The other day, my daughter and her friends came for a visit. As they peeked into the pantry and refrigerator, one of them laughed and said, "You have an ingredient kitchen." I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or a diagnosis, but after they explained it, I realized they were absolutely right.

There is something about a chilly fall evening that makes a big pot of soup feel like the best decision you've made all day. Especially when the wind is howling, the sun disappears before you're ready, and the grocery bill has you questioning every life choice that led to this moment.