Name: Sweet-Potato Soup with Nutmeg and Maple Syrup
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 small celery stalks, stalks and leaves chopped separately; 1 medium leek, sliced (white and pale green parts only); 1 large garlic clove, chopped; 1 1/2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups); 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups half and half; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

"While visiting my daughter near Portland, Oregon, I ordered the soup of the day at Mother's Bistro & Bar," writes Roslyn Levy of Palm Harbor, Florida. "It turned out to be the best sweet-potato soup I've ever had."

Buy leafy celery stalks for this soup; the chopped leaves make a great garnish.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.