Lat<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/chicken-soup-029.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-300" title="chicken soup" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/chicken-soup-029.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="423" /></a>

Last week, we were on a marathon of recipe testing and styling.  This <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2011/03/02/recipe_for_chicken_soup_with_tofu_and_bok_choy/">simple recipe </a>from Allison Boomer of the Boston Globe is ready in minutes.  The delicate flavors balance the slightly sweet broth -- a good way to stay warm in these cool, early spring months without feeling weighed down.  Substitute veg stock for chicken stock for a vegetarian bowl.

The dish itself is an alabaster beauty that we picked up in Sonoma from this amazing little shop called <a href="http://www.bramcookware.com/">Bram</a>.  Just featured in <a href="http://www.saveur.com/">Saveur</a>'s Top 100, the store specializes in handmade, earthenware cooking vessels from around the world.  Plan a day trip from the Bay Area, and have lunch at <a href="http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/">The Girl &amp; The Fig</a>.  Tell Dave, the bartender, that we said hello!