ability to create a fabulous meal. Soups,stews,and gumbos are important foods that few people develop an expertise for. As a result, too many of our first time soup experiences were beef barley, minestrone, or the old standby chicken noodle, all from a can. Hopefully, after reading this you will discover the simplicity of cooking these often undervalued, hearty meals.