I love it when the weather starts to turn cooler and I get to pull out my Crockpot and my Dutch Oven and start making some hearty stews and soups. The format of this cook”book” is really cool: It’s a little box filled with 50 recipes on individual cards. No need to have a big cookbook open while you are prepping and cooking: just pull out the card you need. You can even bring the card to the grocery store!

There are four categories of cards: Stocks, Soups, Stews and Side Dishes. Because Moosewood is vegetarian, all of the stocks are too, but don’t let the absence of meat fool you. These are so flavorful. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, with recipes like Spicy Carrot Peanut Soup and Autumn Minestrone, do you think you’ll even miss the beef or chicken? The Side Dishes section includes recipes for croutons, breads and salads to serve alongside your warm bowl of dinner.

I also love that, in these economic times, this deck is a double bargain. First, it’s only $14.95 and second, vegetarian soups and stews cost less than their meaty counterparts, but are no less hearty. So grab a spoon and dig in!

Moosewood Restaurant Soups and Stews Deck by The Moosewood Collective
ISBN: 978-0-307-40869-3, $14.95