SOUP'S ON!   Ten hearty homemade takes, just in time for cooler weather. Prepare to be bowled over.

VEGGIE MEDLEY   Waxing poetic about summer corn and tomatoes is easy -- but crisp fall weather brings vegetables well worth the wait.

PLUG & PLAY   Dinner doing its own thing in the slow cooker frees you up big-time. The more recipes in your repertoire, the better.

CASHING OUT   Dinner's right on the money when you can feed 4 (or more) for less than $10.

PUFF PIECE   The cold truth: Frozen puff pastry is so close to homemade, DIY isn't worth the effort!

OH, WHAT A FRIGHT!   Pulling together a cool Halloween party need not be the least bit scary.

THE BIG EASY   Crowd-pleasing casseroles make for cozy Sunday dinners or even casual parties -- invite friends to come share.

LET'S TALK TURKEY   Helpful how-to's for an irresistible bird: grilled, roasted or fried.

SIDE NOTES   Turkey isn't the whole story this time of year -- when it comes to extras like stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, the more, the merrier.

SLICE OF HEAVEN -- 5 PERFECT PIES   Plus the only homemade crust recipe you'll ever need.

BREAKFAST SPECIALS   Yogurt or a bowl of cereal just doesn't cut it for a deliciously lazy weekend morning or holiday. Time to rise and dine!

FEAST YOUR EYES   A festive evening deserves a menu that's equally so. This one includes a make-ahead timeline so you can enjoy yourself, too.

TAKE THE CAKE   Bakery-bought can't hold a candle to any of these, for birthdays, special occasions or just because.

SWEET SOMETHINGS   25 can't-resist cookie recipes for the holidays (or anytime!).

PRESENT PERFECT   Homemade food gifts are just great fun, both to give and receive. Whatever you invest in time and money for ingredients pays back tenfold -- these have "annual tradition" written all over them.