HUNGRY GERALD

HG is fond of stuffed vegetables. Last night, BSK made a happy supper—fresh red peppers stuffed with ground pork,onions, garlic, spices, herbs all moistened by a rich stock. Super yummy. (BSK makes a similar lush dish using zucchini). HG’s introduction to tasty stuffies (No, not referring to stuffed Rhode Island clams) happened when HG was a toddler. HG wouldn’t eat spinach, a proven healthy vegetable. HG’s clever late Mom made balls of buttery mashed potatoes and stuffed them with the hated spinach. The little fellow ate them with a good appetite. At this time, HG loves every type of stuffed dumpling, Japanese gyoza and shumai, Chinese dim sum. Ravioli and pierogi are also favored. Best of all stuffed dishes was the stuffed cabbage cooked by HG’s late Mom. In Yiddish, they are called “holishkes.” They had a unique sweet and sour spicy flavor. They were loved by the HG family and relatives—cousins, aunts and uncles-. All would show up at Mom’s Bronx kitchen when Mom was making holishkes. When the great German/Jewish poet and writer, Heinrich Heine, ate  holishkes at a Vienna restaurant, he exclaimed: “What a noble religion we have!!!).

HG is 95. The old fellow has lived through radical cancer surgery, broken hip, (surgery) right leg spiral fracture (surgery). HG is still active and mobile (with the aid of walkers for indoor and outdoor use). No signs of dementia (yes, there’s some senior moment forgetfulness. Appetite for food and wine (moderate amount) remains robust. Yes, HG is enjoying life. It’s not the genes. Nobody in HG’s family has ever reached HG’s present age.  BSK takes care of HG, making every effort to keep him healthy and happy. BSK believes HG’s longevity owes much to nutrition. BSK prepares breakfasts, lunches and suppers that supply HG with energy—and, happily, are delicious. BSK is an excellent cook–creative and imaginative. BSK is also consistent. There are no mishaps. The dining table is a place of joy–proving that healthy food tastes good while carefully balancing proteins, carbs, fats, etc. BSK believes doctors know little about nutrition and don’t stress its importance to their patients. A frightening percentage of Americans are obese. Tragically, many Americans have never tasted fresh, unprocessed food. Poverty creates a  reliance on fast and junk food. Sad.