Watching the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City on television last week conjured up delightful memories. Last Christmas, I was standing near this magnificent structure, gazing with awe at its thousands of lights and brilliant star. Since then, intermingled with the mental picture of the brightly lit tree has been the steaming platter of spaghetti and meatballs that friends and I enjoyed at nearby Carmine’s.

Memories of this unbelievable Italian feast that included family-size platters of chicken parmesan and for dessert, a mammoth banana split-type dessert aptly named Baby Tugboat, have stayed with me all year. To say I’m anxious to return to NYC is an understatement.