When the temperature drops, few things hit the spot better than a big bowl of hearty soup! This week's recipes showcase cream-based soups, chowders and bisques. Whether you're looking for the perfect comfort food or a dish to complement a bigger meal, these thick creamy bowls will soothe the body and soul and are sublime to the last mouthful. (Note: Because of their creamy texture, these soups don't freeze well, so enjoy them when you prepare them.)

January is a great time to invite a bunch of friends over for a relaxed late-morning brunch. It's a fun way to bring together the best elements of a party – good food, good drinks and good friends. Whether you're entertaining on a cold winter morning or spending a lazy Saturday morning in front of the fireplace, this simple but elegant brunch menu will have everyone clamoring for second helpings. These recipes prove that entertaining doesn't have to be a grand production. You can make some of these dishes ahead or put them together the morning of the brunch without a lot of fuss. So go ahead and sleep late before enjoying a leisurely, feelgood brunch with some of your favorite people.

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Italy, visiting the cities and countryside, and eating as the Italians do? You have? Excellent! This week I'd like for you to join me on a culinary tour of some of Italy's 20 distinct regions. No passport? No Problem. Just choose a recipe and start cooking. Imagine visiting Milan, where we'll sample ossobuco, veal shanks simmered in a wine sauce. Next stop, romantic Venice for a taste of creamy risotto rice with peas. Then on to Tuscany where we'll savor a delicious and fun way to enjoy day-old bread in a flavorful soup. And that's just the beginning! Each region of Italy has its own culinary style, shaped by the climate, the geography and centuries of cooking. By cooking and sharing regional dishes, we can experience some of the color, flavor and tradition of Italy.