Winter Comfort Treats
Cocoa powder, milk, marshmallows, and sweetener combine for this favorite winter beverage.
Answer: What is hot chocolate or hot cocoa? Though the drink is thousands of years old, it was popularized in the early 1800s by Dutch chemist Coenraad J. Van Houten. He invented cocoa powder, and that led to its widespread popularity.
The daughter of a performer, she recorded “You Light Up My Life.”
Answer: Who is Debby Boone? It was the most successful single of the entire decade in terms of chart performance. Her father is Pat Boone.
On January 8, 1935, this country music icon and former resident of Graceland was born.
Answer: Who is Elvis Presley? His mother gave him a guitar for his 11th birthday. A few years later, he won a talent show at his high school. Immediately after high school, Elvis followed his dream and went on tour. He cut his first single the following year.
Opened in 1988, this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical still holds the record for Broadway’s longest-running show.
Answer: What is The Phantom of the Opera? The show ran for nearly 14,000 performances and closed in 2023.
To “86” something is to do this.
Answer: What is to kill or end it? For example, “Let’s 86 that idea we discussed at the meeting.”
This warm dessert is made from rice, milk, butter, and
seasonings and spices.
Answer: What is rice pudding? Historians believe rice pudding originated in India or China and then was brought to Europe sometime before the 1800s. It can be eaten as a dessert, a side dish, or a breakfast food.
This performer and his band, Dawn, perform “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”
Answer: Who is Tony Orlando? They also perform “Knock Three Times.” Later, the group became known as Dawn, Featuring Tony Orlando.
The January full moon is named for this canine.
Answer: What is wolf? When it was named, it was believed that the wolves’ howls were deafening in January due to hunger.
A long-running Broadway favorite is this tale of the (literal) king of the jungle, which opened in 1997.
Answer: What is The Lion King? The Broadway show features original songs from the Disney film, written by Sirs Tim Rice and Elton John.
This number is associated with bad luck.
Answer: What is 13? We’re told to watch out for Friday the 13th, but it’s just another day on the calendar.
This decadent treat is a cross between a brownie and a pudding with a molten middle.
Answer: What is lava cake? When baked briefly at high heat, the top and bottom are crunchy, and the inside becomes progressively softer until you hit the molten center. For extra extravagance, top with ice cream or whipped cream.
This singer-songwriter, who was James Taylor’s wife from 1972 to 1983, wrote and recorded “You’re So Vain.”
Answer: Who is Carly Simon? She has revealed that at least one verse of the hit song was written about Warren Beatty.
The Annual Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise takes place in this country.
Answer: What is Canada? The festival is a global competition that culminates with teams of two creating ice sculptures on site, with a 32-hour limit on their work.
This Broadway musical based on a lengthy book by Victor Hugo opened in 1987.
Answer: What is Les Misérables? The first Broadway production of the show, at the Broadway Theatre, ran for 16 years.
This is the biblical number for wholeness or perfection.
Answer: What is three? This is exemplified by the three persons of the Holy Trinity and Jesus’ resurrection on the third day.
A popular hot, mulled drink is made with the juice of this fruit, with oranges and cranberries as optional additions.
Answer: What is apple (cider)? Hot mulled cider is made with apple cider and mulling spices, which can include any of the following: star anise, cinnamon, and allspice.
This family group performs “How Deep Is Your Love?”
Answer: Who are the Bee Gees? Barry Gibb is the only surviving Gibb brother (Robin, Maurice, and Andy being the other brothers).
This American film festival takes place in January.
Answer: What is the Sundance Film Festival? It was founded in 1981 by Robert Redford and is held in Utah. In 2027, the festival will move to Boulder, Colorado.
Mary Martin played Maria in this 1959 Broadway musical; Julie Andrews plays the role in the 1965 film.
Answer: What is The Sound of Music? Set in Austria just before World War II, Maria leaves the convent to assume the role of governess before falling in love with the children’s father.
This was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit for a long time, but newer research indicates the number is falling.
Answer: What is humans’ average temperature? The standard temperature was established in 1851, and thermometers are more accurate today.
Baked goods, including houses, cookies, cakes, and more, scream winter when they contain this warming spice.
Answer: What is ginger? It’s also used in ginger ale, tea, and beer. It’s known as a warming spice, which is why it makes an appearance every fall and winter. Ginger ale, tea, and pastilles are traditional home remedies for upset stomachs and nausea.
This youngest Gibb brother recorded “I Just Want to Be Your Everything.”
Answer: Who is Andy? Although he was too young to be a part of the Bee Gees, he did perform with them once.
On January 1, 1959, Fulgencio Batista was forced out by revolutionaries led by this man.
Answer: Who is Fidel Castro? When Castro died, the reins of government were handed to his brother Raúl, who ruled until 2018.
This 1960 musical is named for the first three notes on the musical scale, or solfege.
Answer: What is Do Re Mi? The complete solfege scale is do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, and do. The musical follows the ups and downs of Harry as he tries to make it big in the jukebox business.
This number symbolizes infinity or infinite wisdom.
Answer: What is eight? Turn the number on its side, and you’ll see the infinity symbol.