Black Bean Soup with Meyer Lemon Crème Fraîche

This hearty soup is perfectly topped off by a zesty dollop of crème fraîche flavored with sweet-tart Meyer lemon. To make the topping, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup (4 oz./125 g.) room-temperature crème fraîche or sour cream; the grated zest of 1 Meyer lemon; 1 Tbs. fresh Meyer lemon juice; and a pinch...

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Carrot & Coconut Puree with Curried Almonds

Bright coriander harmonizes with two kinds of sweetness in this soup — a familiar, earthy sweetness from the carrots and a more exotic, tropical sweetness from the coconut. Serve as a first course or add a green salad for a light dinner. Carrot & Coconut Puree with Curried Almonds 1 1/2 tsp. sugar Salt...

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Spring Pea Soup with Grilled Ham and Cheese

Fresh soup and a quick sandwich create a simple weeknight dinner for spring. Here, garden-fresh peas are pureed into a smooth soup and accompanied by a grilled ham and cheese sandwich for a family-friendly meal. Spring Pea Soup with Grilled Ham and Cheese 4 Tbs. olive oil 2 shallots, thinly sliced 1...

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Gazpacho

This chilled soup comes together in a flash and makes a lovely light dinner on a hot summer evening. Use the best-quality ingredients you can find, including vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes. The soup needs to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop, so plan accordingly. Gazpacho 1/2...

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Roasted Squash Salad with Dates and Spicy Pecans

This rich salad, composed of bright yellow squash, honey-and-spice pecans, sweet dates and peppery curly endive, makes a great side dish to roasted meats, pastas or hearty soups. It’s also a wonderful light main course on its own, accompanied by country bread and a cheese plate with a blue and a triple creme. Roasted...

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Cream of Asparagus Soup

This silky soup is a wonderful way to welcome spring. It’s full of the fresh flavor of the season’s first asparagus, with added texture and richness from pureed potato and a garnish of crème fraîche. Serve it with crust bread and a glass of crisp white wine. Cream of Asparagus Soup 1 Tbs. unsalted...

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Chicken Breasts with Fava Beans

This light, simple meal features lean chicken and a whole lot of green. If you’re not up for the labor of preparing fava beans, peas can be substituted in a pinch. Just add the fresh or thawed peas after deglazing the pan with wine. Chicken Breasts with Fava Beans 2 lb. (1 kg.) fava beans in their pods,...

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