HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I say champagne should not be refrigerated, but my sister says it needs to go in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the store. Which of us is correct?

— Linda and Sharon, Potomac, Va. DEAR READER: A purist would tell you to never store champagne in a refrigerator because it might absorb other odors from various foods. The low temperatures also can make the cork shrink, allowing the bubbles to escape and the champagne to go flat. It’s best to store champagne in a cool, dark place on its side. Only place it in the refrigerator a couple of hours before serving or in a bucket of ice.

DEAR HELOISE: Please reprint your Tortellini soup recipe. It was a big hit with my in-laws the last time they came for a visit, and they’re coming again in a few weeks. — Sandra M., Helena, Mont. DEAR READER: Yes, my Tortellini and Bean Soup is one of my favorites, too. Here it is.

Tortellini and Bean Soup

2 (16-ounce) cans kidney beans

1 bay leaf Garlic powder, to taste

¼ pound sliced regular bacon or pancetta (a type of unsmoked bacon); reserve the bacon drippings

1 onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 (29-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

¼ teaspoon basil, dried and crushed

¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon salt

9 ounces of cheese tortellini 2 cups fresh spinach

¼ cup parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Cook kidney beans with bay leaf and garlic powder. Fry bacon or pancetta.

In the bacon drippings, saute 1 onion (diced) and 2 garlic cloves (minced) until golden brown. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beef broth, basil, oregano, black pepper and salt and simmer. Add the tortellini and the kidney beans, cook 20 minutes. Add the spinach and cook 10 minutes. Garnish with parmesan cheese. To make vegetarian, omit the pancetta or bacon, chicken and beef broth. Instead, use vegetable broth, bean “juice” and vegetable juice. You also can add parsley and increase the other spices.

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup on a cold, windy day to warm the soul.