Systems and apparatus for heating or cooling food. A heating and cooling system for operative connection to a well includes a first manifold having a plurality of openings, each allowing a seal to be made against a first surface of a Peltier chip, and defines a flow path for a heat transfer fluid which directly contacts the first surfaces of a plurality of Peltier chips. The fluid circulates through tubing from the manifold to the well and connects to a flow space of a tray disposed therein. A second opposite manifold may be joined to the first manifold to form a block and defines a second flow path allowing direct contact with the second surfaces of the plurality of Peltier chips. The fluid circulates through tubing from the second manifold to a radiator. The manifolds may be joined to form a manifold block. The trays may be interchangeable.

A thermally insulated container for storing and serving frozen confectionery items, wherein the container is preferably arranged to be removably mounted within a service cart, such as an inflight service cart.

A food holding apparatus and associated components and methods. The food holding apparatus includes multiple food receivers configured to be independently controlled to heat or cool food received therein. The food holding apparatus includes a refrigeration system. Components of the refrigeration system are mounted on a sled movable between stowed and access positions to facilitate access to the components. The food holding apparatus can include touch screen controls, serpentine-shaped bar heating elements, and/or other features.