Biographical note:

For nearly 50 years, Southern Living magazine has delivered definitive Southern food, decorating, gardening, and entertaining ideas to its readers, making it one of the most trusted sources in the country. Its annual recipes books have sold more than 25 million copies, and the magazine reaches more than 15 million readers monthly. Readers use it, keep it, and live by it.

Main description:

Everyone loves chili, soup, and stew, and most folks make their own. It's a food that just tastes better-and is still more affordable, especially for a crowd-when you make it yourself. Across the South and throughout the nation, there are are loads of chili cook-offs, soup contests, and stew variations, and scores of people looking for the ultimate bowl recipe (or at least something better than what they threw together last weekend). Enter Southern Living - the master of hearty, spicy, comfort-in-a-bowl food.

This must-have book is chock-full of legendary lick-the-bowl-clean recipes for hearty chilis, hot and cold soups, and stick-to-your-ribs stews, plus all the toppings, fixings, and inspiration you need for a comforting soup supper, a spicy tailgate, or a downright delicious chili chow-down. Chapters range from meaty and meatless chilies, stick-with-you stews, and classic soups to scrumptious serve-alongs such as corn bread, Cheddar and sweet potato biscuits, and homemade crackers, chips, and tortilla strips. The selection includes quick stovetop soups, easy slow-cooker stews, and seriously spicy bowls. There's even a chapter of chili-laced recipes (Frito Pies, chili dogs, and more) and soup-er clever ideas for using, freezing, or sharing the leftovers-if there are any!