Bena Mae’s Kitchen: She turned the world on with a smile

…..she could take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.
Many elements came together to make The Mary Tyler Moore show a perfect comedy series — remarkable talent at every level. But it had an additional ingredient — genuine friendship. The theme song got it right: Love was all around.
Although the show is celebrating its 40th anniversary, it is as fresh today as it was in the beginning. TV’s first never-married career woman and her ensemble of co-workers and friends dealt with real issues, all with big laughs. The ground-breaking series was nominated for 66 Emmy’s and won 27 — more than any comedy series in TV history at that time.
I never missed a show. From watching her throw her hat in the air to the end of the show I was captivated. She was a role model for every girl starting a new career. And every cast member was perfect…Lou Grant, Ted Knight, Murray Slaughter,  Phyllis and Rhoda, and Sue Ann Nivens, so wickedly funny as played by the lovable Betty White. Mary’s vulnerability and the ability to cry on cue when dealing with her irascible boss Lou Grant, was comic genius.  The  show never let the audience down, always leaving them wanting for more.
My favorite episode, which was voted the funniest of all time, was “Chuckles Bites The Dust.” It is truly a classic:
Chuckles is hired as the grand marshal for a circus parade, after news anchor Ted Baxter is ordered by director Lou Gran tto turn it down. In the parade, Chuckles is asked to dress in character as Peter Peanut. During the parade, a rogue elephant spots Chuckles and tries to “shell” him, causing fatal injuries.
Upon receiving the news, Lou rushes into the newsroom and announces the death to the staff. The unusual circumstances of Chuckles’ death provoke a wave of jokes, especially by Lou, Sue Ann, and Murray  (“You know how hard it is to stop after just one peanut!” and, “He could’ve gone as Billy Banana and had a gorilla peel him to death”). Everyone continues to collapse into uncontrollable laughter, with the exception of Mary, who is appalled by her co-workers’ apparent lack of respect for the deceased.
At the funeral, the jokes continue until the services are about to start, at which time a final scolding by Mary encourages all of the attendees to become properly somber. However, during the eulogy Mary alone inexplicably begins to laugh. She tries to stifle her emotions, but simply cannot contain herself during the eulogy:
“Chuckles the Clown brought pleasure to millions,” the minister says in eulogizing the clown. “And what did he ask in return? Not much. In his own words, ‘A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.’”
Mary’s co-workers appear shocked at her behavior, but the minister tells the mortified Mary that laughter was actually in keeping with Chuckles’ wishes and urges her to “Laugh for Chuckles,” at which point she breaks into uncontrollable sobbing.
Happy 40th anniversary to a quality show that remains one of the  best ever. And as Chuckles said, “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.”

Very good with anything.  Excellent for taking to a potluck.

Pink Paradise Salad

 2 – 3oz. pkgs. raspberry jello
 2 C. boiling water
 1/2 C. mayonnaise
 2 – 3oz. pkg. cream cheese
 1 #2 can crushed pineapple(undrained)
 1 C. flaked coconut (optional)
 1 C. pecans (chopped)(also optional)
 1 pt. whipping cream (whipped)

Disolve jello in boiling water – chill until slightly thickened. Blend mayonnaise, cream cheese, pineapple, coconut, nuts. Chill until nearly set. Fold in whipped cream. Chill. Serve.