THE TASTE OF HISTORY

The authors of the East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society's 80th anniversary cookbook organized their recipes by meal rather than food category, as had been the practice in the past.

Among the sections are lun ches, brunches, and dinners. For "Dinner On The Porch," this opener is recommended, chilled for warm days, warmed and consumed indoors on chilly ones.

CURRIED APPLE SOUP

2 medium onions, chopped
2 Tbsps. butter
6 red apples, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth or stock
2 Tbsps. curry powder
2 Tbsps. sugar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup light cream
Chopped parsley or watercress leaves

Saute onions in butter until transparent; stir in apples, chicken broth, curry powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Puree in the blender, adding cream according to the richness desired. Correct the seasonings and chill, if serving cold. Garnish with the parsley or watercress leaves.

Serves six.