Bena Mae’s Kitchen: See you in the funny papers

 Seniors or people of my generation will recognize the phrase we often used when saying goodbye to someone, “See you in the funny papers.” It referred to the comics section of the newspaper, either The Louisville Times or the Louisville Courier Journal which was tossed on the porch of almost every Corbinite back in the 1930’s. We hung by our thumbs until the paper came, hungry to read the sports section and other news of the world outside the Corbin city limits. We kids fought over the Funny Papers.

Back then the funny papers rarely made a political statement. They provided entertainment…..”Li’l Abner, The Katz and Jammer Kids, Dick Tracy, Maggie and Jiggs, Terry and the Pirates, and Little Orphan Annie, to name a few. Nowadays, a few of the comic strips have been moved to the editorial pages because of their political slant. But during the depression, readers needed a diversion from the rigors of finding a job and making ends meet.

Enter Little Orphan Annie, one of the most popular of the comic strips which made its debut in 1924. Later, it made its way to radio and much later became a successful Broadway musical. I remember well listening to Annies adventures on the radio show and its sponsor “Ovaltine,”  a chocolate flavored drink that we consumed religiously because of our loyalty to the show.  Not a bad drink, as I recall. Some of you may remember the scene in “A Christmas Story” with little Ralphie and Randy lying on the floor, lip-syncing the introduction coming from the radio. “Who’s that little chatter box? The one with pretty auburn locks? Whom do you see? Its little Orphan Annie.”

On May 13, 2010, Tribune Media Services announced the cancellation of Little Orphan Annie, as a result of the very few papers the strip is running in. The last strip is to be published on June 13, 2010. Asked to comment, current cartoonist Ted Slampyak said, “It’s kind of painful. It’s almost like mourning the loss of a friend.” The end of an era.

Annie and I have seen a lot of changes since she entered the world back in 1924. And although she is a little older than I am, it appears that she has weathered well over the years. She hasn’t changed at all; still the same mop of red curly hair, the same red dress with the white collar, the same round vacant eyes. And Sandy, her faithful dog, still by her side with an occasional Arf! Arf!  

And I? Well,  I have obviously grown older as evidenced by the gray in my hair, the character  lines (wrinkles) that deepen with every passing year. And my age?

My philosophy is, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. “

See you in the Funny Papers.

Just had my first taste of locally-grown strawberries.  Yum, delicious.

Strawberry-Banana Split Cake

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 cups confectioners’ sugar

4 bananas

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 quart strawberries, stemmed and quartered

1 1/2 cups sugar free strawberry glaze

1 (12 ounce) container lite frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and quartered

In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Chill to set.

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread over the chilled graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese mixture. Then cover with the drained crushed pineapple. Place strawberries cut side down over the pineapple layer, then coat with the strawberry glaze. Spread the whipped topping over the strawberry layer, decorate with maraschino cherries and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.