Happy New Year!

Sometimes the holidays can be physically and emotionally draining since Marty died. He was a quiet, analytical man and his calmness and confidence quieted me. We had our routines and I always felt very safe inside our own world.

Although the grief was overwhelming at first, the gentle support of my friends and family helped me to bring balance back into my life. I am in a stable place now. My memories of Marty and our life together bring me happiness instead of reducing me to tears.

In his honor, I decided to purchase a glazed-chestnut panettone. This wonderful holiday bread was a part of my husband’s holiday tradition since he was a small child and it became a holiday must for us.

I invited my friends over to share it with me. We had cappuccino and Moscato d’Asti and I served the panettone on my vintage Ginori dessert plates. I swear I could feel Marty smiling down upon us.

Wishing you all peace and happiness in the coming new year. Salute!