Me & M. Geraldine

This weekend, I am preparing a salad for my fellow Maryknoll Affiliates and I decided to make a recipe that my friend, Gerry, made for Bob and Me when we visited with Gerry and Bill at their home on Long Island. We went out in their boat on the Long Island Sound on a gorgeously beautiful day - I can still feel the warmth of the sun on my face.  Later that evening we went upstairs and sat on her bed, opened a large box and went through some old photos.  Together we reminisced over old times on Arcadia Place as we looked at pictures of her handsome brother, JC,- on whom I had an enormous crush (he even escorted me to our St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing Capping Dance in 1963)- and her feisty "little" sister, Kathy, and their warm and welcoming parents with their smiling Irish eyes and lovely brogues. 
For dinner that evening on Long Island, Gerry prepared this great salad recipe and I think of her every time I make it and frequently in between.    I hope Gerry doesn't mind that I diverted a bit from her recipe but then again, she was used to my ways.  She knew I was a bit of a rebel rouser and behind that sweet, gentle exterior, she could be rather spirited herself.     M. Geraldine Crowley was a tremendous blessing in my life and I thank God for her.
Here is the Recipe:

Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil from my dear friend, M. Geraldine Crowley Fahey

4 ripe large tomatoes cut into ½ “ cubes

1 lb. Brie Cheese- rind removed- torn into irregular pieces

1 cup clean, fresh basil leaves, cut into strips

3 gloves garlic minced

½ cup (or more) best quality olive oil (original recipe says 1 cup + 1 TBL olive oil but I find that is too much for me)

2 and a half tsp salt

½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

1 and ½ lb. pasta (original recipe says linguine but I like to use bowties – little or big)

Add Parmesan Cheese at table before serving.

Prepare, i.e., mix at least two hours before serving (at room temperature) and set aside covered.