Soup of the Day: 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year Review

Soup of the Day by Kate McMillan brings soup lovers a collection of 365 recipes, enough for every day of the year. Each page is designed to inspire home cooks with flavorful, seasonal recipes, reflecting McMillan's approach to simple, elegant cooking. From rich, hearty winter broths to light, fresh summer soups, this cookbook has a recipe for every type of enthusiast, organized by month to make planning easy.

Soup of the Day by Kate McMillan
Published by WeldonOwn+ORM on October 25, 2016
Pages: 804

Synopsis:
A revised collection of seasonal soups for each day of the year, featuring 100 new recipes and new full-color photography.

Soup is often thought of as comfort dish for cold weather, Soup of the Day showcases how diverse soups can be. From light gazpachos to hearty chowders, cream of tomato to chicken noodle, vegetable-lentils to steak and potatoes, there’s something to please every palate throughout the year—and plenty of full-meal soups for easy dinner solutions.

The recipes are categorized by month of the year and laid out in an easy-to-follow, calendar format. The monthly calendars highlight the season’s best ingredients to bring you fresh and delicious flavor combinations all year round.

Author

Kate McMillan is a well-known author and culinary instructor who specializes in creating cookbooks that focus on simplicity and taste. A chef with deep roots in seasonal cooking, McMillan has written numerous books for Williams Sonoma, aiming to make gourmet-style cooking accessible to the home chef. Her work emphasizes the importance of ingredients and seasonal pairings, and Soup of the Day reflects her dedication to culinary simplicity and elegance.

Audience

This cookbook is perfect for those who love soup in all its forms, from beginner cooks to experienced chefs looking to expand their repertoire. It's especially suited for those who enjoy seasonal cooking and want to incorporate fresh ingredients into their meals. Busy home cooks will also appreciate the convenience of having recipes organized by season.

Mission

The mission of Soup of the Day is to offer a versatile, year-round resource for soup lovers, providing a recipe for each day that aligns with the flavors and ingredients of the season. The book aims to make soup a staple in everyday cooking, encouraging home chefs to explore various flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

What I Liked

The organization by season is fantastic for those who prioritize seasonal ingredients.
The recipes cover a wide spectrum of flavors, ensuring there's always something interesting to try.
Measurements are provided by weight, which is my preferred way of cooking.

What I Wish It Had

I wish there was a timing section on each recipe. It would make it a lot easier to pick a soup based on how much time I have.

FAQ

Is Soup of the Day good for weeknight cooking?

Many recipes are great for weeknight cooking, while some do require a bit more cook time that I would recommend for a weekend.

Does Soup of the Day focus on basics or more advanced techniques?

Many recipes are simple enough for beginners, though there are options that require intermediate skills.

How is the picture quality and quantity?

There is not a picture for every recipe; rather, they show up for about ⅓ of the recipes. The pictures of the final soups are quite nice and enticing.

Does Soup of the Day need unique tools or equipment?

The main tools are a nice pot for cooking and a blender or immersion blender.

Does Soup of the Day need unique ingredients?

Occasionally, some recipes need more unique ingredients that wouldn't be found in a pantry. However, most recipes can be made with pantry staples.

How much time do the recipes take in Soup of the Day?

Time varies widely. Some recipes are quick (under 30 minutes), while others may take an hour or more for depth of flavor.

Does Soup of the Day provide nutritional information?

No, this cookbook does not provide nutritional information.

Are the recipes family-friendly in Soup of the Day?

Yes, many of the recipes are family-friendly and offer adaptable flavors that suit various preferences.

Is Soup of the Day part of a series?

It's a Williams Sonoma cookbook.

Can I read Soup of the Day like a book?

There's not much for story to it, mainly just a lot of recipes.

Is Soup of the Day a keeper for the collection or a borrower from the library?

If you're a big soup fan in the fall and winter, this is a keeper. If not, check it out from the library first.

Recipe Review

Recipes I've Tried

None yet.

Recipes I'm Excited to Try

Fall Pumpkin Bisque with Sage. Tomato Basil Soup for summer. Hearty Lentil Stew for winter

Best Recipes for Different Occasions

Weeknight Dinner: Chicken and Rice Soup
Special Occasions: Lobster Bisque
Quick & Easy: Miso Soup

Check out all the recipes in the book here

Final Verdict: A Permanent Addition?

I have this in my permanent collection because I'm a soup person at heart. I'm always excited to try a new recipe either as a main course or a starter.