What is a bowl of red you might ask?  Why, it's chili of course! Right of the bat you can see the controversy. Chili is a warm food eaten in the chill of winter. Just how strange is that? In America it's not very strange at all actually. Just ask the participants at one of the numerous chili cook offs held throughout the United States every single year.

Just What Is Chili Anyway?

The answer to that question depends on what part of the United States you find yourself in?  Most chili includes ground beef, beans, onions, tomatoes, chili powder and tomato juice. Pretty basic until you travel around to some of the best chili spots in North America and discover how people have added and removed some of those ingredients to create a huge variety of the dish.

Texans are great fans of chili. Their chili is as hot and spicy as any around. Stew meat is often found in southern chili instead of ground meat. These types of chili also include cayenne pepper. The hotter the red, the better the red. That's the norm in Texas. Many Texans dislike the use of beans in their chili also.

Cincinnati, Ohio is known for their 5 way chili. This chili includes ground meat, spaghetti noodles, beans, onions and cheese. Some cities have tried to improve on this 5 way chili by adding spices and tomatoes. These types of chili are often called the five alarm chili.

For most Americans chili is whatever we can find to put in the pot. Some prefer very basic chili, while others work hard to refine their chili until it's perfect. Most won't give their recipe away either which makes for a very guarded secret in many places.

Some chili has even been known to contain corn and bits of potatoes. Some chili dishes include ground pork or ground turkey instead of ground beef. Most chili contains onions and tomatoes, but vary on the other types of vegetables included. There are chili beans in some, kidney beans in others and still some who combine both types of beans. There are even versions of chili made with chicken and white beans, which is known as white chili.

Most chili contains tomato juice. V-8 juice has become a popular replacement for plain tomato juice. With the different varieties of V-8 juice now, some chili experts shy away from adding extra spices. There are chili's made with wines, beers and even a few that contain orange juice.

Peppers have also found their way into many chili recipes. Bell peppers, jalapeno peppers and hot chili peppers are often added to give color and taste to the best recipes. It is also said a pinch of sugar (brown or white) can be added to remove the acid found in many tomato based chili recipes.

Americans are so proud of their chili that many areas have a chili cook off contest. These cook offs bring in chili of every kind you can imagine. Tasters must choose the best pot of the bunch. To be the chili king or queen is a characteristic carried by many and held in the highest regards in some areas.

No matter where you are from or what you put in your chili, it is sure to bring on a few doubtful taste buds, especially among fellow cooks. Of the diehard chili makers no one believes another's chili is better than their own, no matter how much they consume. Try making your own version of the best chili around. It just takes a little imagination and often times a liking for the hot and unknown. No matter what you put in that chili pot it is sure to fight off the chill of a cold winter day. 

There's nothing more comforting than curling up in front of a warm fire with a good cup of hot chocolate or mulled cider. Warm beverages have a way of taking the bluster out of a cold winter day. The ideas for a warm beverage are endless. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started on that cup of warmth.

Hot Chocolate - Kids and adults savor the taste of hot chocolate. Warm milk, chocolate and marshmallows have a way of soothing us. Today packaged hot chocolate mix is in abundance. There are numerous types and various flavors. Yet there's nothing quite like homemade hot chocolate to warm and sooth a cold and tired body.

Mulled Cider - Apple cider is a great way to warm up on a blustery day. Mulled cider gets its comforting effect from spices infused in the flavor during heating. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are the spices most often used. Mace, ginger, allspice, orange slices and lemon zest can also bring out the flavor of a mulled cider. It's best to use whole spices to achieve a full flavor. Ground spices may be used, but the taste will differ slightly.

For the best results when making mulled cider, steep the cider over low heat. Simmering the cider for a couple of hours will bring out the best flavor. Do not boil the cider or the taste may become bitter. To keep your cider warm, place it in the crock pot after simmering.

Hot Tea - We are fast finding in today's world that tea is one drink that offers a healthy alternative to caffeinated drinks. An abundance of flavored teas, comforting teas and healthy teas are available in supermarkets everywhere. Herbal teas have also become a big hit.

Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. Spearmint tea is soothing and is easy on the digestive system. Peppermint tea is also quite soothing but can be hard on the bladder and digestive system if consumed on a regular basis. Mint teas also have large amounts of vitamin C. This may also be a problem for those whose bodies are sensitive to this vitamin.

Regulate your mint intake in teas by making your own. Add mint leaves to tea while steeping. It may take a few tries to find the right adjustment of mint, but it is well worth it when it when you do find the perfect dose.

Chamomile tea is another comforting herbal tea. Chamomile is great for naturally relieving muscle spasms that can be brought on by the cold weather. Be careful if you are allergic to ragweed as chamomile is related to the ragweed family.

Flavored Hot Water - This beverage might sound a little strange but with some imagination flavored hot waters can be quite delicious. Add flavored extracts with a tiny bit of brown sugar or honey. Stir in orange, lemon or lime zest to add flavor. Spices can be added to give hot water a delicious taste.

These are just a few ideas on how to achieve a soothing cup of warmth. Experiment with different herbs and spices or head off to the supermarket to see what is available. Relax and enjoy.

Just close your eyes and picture yourself in Grandma's kitchen. Can you smell those fresh baked cookies or those scrumptious pies? Just the thought of baking gives anyone that warm to the toes feeling. Baking doesn't have to be a culinary art. It's simple, fun and can make a cold winter chill vanish in a blink of an eye.

When Grandma baked it was usually from scratch. No box mixes or canned pie filling could be found in her pantry. In today's hustle and bustle world a prepackaged mix brings a quick reality to most kitchens. There's nothing wrong with that, but a day of scratch baking can also bring a little relief from a stressful life.

Baking is not really an art. The hardest part of baking is making sure you have all the essentials needed. This list is a good place to start when checking for items that are necessary to turn the kitchen into a baker's delight.

Flour - All purpose flour is a must but depending on what you are baking you may also need self rising flour, wheat flour or millet flour. Just be careful not to substitute in a recipe. Flours consist of different properties and can make or break the easiest of recipes.

Sugar - White and brown sugars are a must when baking. Brown sugar can be found in light or dark. Light brown sugar usually works best when baking because it gives those baked goods a delicious flavor. Use dark brown sugar when the recipe calls for it.

Butter or Margarine - Which is better? In most cases one can be substituted for the other, but if a recipe calls for butter specifically, do not substitute margarine. Regular butter will give your recipe more flavor and when used sparingly won't cause as many health problems. Sweet, unsalted butter is best because the salt can mask the flavor of food. Be careful with salted butter because it masks the smell and taste of the butter which means it could easily go rancid without your knowledge.

Cooking Oils & Sprays - When it comes to baking, oils rank at the top of important items to have on hand. They help to make our baked items moist and tasty. Non stick cooking sprays make greasing those pans easier and more economical.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda - These leavening agents are an important ingredient in order for your baked items to rise during the baking process.

Eggs & Dairy Products - Eggs are the "glue" that hold your baked goods together. They are also a large part of the rising process. Most recipes will call for large eggs and these are the best bet for consistent results. Dairy products like milk and creams are a staple in many baking recipes as well.

Spices - These can make or break a recipe. Spices add flavor to those baked goods. Be sure to add only spices that will give the flavor you need. Apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice and other specialized spices include many different spices combined saving you both time and money.

Bake ware & Cooking Utensils - Measuring cups and measuring spoons are very important to ensure you add just the right amount of ingredients to batters. A whisk, pastry blender and rubber spatulas are also necessary in preparing those batters. An electric mixer, blender or food processor can help in cutting down preparation times.

Cookie sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, pie pans and brownie pans are all necessary when baking. Cake pans come in round or rectangular shape and in all different sizes. Brownie pans are usually square and come in 8 inch or 9 inch sizes. Depending on just how in depth you want to take your baking you may also need tube pans, spring form pans or Bundt pans.

Baking is a simple pleasure that anyone can enjoy. Baking is a great way to introduce children to the kitchen too. It is definitely a way to make your home feel warm and cozy when it's cold outside. Take the chill off and bake a batch of cookies or a loaf of bread this afternoon. 

When it comes to warm, comforting food casseroles take center stage. These delicious meals can consist of meats, vegetables and even fruits baked in the oven. Casseroles can be thrown together using leftovers and/or pantry staples and they freeze very well. You just can't beat a warm casserole on a cold winter evening.

How Casseroles Came to Be

Casseroles were derived from France where they were called "saucepans" in the beginning. Early casseroles were simple meals made with pounded or pressed rice combined with sweetbreads or cheap meats. In the late 1800's casseroles began to take on the version we know today.

Casseroles became very popular in America in the 1950's when casserole bake ware became all the rage. They were easy and quick to fix and the elegant bake ware meant a casserole could go from oven to table with no extra work involved. There are many versions of the casserole including Great Britain's version known as the bake.

What Makes Casseroles So Special?

Its 6:00 and you just arrived home from work. The kids are home and your husband is wondering what you're fixing for supper. Cooking is not necessarily at the top of your ?things I'd love to be doing right now' list, but your family has to eat, right? You begin looking around the kitchen and discover there's a little of this and a little of that in the refrigerator and cabinets. Throw it all together in a dish, bake it and you'll soon have a nice meal to place on the table.

Casseroles are the perfect main dish. They usually contain meat and vegetables of some type, so adding a lot of extras to the meal is not necessary. A salad or bowl of fruit, along with bread and you've got yourself a full meal to serve.

Convenience also comes into play with casseroles. Many of us like to make our meals for the week ahead of time. Casseroles freeze well and are easy to reheat. Just pull them out of the freezer and place them in a preheated oven. In an hour or so you have a meal fit for the entire family.

Not only are casseroles quick and easy, but they save time and money. Many casseroles are made from leftovers. Add a can of creamed soup and sprinkle bread crumbs over the top. You just can't beat all the advantages a casserole has to offer.

Casserole Ideas

Most casseroles include meat and vegetables although they can be made with fruits as well. Add in pasta, cheese, condensed soups, chopped hard boil egg and top them with a nice bread crumb topping. Tuna casserole, vegetable casseroles, chicken casseroles, beef casseroles and mixed fruit casseroles are just a few ways of preparing a delicious meal.

Always use a dish that is the right size for the ingredients. If a dish is too big the moisture will evaporate leaving the casserole dry. If it's too small the casserole will bubble over.

A casserole dish that is too deep produces uncooked foods where a casserole dish that is too shallow will cause the ingredients to be overcooked. Casserole dishes today come in numerous shapes and sizes, not to mention the colors and designs. With all the types of casseroles dishes available it becomes easy to find ones that will go from oven to table without worry.

Casseroles may have taken a back stage to fast food, microwave and ready to serve meals, but in reality they may be one of the best ideas for our times. They also make great pot luck dinner items and can be made to feed a large crowd very easily. Take a look in your fridge and cabinets and see what you can find to make a casserole for dinner tonight.

When the days are short and the weather is frigid, we look for foods that are comforting. Often times these foods will sooth the soul, but they won't warm the toes. Luckily, there are certain foods you can eat to help warm up your body temperature. There are also foods that should be avoided if you're looking to warm yourself up on the inside and out. We'll talk a bit about both.

Foods that Warm the Body

Adding certain foods to your diet on a daily basis can make a difference in your body temperature. Some of these items may not come as a surprise to you, but others may have you asking yourself if they really do make a difference?

Nuts & Seeds

Peanuts and almonds are easy to incorporate into a diet. 10 soaked almonds or a handful of peanuts can give the body deep warmth that lasts.

Seeds such as sesame, pumpkin and fennel are great body warmers. Sesame seeds can be incorporated into many dishes, such as green beans or chicken. Pumpkin seeds are great as a snack when roasted. Fennel seeds can also be added to foods. These seeds are great for the digestive system and help to warm the body no matter how you choose to use them.

Spices & More

Cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper are warming spices. Ground cinnamon can be added to add flavor to many of our baked foods. Cinnamon sticks give a wonderful taste to many warm beverages, such as tea. 

Cloves are not only warming but they are a great mouth freshener. Because they have antiseptic properties, they not only help with bad breath, but can also keep other parts of your body healthy. Ginger can be added to soups or vegetables to help incorporate this spice into our daily diets.

Pepper just yells out warmth. Sprinkle a little pepper onto your foods in place of the extra salt.

Honey is effective when it comes to warming the body. Honey is a natural sweetener that can be added to just about anything sugar is used in. Honey is also great for the complexion.

Onions and garlic are easy to incorporate into most meals. These little gems not only help in keeping the body warm but can also be helpful in keeping the body healthy. Have a cold? Try a little garlic to open up those stuffy noses. Lowering cholesterol is also one of the benefits of garlic and onions.

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and vegetables will also give the body the warmth it needs. Add a serving of fruits and vegetables to each of your meals every single day. It's just what the doctor ordered. We all know fruits and vegetables are healthy, but when added to your daily diet in the winter time, they help to warm your entire body by boosting your immune system, blood flow and much more.

Foods to Avoid in winter

Not all foods are the greatest if warmth is what you're after. There are some foods that should be avoided in order to stay toasty in the winter. First things first, remember not to overeat on a cold winter night. Overeating can jump start your metabolism which burns off the extra calories needed to keep the body warm. It can also extinguish digestive fires which help in fending off the chill.

Certain foods that should be avoided include:

White breads

Cucumbers

Too much butter

Cold drinks

Rice (especially at night)

Alcohol

Processed chips

These foods can also heighten metabolism and add to your blustery feeling.

These are just a few of the foods to eat and to avoid during those cold winter months. The next time you curl up in front of the TV with a warm blanket to fight off the winter chill, try snacking on a few of the foods listed above to help keep you warm. You might be surprised at how well it works.

In many areas of the world soup is considered to be the main meal of the day. Most homemade soups are made without any recipes using only cooking skills that have been passed down through the generations and concocted within imaginations. Market produce, home grown vegetables, herbs and leftovers find their way into some of the best soups.

Soup for the Soul

Soup is pure comfort food that warms your body and heart. It is simple to make and fun to eat. Just ask any child who slurps from the spoon at the dinner table how much fun it can be. This hearty dish fills you up yet, is easy on the tummy because it's so easy to digest. 

How Did Soup Start Anyway?

Soup is believed to have come from the word "sop." This term means to pour a rich warm broth over a slice of bread. Bread is a main staple in many homes and goes perfect as a complement to soup. Torn bread, a crusty loaf of bread and even croutons find there way into soup bowls all over the world.

There's Nothing Quite like a Bowl of Homemade Soup

In this day and age homemade soups have taken a back burner in many homes. With the ready made convenience of canned soups many have forgotten just how warming and comforting a good bowl of soup made from scratch can be.

Soup is an extremely versatile dish because it can include just about any ingredient you've got on hand. Vegetables, chicken, beef, pork, fish and even fruits can be placed in a soup pot with the end result being a delicious meal.

Depending on the ingredients, soup can be a hearty chunky concoction served in rustic style or a silky, creamy dish fit for even the most refined setting. Hot or cold the possibilities for soup creations are endless.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Homemade Soup

A good soup has a strong and hearty flavor. Ingredients such as garlic, tomatoes or onions can give flavor to a simply prepared soup. These types of ingredients will give any type of liquid you add to your soup the best flavor and appeal. 

Another way to enhance the flavor of your soup is by using a well flavored stock. Stocks are made by using raw vegetables, meats or fish. Place the ingredients into a stock pot with water and allow them to simmer until the liquid becomes infused with the hearty flavors. 

Once the stock has simmered, strain it well and use it as the base liquid for homemade soup. Stocks are best when made in large amounts and frozen for later use. This not only saves money, but time too because you don't have to wait for the stock to be prepared before you begin putting together the soup itself.

Water is always acceptable in place of stock when making homemade soup. Just remember when you use water the soup will have less of an infusion of flavor and less body. That doesn't mean your soup will be bland and boring. Simply, create the flavor you're looking for with herbs and spices.

Wondering how much stock to use for a pot of soup? Using 8 ounces of stock per person will prove to be the perfect amount.

There is something to be said about having a bowl of chicken soup when you are feeling under the weather. Comforting and warming soups can supply us with everything our bodies need to make it though a long cold winter. So, head to the kitchen and see what you can come up with to create your own homemade soup today. 

Sometimes when it's cold and snowy outside the comfort of a good home cooked meal is all you need to warm up. Meat and potatoes have a way of making us feel good and helping us ward off those cold winter days. For many a roast may seem too scary to attempt, but in reality they are as simple as making a sandwich.

Large tender cuts of beef, pork and lamb make the best roasts. When purchasing a roast look for marbling or flecks of fat within the lean meat. This marbling increases the juiciness of the meat giving it more flavors along with making these cuts renderer. Aged beef roasts will also enhance the roast's flavor.

When it comes to types of meats to roast, there are many to choose from. Turkeys and hams are often roasted to enhance their flavor. Beef roasts and pork roasts are favorites, but roasted prime rib and leg of lamb are mighty tasty too. Even a roasted chicken can be juicer and have more flavor than fried chicken.

Tips for Turning out the Perfect Roast

When roasting a cut of meat, be sure it is at least 2 inches thick. This will guarantee a moister and less chewy dish. Moist heat is important when roasting a large cut of meat. A large cut of meat when slow cooked should be braised to ensure a mouth watering and juicy finished product.

Browning the meat is a plus. It doesn't matter if you are slow cooking on top of the stove, in the crock pot or in the oven, browning meat before hand over high heat will help to caramelize the proteins and sugars found on the outside of the meat. This gives your roast a richer flavor.

It is best to season a roast before browning it. By doing this prior to browning, the flavors are sealed into the meat and not left in the bottom of a roasting pan. Roasts are best cooked between 300 and 350 degrees.

If you are using vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions and celery and using a crock pot, always add the vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process. You want your vegetables to be soft and by letting them cook longer at the slow temperature, you'll have just that. 

If you are adding vegetables to a roast in the oven, add them about 1 hour before the roast has finished cooking. They will be soft instead of mushy from being overcooked or crunchy from not being cooked enough.

Liquids can also be added to roasts. Water, broths, soups, juices, wine and even soda can be added to help keep your roast juicy and flavorful. Always be sure to cover your pan with foil or a tight lid to keep the liquids from escaping and causing your roast to become too dry.

One last tip - remember a meat thermometer. Different meats cook in different time spans. A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when any meat product is cooked all the way through.

Roasts make the best fix it and forget meals. Add a side of fruit and a slice of warm homemade bread and you have a meal that is both comforting and warming. 

When it comes to warming up, not only our bodies but our kitchens, stews are at the top of the list. Just the smell of a simmering stew spells comfort and warmth. Soups can also give us this warm feeling, but be not confused - soups and stews are very different. Both are generally cooked on top of the stove or in a crock pot and both can contain meat and vegetables, but their liquid bases are different in many ways.

What is Stew?

The definition of a stew is solid food cooked in resilient gravy. Solid ingredients include meats, carrots, potatoes, celery and other types of vegetables. These meats and vegetables are chopped coarsely and added to a liquid. The liquid is thickened by flour or arrowroot after the stew simmers for a period of time.

Stews are simmered over low heat. The simmering time may be 3 hours to 8 hours depending on the type of stew. This simmering process allows the flavors of the stew ingredients to intermingle with each other. Often times extra spices are not necessary to give the stew its distinct comforting flavor and smell.

Where Did Stews Originate?

It is said that stews have long been a favorite in France. The French are known for making flavorful stews that are economical. When stew first originated it was considered a food for peasants. Stews were easily made with just a few ingredients and can be a dish that is served for more than just one sitting.

It didn't take long for stews to become a dish of distinction. Today the French pride themselves on their vibrant and hearty stews. Yet France is not alone on their love for this type of dish. Polish too have their own form of stew known as "bigos" and the Germans consider goulash their favorite type of stew. The Americans are also true lovers of a good stew.

The Difference between Stews & Soups

Even though both soups and stews warm the body, there are significant differences between the two.

Soups are often water based. Milk, or even fruit juices, can also be used to make a soup base. Soups can be served warm or cold and are usually served in a bowl due to the thin liquid soups are cooked in. Soups cook quickly compared to stews, which means the addition of more spices and seasonings are often times necessary to give a soup its distinct flavor.

Stews are much thicker and their liquids are often referred to as gravy. Stews are usually served as a main course. Soups can be both a main course or served as a starter for a meal. A good stew is always served hot and can be placed on a plate rather than in a bowl due to its thicker consistency. Stews are also much richer than soups and hold well when frozen and reheated.

Soups and stews can warm you up on a cold winter day and give a little comfort to fight off the winter blues. The differences between the may be quite distinctive, but the end result is still a warm comfort and great taste. Try simmering a hearty stew to see the difference for you.

It's the first snowfall of the winter and the kids are ready to go. They are covered from head to toe in warm clothes and are chomping at the bit to build that snowman. We know they are warm now, but in a few short minutes they will be chilled to the bone. Head to the kitchen and whip up something to warm both their bodies and their minds while they're out playing.

As parents we know good nutrition is important in keeping our children's bodies healthy. It is also an important factor in keeping their minds healthy. When children play or exercise they become famished. When this happens we make sure they have a nutritious snack to revitalize them. When they are cold this becomes even more of a necessity.

When the body becomes cold it has a tendency to "shut down."  Adults know that if they are chilled their minds don't function as well and neither do their bodies. It is important to give your child those warm beverages and soothing foods to help their bodies rejuvenate from the cold.

Drinks are a great way to help them warm up. Hot chocolate is always a favorite of children. Add a few marshmallows and they'll be in heaven. Warm cider or tea can also give them the boost they need.

Incorporate a beverage into a warm meal. Chicken broth is a great way of adding a warm touch to a cold body. Chicken broth is also said to be quite healthy. Remember the warm cozy feeling you had as a child when Mom gave you chicken soup or broth when you weren't feeling well? It has the same effect when you're cold and tired.

Soups and grilled cheese sandwiches are a favorite for many children. This simple meal can be ready in no time and might be just the ticket in warming up the little ones.

There nothing like coming in out of the cold to a warm kitchen. Once the kids are in and have off all those clothes, let them help in doing some baking or lunchtime cooking. Be prepared with a cup of tea to help them warm up before they go to work on the delicious treats. Have the oven preheated so they enjoy a nice room while creating their own delicacies. This is a great way to help them get the heat back to those cold hands and feet.

Warming both the body and mind is important to keep our children healthy, happy and wise. Giving them foods and beverages they enjoy after a frolic in the cold is one way to ensure they maintain good health. Spending some time with them in a warm kitchen is one way for you to be sure they stay happy and maintain good health - both physically and mentally! 

Spices play an important part in making delicious meals. They give our foods distinct flavor and aroma. Did you know that certain winter spices can give your body warmth? Here are just a few that can help steer off that down to the bone chill winter so graciously offers.

Cinnamon - This winter spice is used often for its distinctive taste and smell. Add a cinnamon stick to a hot beverage. Ground cinnamon is a great topping for toast, oatmeal and fruit. Cinnamon also finds it way into baked foods, chili and soup. Cinnamon can be used as a natural sweetener for applesauce. Diabetics can use this winter spice to help reduce blood sugar levels along with triglycerides and cholesterol.

Ginger - Ginger not only warms a cold body, but is also quite healthy. This spice is known for having powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Many use this spice to help with migraine headaches, arthritis and nausea. Ginger can be added to soups, to top vegetables or sprinkled over meats to give them a tangy flavor. It can also give tea a zesty bite.

Cloves - Cloves have a unique taste. They are often used when roasting meats to give the meat a full flavor. Hams are especially tasty when topped with cloves. This spice can be used in teas or baked foods. Cloves are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric - This Indian spice is usually found in powder form. It adds flavor to soups, stews and chili. It can be used when roasting meats and is often found in pasta sauce. Scientific studies have shown that turmeric not only warms the body but can also help in protecting the body against cancer. Turmeric has been used for treating stomach ulcers and relieving free radical stress in people suffering inflammation.

Cardamom - In experimental studies cardamom has been shown to prevent cancer and help in detoxifying the liver. Cardamom is often used in conjunction with cinnamon. Teas, ciders and flavored hot waters are enhanced by cardamom. Cardamom can also be used when flavoring foods with cloves to enhance the flavors and aroma.

Pepper - Just the sound of pepper warms a body. Pepper is a strong spice often used when cooking bland dishes. This spice gives a pungent flavor to almost any food. Adding a little extra pepper instead of salt to your foods can be both a warming and healthy benefit. Pepper is also said to be helpful to those who have asthma.

These are just a few of the winter spices that will help head off that cold winter chill. Add them to any of your favorite foods. The taste and smell are sure to warm the body and comfort the soul.