3 hot soup without Recipes

winter melon, cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces, chicken broth, dried chinese black mushrooms , soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and diced without stems, ginger, cooked ham, diced, salt and pepper, spring onion (for garnish )

extra virgin olive oil, onion, chopped medium (about 1 cup), garlic cloves, minced (or pressed through garlic press, about 1 tbsp.), hot red pepper flakes (optional), bay leaf, whole tomatoes (packed in tomatoe juice), brown sugar, good-quality whole wheat bread, crusts removed , torn into 1-inch pieces, low sodium chicken broth (fat free), brandy (optional), salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste, chopped fresh chives