HUNGRY GERALD

Yes, it’s a very useful appliance. However, well into HG’s teenage years, HG prefered the iceboxes that chilled the HG family perishables. It was young HG’s job to empty the basin that held the water from the melting ice. If he forgot,  there was loud, scornful yelling (Corporal punishment was not allowed).The icebox was serviced by  sturdy Italians who carried big blocks of ice (Wrapped in burlap) up steep stairways, (Rumor had that the strong Italians also “serviced” some lusty housewives). Food (Especially cheese and charcuterie) should be removed from the fridge hours before eating. Meats (Steaks, chops, roasts should be brought to room temperature before cooking}.  Same with fish and fowl. Ice cream is better when plucked from the freezer and allowed to settle. At restaurants in Italy, a great variety of condiments, charcuterie,and cheeses bask at room temp ( This antipasto is usually chilled into tastelessness in America). In a Santa Fe restaurant HG was served a slice of fridge ice cold country pate. HG shouted HG’s complaint: “Pate ice cream !!”.