Bena Mae’s Kitchen: She brought us happy thoughts

Shirley Temple’s death brings us to an end of an era. And, oh, what an impact she had on a nation that was struggling to find something, anything, to brighten their drab lives. The depression was leaving its imprint on the grind of everyday living over which the dark clouds seemed to hang purposely forever. But Shirley brought a smile to our faces, a lift to our hearts.
She was of my generation, two years younger than myself when she died last week. At a time when the country was so devoid of good news, she was our bright shining star, a reprieve from the grayness of everyday life.
Everybody loved her. But girls my age adored her, copying the fifty curls on her perky little head (always fifty – styled by her mother). I was one of those, standing still for what seemed like hours while my mother wrapped each ringlet around her fingers, hoping to look like her but never succeeding — I didn’t have her dimples that would have sunk the Titanic.
We copied her clothes, tap danced to the tunes of ‘On the Good Ship Lollipop’ and ‘Animal Crackers in My Soup’ and mimicked everything about her. In my day you were always expected to be deferential to adults, but I liked the way she could hold her own with them, never rude but she could stand up for herself.
I saw every one of her movies, “The Littlest Colonel, Bright Eyes,” but I never had a Shirley Temple doll, which was the treasure of every little girl of that age and came to be the most collectible doll of all time. I don’t know why I didn’t have one, I just don’t know.
This little ball of fire that kept our nation happily enthralled during such a difficult time by dancing her way into our hearts went on to pursue another career after her acting days were over becoming a U.S. ambassador and giving her time to many other important endeavors. As a role model she could not have been more influential on young girls. We were struck by her bravery when she discussed her breast cancer in order to help other women.
As a little girl she was America’s sweetheart, but as an adult she was a role model for every young woman.
We will miss you Shirley Temple. May you rest in peace.

Martha Washington Casserole

8 ounces wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 pound ground chuck
2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces cottage cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped green onion
Salt and pepper to taste
 
Cook noodles and drain.
Cook meat, discard any liquid. Add tomato sauce and remove from heat.
Combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, green onion and seasonings in a bowl.
Butter a small casserole dish. Place a layer of noodles across the bottom of the dish. Distribute half of the cheese mixture over the noodles in small spoonfuls. Spread half of the meat mixture over the cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending up with meat mixture.
Top with a small amount of grated cheddar cheese if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
Serves 6.