Last weekend, the Other Fisherman and I hopped on our snowmachines and zipped out to check on our little lake cabin. The frost had adhered to the branches on the trees and built itself up and it looked like there were snow pom-poms on the end of them. Very beautiful and sparkly. The sun actually had warmth to it, and while I sat on the porch basking in its restorative rays, lots of great memories of happy times spent there came to mind. My dad sitting on the porch in the evening summer sunshine while the two black labs, who were still pups, each rested a fat furry black head on each of his slippers. My friend Nita and I sharing a sip of Drambuie from a little flask after a ride around the Caribou Hills. Friends Dan and Claudia flying in on their Super Cub one summer day to enjoy dinner I made for her birthday. I won't forget the salad she brought to share. A tasty mixture of baby greens and herbs, accented with blueberries and nuts with a piece of smoked salmon and then drizzled with a complementary dressing of grape seed oil and vinegar. I know there will be many more wonderful memories to make out there. It is a special place to enjoy life.

Each day I try to do something different in the exercise department. If I spice things up, I can stay motivated. Life is like that as well. Don't let yourself get down into the doldrums of winter. Call a friend to go for a snowshoe, go to a movie, try a new wine. I got to do all these things in the last week and they kept a smile on my face. That and some really great chocolate.

Don't forget the spice in life. It makes all the difference in your outlook and right now, we can all use a positive outlook.

Spices in your cooking keep things interesting in the culinary department. Winter is a perfect time to make a warm nourishing stew. I really enjoy cooking with lots of veggies, as it is good for my new healthy eating habits.

Here is a great stew that is as good as it is tasty.

6-8 servings

The secret ingredient is a dried chipotle chile, which adds a nice touch of smokiness and a little heat. Brightly flavored with basil and garlic, and a sprinkling of good parmesan cheese if you like, this stew makes a very satisfying meal in a bowl.

2 pounds of fresh tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium leeks (white and tender green parts) or onions, coarsely chopped

3 cloves chopped garlic

1 dried chipotle chili

2 teaspoons kosher salt

teaspoon ground coriander

teaspoon black pepper

3 cups rich chicken broth or vegetable broth

3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise on an angle into 1 inch pieces

3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 pound (about head) cabbage coarsely chopped

4 ears of sweet corn

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 cup baby portabella mushrooms cut in halves

Pesto

Grated parmesan cheese

Peel tomatoes by dunking them in boiling water for 30 seconds then remove. Cool to handle, then peel. Coarsely chop and reserve all juice and seeds.

In a large soup pot, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped leeks, cover and cook for 2 minutes, or until they begin to wilt. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and just beginning to take on some color, another 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes with all their juices, add the chipotle chile, salt, coriander, pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, carrots, potatoes and cabbage. If necessary, add enough water to cover vegetables, but the cabbage will give off a fair amount of liquid as it cooks down.

Bring to boil, cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally for 25 minutes. Taste the broth after 15 minutes; if it is getting too spicy remove it, if not, keep it in for the entire 25 minutes, then remove.

Meanwhile, cut the corn kernels off the cob and run the dull edge of a knife down the cobs to get all of the "cream." Add all the corn, mushrooms and zucchini to the soup and cook 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Serve with separate bowls of pesto and grated parmesan on the side, a nice hot loaf of crusty sourdough French bread and enjoy!

Until next time, find a way to add a little spice to your life!