Soup as a meal is comfort at its best, regardless of the season. In fact, 4 in 10 consumers eat soup as a meal at home at least once a week. Helping to boost the soup as a meal concept is the availability of ethnic flavors, vegetarian and healthy options, and filling ingredients to make soups more substantial. And with the busy mom looking for homemade meals to feed her family, soup is the perfect answer, since most recipes can be cooked and frozen and ready for any night of the week. The recipes in Fine Cooking Soups & Stews feature foolproof favorites and modern twists, from first-course soups with sophisticated flavors to can't-fail classics and no-meat options to hearty chilis and chowders. Home cooks will also learn tips and secrets from the pros, as well as shortcuts and prepping advice for make ahead options, so they can make soup any season and any night of the week.