HUNGRY GERALD

It is an Italian custom to serve lentil stew on New Year’s Day. That’s because lentils forecast wealth in the coming year (lentils are shaped like coins). Years ago (when Lesley and Massimo were in the early years of marriage) BSK/HG spent New Year’s Day at the Italian home of son-in-law Massimo’s parents, Gianni and Franca Riva (their beautiful house was close to the chemical plant managed by Gianni). Dinner was lentil stew with zampone and cotechino sausages. Motarda di Frutta was the condiment. Gracious Franca cooked the dish perfectly (remains the best HG ever tasted). Massimo’s brother, Stefano, shot rockets into the sky for a fireworks show. Gianni and Franca are now deceased. They hosted a memorable holiday.