Even Mr. Monte knows this simple truth – February is the shortest month of the year. For those of us who seldom consult our calendars, we often realize far too late that we are about to miss an important deadline in early March. And so it was with me. Almost every one of my birthday cards to my older brother, whose birthday was on March 3rd, included a sincere apology for tardiness and an equally sincere promise that next year my card would be on time.

In the picture heading this post, you will see my brother on the day of his First Holy Communion. I was just a recent newcomer to the family, but Tim felt it important to share in the joy of this special day by holding me up for the world to see. I, in my own characteristic way, decided to raise my hand and wave to all of Tim’s adoring fans. It was one of my first lessons in the true meaning of “family”.

For years, Tim and I sat at the same dining room table and enjoyed many meals together. That tradition of enjoying great yet simple, home-cooked meals followed us throughout our lives. He was exceptionally happy when he learned that my beautiful spouse shared a passion for his favorite dish. So, whenever my lovely wife and I visited him and my sister-in-law, Tim would take us out to a local restaurant where that particular dish was a specialty of the house.

This week, combining our celebration of Tim’s birthday and our love of Julia Child’s delightful recipes, the soon to be famous Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen will attempt to master Julia’s Sauté of Calf’s Liver with Onions from her book The Way to Cook.

Yes, Tim counted liver and onions as a delicacy. It was good growing up with a big brother who understood the joy that can come from the simple things in life.

So, on this first day of March, I’m taking the time to say, “Happy birthday, dear brother Tim!” – There, I kept my promise.