My dad has perfected his clam chowder recipe over the years. I have never tasted any that could top his. Give it a try - IT’S SERIOUSLY THE BEST! He uses it for their traditional Christmas Eve dinner, along with yummy rolls for dipping!

From Robin Miller Quick-Fix Meals. THIS RECIPE IS MEANT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THREE OTHER MEALS (please see HERBED FISH CAKES in the "Entrees" section).

From RACHAEL RAY 30-MINUTE GET REAL MEALS. This yummy chili has bacon, beef and a smokiness from the tomatoes, chipotle chili’s, and smoked cheddar…so good!

From RACHAEL RAY EXPRESS LANE MEALS. I loved and still miss Julia Child. She consumed life as robustly as she did a good, crispy skinned chicken. If I had ever had her over for lunch, I would have made her this simple stew

From Art Smith's KITCHEN LIFE. Roasting the chicken first gives this soup a ton of flavor. Dark-meat chicken thighs stand up to the roasting and simmering without drying out, something that cannot be said of chicken breasts. They are full of good flavor and cost less, too.

From Art Smith's KITCHEN LIFE. Two types of pepper, sweet red bell and fiery jalapeno, conspire to give this rib-sticking soup a mild kick.

From Art Smith's KITCHEN LIFE. Cauliflower is a delicious choice for soup. If you wish, substitute an equal amount of broccoli (a close cousin), using both the florets and peeled stems.

From Katie Lee Joel's THE COMFORT TABLE. When you have a surplus of tomatoes in your garden this is a great way to use them! This gazpacho is a summer staple. Serve it for lunch with a salad.

From Katie Lee Joel's THE COMFORT TABLE. I am a huge fan of lentils and I love combining them with sausage. I find that using andouille sausage gives the stew an added layer of spicy flavor, but other sausages can be substituted. It is even better the next day.

From Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. I discovered that chicken meatballs mixed with good Italian sausage have great flavor and they're so much easier to make because you bake them in the oven. This rich chicken soup is filled with lots of good things: spinach, pasta, and plenty of those spicy meatballs.

From Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. Roasting the squash before making the soup really brings out its sweetness. And since there is spicy curry in the soup, I thought some classic bananas, coconut, and salty cashews on top would continue the Indian theme. It's so good.

From Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. This is a great soup to make in September when there are still tons of vine-ripened tomatoes in the market and you've eaten your fill of tomato salads. Serve with your fave grilled cheese or the accompanying Parmesan Toasts.