Unrestrained happiness. Holiday at HG/BSK’s New Mexico with the wondrous family: Daughter Lesley and husband, Massimo; granddaughter Arianna. Alas, son Jeremy, his wife, Maiko, their children, Haru and Teru, were absent (they live in Tokyo). Also absent was granddaughter Sofia (she’s doing graduate studies in Italy). Fortunately, there’s FaceTime. Very much present were happy critters Pip (the Riva family/ dog); Mintern (Arianna’s cat); HG/BSK’s Toby, The Wonder Dog. Traditional family feasting. Christmas Eve meant a meal of Jewish fishes (delivered by Zabar’s of New York): Nova smoked salmon, pastrami spiced smoked salmon; sable, sturgeon, schmaltz herring, red salmon caviar. Side dishes of scallion cream cheese, plain cream cheese, celeriac salad, sliced tomatoes and onions, sour cream, creme fraiche. Bagels, bialys, rye bread, pumpernickel bread. Lesley enhanced the meal with delicious blini and crepes. HG drank a modest (for HG) amount of vodka chased by Anchor Steam Beer. The next morning was present time. Oh, my. Generosity. Thoughtfulness, Clothes that fit. Lovely jewelry. Surprises. Necessities. Carefully chosen books. HG won’t mention specifics because HG doesn’t want envy to sprout. (HG scored, among others, two expensive and needed gifts. Mr. Lucky!!). Lesley made crisp, non-greasy potato latkes, perfect with the remaining caviar and smoked fish. Christmas dinner was osso buco in a superlative sauce which was soaked up by Risotto Milanaise and showered with gremolata. This was the pinnacle of holiday gourmandizing. Yes, plenty of great meals and noshing. But, the real delight was being together as a family while missing Sofia and Jeremy (and Maiko, Haru and Teru). Let’s be hopeful, May we be ALL together soon.
Leave a Reply