Somehow I disabled or lost the ability to see Recent Items > Applications in the Finder.

Suggestions on retrieving this capability most appreciated.

Open System Preferences > Appearance and check your settings.

Thanks Jon.

Gads, how I forgot/overlooked that is but a mystery. Could it be the ravages of time & tide? Nah!

You're welcome, Harv. As you get older, two things go. The first is your memory. (I forgot the second.)