I really like tomato soup. I would even go so far as to say it is my favorite soup and this tomato soup is one of the best I have ever eaten. Better than the tomato soup at Bread, better than the tomato soup at Nordstrom Cafe (which is surprisingly good for a department store restaurant), better than any I know. It is relatively easy to make and comes together quickly. I make this pretty regularly during the winter and never get tired of it. Let it offer you some comfort on a cold snowy day (it is 4° F in Chicago right now). It is particularly nice with some Parmesan toasts to dunk into it. Or maybe some mozzarella melted on top. Some fresh chives? Feel free to improvise. read more+++

I made this lasagna for Bryan on our third date. That was three years ago. What can I say, the lasagna works. A few nights ago we made this together for the first time since that third date. I have no idea why we waited so long to return to this dish that had been a regular in my kitchen since the late 90’s. read more+++

My dearest friends and I share a deep love for the grilled cheese sandwich. Really any form of melted, grilled, fried or even flaming cheese. I can’t imagine a better food. When Luisa posted a recipe that I had been thinking about for a while, I finally tried making these grilled Gruyere toasts with mustard and thyme. They are a little piece of heaven. A few slices of sourdough are broiled on one side. Flipped over and spread with melted butter and then good Dijon mustard. Sprinkled with fresh thyme leaves and covered with shredded Gruyere. Returned to the broiler for a minute or two until melted and browned and delicious looking. These are such good comfort food, and surprisingly I find myself still needing some comfort. read more+++