The soup can be made the day before and warmed up before the final step. That way, you'll be just minutes from the finished product.

The fact that you use yellow onions, along with the browning in butter, will kill almost all of the "onion breath" potential. This soup is a decadent classic and will really impress.

Main Dish

This is the one dish you won't be able to make ahead, but it's a very quick one, and the flavor and appearance will be a sure hit.

How do I know? I've used it several times over the years, and it's always been a hit.

Scallops With Red Cabbage

8-10 large sea scallops, with "foot" trimmed off (your seafood shop can do this)

2 tbsp. butter

½ c. all-purpose flour

1 small head red cabbage, cut in strips