DEAR HELOISE: I love homemade soup ...

... and so does my husband. We will sometimes just take a couple cans of tomato juice or vegetable juice from our pantry, toss in some frozen or fresh veggies, and with some thick crusty bread, we made a delicious meal for two. I like to add some beef bouillon too and a few extra spices. My husband likes to add macaroni, but either way it's always a hearty meal. It's quick and easy and very tasty! - Patricia G., Taos, N.M. Dear Heloise: You had a cheddar cheese soup that my son loved, and since he'll be coming home on leave I'd like to make it for him. But I can't find the recipe. Would you reprint it? - Janice W., Rochester, Mich. Janice, I get numerous requests for this recipe, so here it is: 2 carrots, peeled and sliced2 small zucchini, halved and sliced2 tomatoes, peeled and cut into wedges1 celery stick, sliced1 cup Portobello mushrooms, sliced1 onion, halved and sliced1 garlic clove, minced4½ cups beef broth1½ cups tomato juice1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced½ cup dry red wine½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced1 cup shredded cheddar cheese In a stock pot, add the first nine ingredients and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in basil, wine, salt, pepper and parsley just before serving. Sprinkle the top of each serving with cheddar cheese. Here's a tasty tip: Puree celery and onions in a blender and add to most soups to add extra flavor. - Heloise Dear Heloise: With warmer weather on its way, my family likes to enjoy a cold drink of lemonade or sometimes a soft drink. I take an ice cube tray and freeze ice cubes from the lemonade or soft drink so the drink stays cold and the ice doesn't water down the taste. When I make punch for a party, I do the same thing with an ice ring so the punch doesn't end up tasting bland. - Tanya C., Springdale, Ark. Dear Heloise: Here where I live we have beautiful azaleas, and I've found a way to make my azaleas bloom and thrive better than most! I take leftover coffee and use it in my garden, then sprinkle the coffee grounds around the plants. Azaleas are an acid-loving plant, and by adding a little more acidity (careful — not too much) it helps to nourish my azaleas and makes them grow abundantly. - Darla K., Metairie, La.