HUNGRY GERALD

January One–2025–was a splendid day for HG/BSK. The couple are hopeful that this an indication that the Trump reign won’t be the birth of an American version of Fascism. For HG, one of the pleasures of New Year’s Day was watching Ohio State crush Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State is HG’s favoriforte college football team. Gone are the days when it had to solely rely on a ground game–now it’s Airo State. Gifted daughter, Lesley R., and brilliant husband, Massimo  R.,left their Riverside,  RI,, home for HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI, home for a 2025 dinner and a celebration of Massimo’s birthday. Happily, they brought delightful doggie companions, Pip and Toby, along. (So good that HG/BSK and L. & M. live a short drive from each other).  Dinner began with chilled white wine toasts to birthday man, Massimo, and continued with a luxurious chicken and lentils stew. (lentils are an essential ingredient for new year cooking—Italians believe they fortell riches in the future). The lush main dish was composed of chicken (thighs and lollipop drumsticks); chicken broth, carrots, tomato paste, lentils (of, course); garlic, onions, cumin, turmeric and pimenton (for a tingle of heat). A wow of a dish–all had seconds–but there was some leftover for dinner tonight. Dessert was Italian truffle cheese and ripe pears. (fabulous). Massimo, the cheese maven, got gifts (including French Cheese Storage Bags). Surprised HG received a very comfy, warm, waterproof cap–a winter essential. A magical day and night. 

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 Decades ago, HG/BSK’s kids–Lesley and Jeremy–went away for college and boarding school. So, when HG/BSK left HG/BSK’s Montclair, NJ, home for an evening out, HG/BSK’s housekeeper, Lucy, would wistfully sigh: “All alone”.  Last night, 95 year old HG was  “all alone” in HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI, loft. BSK was off to a Providence theater to see the much lauded play, “Hamilton” (BSK said the performance was “spectacular”).  Thoughtful BSK left solitary HG the ingredients for a delicious supper–spinach and cheese stuffed tortellini, ricotta cheese, parmesan, butter, a bottle of pinot noir and Canadian butter tarts for dessert. HG cooked the tortellini, mixed with the dairy products and a bit of pasta water, grinds,of black pepper, and sea salt.  Ate this lush dish and drank the good wine. Butter tarts–world’s best pastry–were the perfect dessert with more glasses of wine. Watched a bowl game on television.Sipped Port. Pleasant evening but HG was happy  to greet BSK home from the theater.