Soups and side dishes may take a backseat in most cookbooks, but Walthers gives them top shelf in her kitchen. A variety of side dishes–salads, sandwiches, and heartier fare such as quesadillas and twice-baked potatoes–are paired to not only complement soup but “elevate” the humble dish. A comprehensive ingredient chapter and section on techniques–including tips for freezing stocks, simmering soups, and blending–precede the collection of recipes. Each soup (divided primarily by protein), is paired with a side dish; they include globally inspired dishes such as Thai carrot soup with a side of wild watercress spring rolls; Greek-style chicken and orzo soup alongside fattoush salad with chickpeas and feta; Italian wedding soup with kale and mini meatballs served with garlic bread; and Portuguese white bean and greens stew alongside Portuguese tapas. The recipes are culled from restaurant owners as well as the author’s culinary circle of friends and caterers, yet all dishes are manageable for the home cook.
~ From Publishers Weekly

“Soups + Sides is filled with delicious, straightforward recipes for soups paired with a side dish that is well matched in taste and texture. It’s lavishly photographed by Alison Shaw, so even perusing the book makes you feel good.”
~ Laura Wainwright, MV Times

“Soups + Sides is a follow-up to her previous book, Raising the Salad Bar, and is just as nourishing.”
~ Edible Boston

“This cookbook is a must-have if you’re looking for hearty, healthy soup recipes for your family!”
~ Meal Makeover Moms’ Kitchen (mealmakeovermoms.com)

“This imaginative 2010 cookbook is full to the brim with helpful hints and soul-pleasing recipes for those who love soup.”
~ Cape Cod Home

“Simple, no-trouble soups. Make-ahead dishes can head off the chill and ease constraints”
  ~ Burlington, N.C., Times-News

As a follow-up to her wildly popular cookbook, Raising the Salad Bar, has just produced an amazing collection of fresh soups—each paired with a fun side dish—for her new book Soups + Sides. Both books have the exceptional and vibrant photography of the Vineyard’s own Alison Shaw which makes perfect sense to me, as I think of Cathy’s cooking as vibrant, too—ultra-fresh and unfussy, full of flavor without unnecessary embellishments. Even in the extremely good company we have here on the Vineyard, I think Cathy is one of the best cooks around.
~Cooking Fresh and Eating Green with Susie Middleton, Six-BurnerSue.com

I’m always excited to see a cookbook from Catherine Walthers—her recipes are incredible. Creative, attractive, and delicious, every time. Soup plus sides equals a pleasing meal.”
~ Taste of the Seacoast

“This cookbook presents unique recipes that are easy to make and delight guests. Photographs are spectacular. Many selections are perfect for a cold winter evening or whenever. Squash and black bean chili and kale soup are two that I have tried and loved.”
– Josephine Angevin

“This book has done more than decorate my bookshelf. I have made at least half the recipes. All great. My favorites were the red lentil and the basil zucchini soups. There is a good instruction section in the front that even I learned a bit from and I consider myself a pretty skilled soup maker. I have used it for inspiration when I wasn’t in the mood to follow a recipe. I also love the paired sides. This is definitely on my list to give this season to my favorite hosts.”
– Alicia Bowman, Boston, MA

“This is a truly creative collection of recipes that aren’t complicated to make and turn out delicious. I’ve made a number of these soups, and they are always big hits with guests. Each soup has something fresh and special about it that makes it distinctive. Great tips for soup-making in general as well.”
– Jean McRae

“Was a big fan of Walthers’ previous salad book — received an advance copy of this title and was not disappointed! Beautiful photography and recipes that inspired me to make soup even during a NYC summer heat wave. Highly recommended.“
– Kate Ryan