When the maker of the film Supersize Me ate nothing but food from a well-known fast-food chain three times a day for a month, the diet nearly killed him. His fiance, a vegan chef and the author of this great cookbook, brought him back from the brink with her healthy cooking.
Here is one of her delicious creamy soups made without dairy, but sure to satisfy. Leeks give lots of iron-rich mineral nourishment, while garlic and onions add their immune-boosting and heart-healthy benefits. Paired with a crisp salad, Creamy Potato-Leek Soup makes a perfect cozy fall supper.

serves 5
You might need to buy:
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • chopped yellow onion
  • vegetable stock
  • fresh rosemary leaves

My brother in law said his mom used to put the pot of soup under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the dumplings.

ready in about an hour and 45 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • bay leaf
  • chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • basil
  • evaporated milk
  • recipe dumplings
  • Dumplings:
  • flour
  • minced fresh parsley
  • baking powder
  • heavy whipping cream
  • salt
  • pepper
  • sliced carrots
  • chicken broth

4 quarts

You might need to buy:
  • beef bones
  • mushroom
  • garlic
  • fresh Italian parsley
  • fresh thyme
  • bay leaves
  • peppercorns
  • -7 quarts water
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • medium chopped onion
  • melted butter
  • flour
  • half-and-half cream
  • chicken stock
  • fresh broccoli
  • nutmeg
  • salt and pepper
  • melted butter
serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • lean stewing beef
  • cooking oil
  • chopped onion
  • beef broth
  • dry red wine or 1/4 cup white wine
  • chopped fresh spinach
  • quick-cooking white rice
serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • beef bouillon granules
  • chopped celery
  • diced carrot
  • chopped onion
  • water
  • ground beef
  • garlic powder
  • cooked rice

**Instead of garlic, ginger, and cayenne, use scant 1 tsp hot chili oil (dynasty brand works well). Use sparingly and stir well before measuring.

You might need to buy:
  • water
  • cayenne pepper*
  • olive or canola oil
  • garam masala
  • diced tomatoes
  • plain yogurt
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • olive oil
  • minced garlic
  • mild or medium curry powder
  • salt
You might need to buy:
  • cinnamon
  • tomatoes
  • curry powder
  • large onion
  • olive oil
  • Salt
  • cooked pasta
serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • milk
  • fresh thyme
  • reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • chopped celery
  • chopped onion
  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper