Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Before there was Oprah…

…..before there was Ellen, before there was The View, Montel, Sally Jesse Rafael, Maury, Dr. Phil, and the myriad of talk show hosts flooding the morning and afternoon time slots on TV, there was Art Linkletter, or as Yahoo describes him “the gently mischievous” host of House Party and People are Funny. He delighted viewers with his ability to get kids –and grown-ups — to say the darndest things on national television.

When I read that he had died at the age of 97, I had an immediate flashback to the 1950’s when television was in its infancy and his afternoon show was a ‘must see’ for housewives like myself who were stay-at home moms. His show was a respite from a day of chasing a toddler and mundane household chores. It preceded the shows that came on later in the afternoon…Pinky Lee, Howdy Doody, and other programs that entertained the kiddies while their mothers cooked supper. (Remember Buffalo Bob, Clara Belle, the clown, and Princess Winter-Fall-Summer-Spring?)

Linkletter had been ill, but bear in mind he was 97 years old. “He lived a long, full, pure life” his son-in-law said of him, “and the Lord had need for him.”

Asked what made him so appealing to audiences, Larry King said, “He had an unusual voice, a twang that was recognizable. And he looked like your favorite uncle.” A favorite portion of his show was his interviews with the children and their innocent spontaneous remarks. You never knew  what was going to come out of their mouth and many parents cringed when family secrets were aired on national television.

Linkletter’s shows were never controversial and gave no hint of a political slant. Souls were never bared, guests were never stripped of their dignity; divorce, drugs, and crime were never discussed. Just good clean fun and laughing at human foibles that everyone could identify with. Another favorite segment was when he would ask a lady to show what she had in her purse, which brought forth a lot of laughs  

“This gentle mischievous host” was an icon who made the world a happier place. Fans of that era will long remember the many afternoons of fun and laughter he provided. Thank you and RIP Art Linkletter.

You will receive compliments for this dessert.

Cheesecake Factory Oreo Cheesecake

Crust

1 1/2 cups. Oreo Cookie Crumbs (about 23 Oreo cookies finely chopped)

2 tablespoons. Melted Butter

9” Spring Form Pan (buttered on bottom and sides)

Filling

1 1/2 lbs. Cream Cheese

1 cup Sugar

5 Large Eggs

1/4 teaspoon Salt

2 teaspoon Vanilla

1/4 cup Flour

8 oz Sour Cream

5 Oreo Cookies (coarsely chopped for the batter)

10 Coarsely Chopped Oreo Cookies for the Top of Cheese Cake

Preparation:

Crust

Mix melted butter with Oreo crumbs and press in spring pan cover the bottom  and 1 1/2” up the sides with crumbs, set aside.

Filling

All Ingredients need to be at room temperature before beginning. 

Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Keep mixer on a low setting during the mixing and beating process. Add sugar gradually and continue beating cream cheese until mixed through. Add eggs one at a time and continue to beat until blended. 

Measure the vanilla, salt and flour, pour into cream cheese and egg mixture and beat until smooth. Add the sour cream and beat well.

Turn off the mixer and stir in the coarsely chopped oreo cookies with a spoon.

Pour cream cheese into the spring pan and place the nine coarsely chopped Oreo Cookies on to of the cream mixture. Place pan on the top rack and in the middle of a preheated oven at 325 degrees and bake for one hour and 15 minutes. When time is up prop the oven door open and let the cheese cake stay in the oven for one hour with the oven turned off.

Remove from oven and let cool enough to place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. It is worth the anticipation. A cheese cake should season. The flavor ripens by the next day.