Bena Mae’s Kitchen: What’s behind the smile

It’s one of the things about the painting of Mona Lisa that’s long baffled art historians and viewers alike — What is behind the mysterious half smile on her face?
Is she hiding some deep dark secret? Is she fantasizing about one of her lovers? Did she win the PCH lottery? Or is it just a gas bubble?
For centuries the art world has puzzled over the mystery. And you don’t have to be a connoisseur of art to wonder what DaVinci meant by the “Mona Lisa strangeness in her smile,” as sung by the late and great Nat King Cole. For four-hundred years, people who have never entered an art museum have wondered about it. Perhaps because of the mystery, the painting has become the most famous in the world. And the most expensive, valued at 700 million in 2009. (Please note that the lady was painted without eyebrows.)
Comes to light, scientists have unraveled part of the mystery saying that the artist’s method of using paints and glazings created the hazy dreamy quality of the painting.    They go on to explain in detail the scientific reasoning for the “smile” but it is far too convoluted for me to wrap my brain around. In this case, I prefer to remain in the dark. It’s lots more fun.
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Getting down to the more mundane happenings in pop culture, Big Brother 12 is rather disappointing so far. Without the soap opera setting created by last years’s Jeff and Jordon, it is falling a little flat. Rachel and Brendon don’t quite reach the mark and as yet there seem to be no real villains to tie the audience to the show. Maybe Hayden, who looks and acts like a neanderthal. I do wish he would wash his hair. And stop cramming his mouth with food. Stay tuned.
One of the gripes I have about television is the way they hype an upcoming program until, by the time it actually airs, you are worn out, as in Showtime’s promotion of The Borgias that is due out in 2011. If it beats The Tudors in quality, I will be more than surprised.
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Quote of the Day:
If the bank returns your check marked  “Insufficient Funds,” call them and ask if they meant you or them.

This is a very quick and simple no bake dessert cake. It uses graham crackers and a pudding mixture. It tastes just like an eclair, but there is enough for a crowd!! It is a great recipe for children who are learning to cook, there is no baking involved.

Eclair Cake

2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 cups milk
1 (16 ounce) package graham cracker squares
1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk.
Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan. Cover, and chill at least 4 hours before serving.