Years ago, I used to buy semi-dry jet-black figs, that came in a small plastic bag.  The figs were all about the size of my thumbnail, only about 1/2 inch wide, but the were shaped like a teardrop, with a longish neck.  These figs were probably not much larger when on the tree, because the skins were really not wrinkled like a typical dried fig. These figs were commercially packaged, and I used to buy them in the local supermarkets, in the fruit and nuts dept.  Never see them anymore.

Can anyone venture a guess which variety of black fig makes the smallest fruit?  I can only think of Petite Negri.


****************************************************************


Anyone remember buying dried figs that came in a small, square woven-wood box?  These white figs were split in the middle,  and stuffed with a toasted almond,  then sprinkled with fennel seeds.  They were wrapped in a paper lined box, together with a few whole bay leaves.  They would come out only around Christmas, and  I remember eating them with tangerines and oranges, after dinner, with "black-coffee" and anisette, and, of course, fresh, crispy fennel.  These figs always could be found in the big fruit bowls that were placed on the table following a big Italian, dinner.  We ate, and laughed for hours, and watched Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show.

That was when I was a kid, and we enjoyed "The Holidays" with the whole family.  Why do these days have to end?  What I would give to see my aunts stirring the gravy again, and my uncles playing cards in the living room.  Now, they're all gone.

Frank

That's the way of the world - that our beloved relatives precede us in all things. But you have the warm, fond memories that many don't have.

I don't know what the figs were, and I can't send you holiday ravioli, but here's a bit of nostalgia:

Oh....Gina, Gina sweet Gina....

My parents and a few of my aunts blew a gasket when this performance aired on TV.  The kids sat on the floor--I was one of them-- and the "grown-ups" sat in couches and arm chairs.  Then HE came on, and defiantly gyrated his hips, curled his lip into that signature sneer, and wiggled some more.  Well....you'd have thought the atom bomb went off!  We kids were ordered out of the living room and told to "go play".    They were still fuming when the cake and coffee was served later, and were clearly embarrassed by this vulgar display.  How could Ed Sullivan allow this to be aired on a Sunday, of all nights?  That was then.

Now you see: "Spring Break"..."Girls Gone Wild"... fashion models that look like dejected crack-hos, drugged-out sports heroes that beat their wives, and make millions of bucks, degenerate,  movie "stars"...all celebrated and aped by the younger, licentious, generation.

Civility, manners, and descretion are virtually a thing of the past.  I'm glad I grew up when I did, and have some nice memories. 

Thanks for the You-Tube clips.

Frank

WOW Frank, what a flash back for me. I do remember all the family going to my aunts and grandma's house for Christmas & New Years eve. Everyone had a great time!!!!!!!! Now, who ever is still alive, now one talks to anyone anymore.  Frank

fespo....

My father's side of the family, when we would gather for a holiday celebration, looked like a mob scene.  He had 4 brothers, and 5 sisters, all married with children...my cousins.  Everyone got along, and the food never ended.  When we ate dinner, we ate dinner!  Not the calorie-free, cardboard, that passes for food today.  It was a time that will never come back.  I'm glad these family gatherings were a part of my childhood.

Glad I gave you some memories.

Frank