I can be such a sucker for soup. Some days you just need soup. Nothing else will warm you up. A nice cuppa tea might work for a little while, but soup has the sustaining power. Carrot & Potato Soup (Adapted from Ciao Italia ) 3 leeks, chopped olive oil 3 1/2 c vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 4 medium carrots, grated 2 potatoes, grated pinch cinnamon lemon zest lemon juice splash of white balsamic vinegar (optional) Salt/Pepper Saute leek with salt in olive oil until softened. Add stock and bay leaf. Bring stock to boil. Add the carrots and potato and cook until softened (about 7-10 minutes). Discard bay leaf. Puree soup until smooth. Stir in cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice (and balsamic if using). I added a little white balsamic vinegar. I found the lemon juice added some flavor but not enough. It needed a little more acid. This soup cooks so quickly because the potato and carrot are grated. Yes, you might have to pull that food processor out, but how else can...