Tuesday, May 21, 2024
I was lucky enough to have dated Joanne’s daughter Patricia (Pat) in the early 1980’s. Golly I’m old ! I remember traveling from Norwich to Pat’s parents home in Sherrill NY.; Mr. and Mrs. Krzyzanowski and Pat’s little brothers, John and Duane were all there, and Pat and I were invited for dinner. Mr. Krzyzanowski was quite intimidating to me, but, Mrs. Krzyzanowski was always warm and inviting. I clearly remember hanging out in the kitchen as she made dinner. We were going to have a spaghetti dinner' one of my favorites. Mrs. K was toiling away making the red sauce from scratch! A foreign concept to my upbringing as Prego or Ragu always got the job done in my family. I watched as this and that went into the pot. I remember a can of tomato paste among garlic, and basil. I nearly gasped aloud when she dumped a few healthy glugs of Lancers Red Rose right into the pot ! I never heard or witnessed such a thing in all of my 21 years ! I very clearly remember how great the sauce was and concluded on the spot, it was due to the red wine. I “stole” the concept on the spot and to this day my “not so famous” red sauce always has healthy amounts of red wine added during the cooking process. I have to give credit to Mrs. Krzyzanowski for the “secret ingredient “ !
I have remained close friends with Pat all these years. My wife and I visited Pat and Karl at their home in Bradenton just a few weeks ago and I was able to visit with Joanne while we were there. I am so glad I was able to visit her one last time. God Speed Mrs K ! Love you, and thanks for the “secret”. Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone !
John Thall
