HOORAY FOR THE JOY-GIVERS! We always need more smiles, music and laughter. This fun series salutes those seriously unsolemn people, places and things that bring joy to the world. Starting during the pandemic, an oft joy-challenged time, readers are introduced to present-day joy givers and reminded of cherished joy givers of the past. Each salute will have online links to add more opportunities for happiness in the comfort of your socially-distanced home. Many installments of the series will include a salutary food or drink recipe to add another element of pleasure.
The “SHIELD THE JOYOUS” shields, which will be given to those honored or to their family, are inspired from a passage in “The Book of Common Prayer” (1662). Prayers are lifted to “tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying…and shield the joyous.” Joy givers are precious. Let us preserve them, protect them, treasure them, smile with them, laugh with them, tap our toes with them and give them A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
PLEASE GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR: KINKY FRIEDMAN
Kinky Friedman calls himself “The Clown Prince of Texas Jews.” He’s been a popular musician and comedian for decades and was a real, or possibly surreal, candidate for Governor of Texas. Here’s a round of joyous/fun/playful quotes from Kinky:
- Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.
- Politics is the only field in which the more experience you have, the worse you get.
- Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
- If you elect me the first, Jewish Governor of Texas, I’ll reduce the speed limit to 69.95.
- Something positive I can say about my political opponent is that he has nice hair. My hair is actually better; it’s just not in a place where I can show you.
- God created whiskey to keep the Irish from taking over the world.
- I believe Willie Nelson is the hillbilly Dalai Lama.
- I don’t apologize for the truth, and the truth is racists come in many different colors.
- True love often results in a hostage situation.
- If you’re lookin’ for a helpin’ hand, try the one at the end of your arm.
- You don’t accomplish much in life by swimming with the mainstream. Hell, a dead fish can do that.
DON’T YOUTUBE A ROUND OF KINKY FRIEDMAN FUN unless you are ready to embrace what some would call his, “eyebrow-raising, politically incorrect” humor. Kinky is an equal opportunity offender. For instance, a lot of feminists hated his hit song, “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” So, of course, he then took it to the people on a multi-state tour with that message. However, if you like your humor a little on the rascally side, Youtube-ing some Kinky music and comedy will give you the grins. His official website is www.kinkyfriedman.com where you can order his books, music and other Kinky hoohaw.
Please join us in giving Kinky Friedman “A Round of Applause” and enjoy this recipe for “Kinky Maso Ball Soup” from my friend, and his fellow Texan, Elaine DiRico, a former nun (with a dollop of nunsense) and now a nutritionist/author and a delightful and delighted first-time grandmother-to-be.
KINKY MASA BALL SOUP by Elaine DiRico
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup club soda
- 1/4 cup fat- a neutral oil can work, but chicken or pork fat is best
- 1 cup Masa Harina
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin*
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 quarts organic low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup each diced carrot and celery (with leaves, please)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 minced cloves of garlic
- Cilantro, sliced serrano pepper, sliced avocado and lime wedges for garnish
* You may of course use pre ground cumin, but for maximum flavor heat a small skillet, remove from the heat, add the cumin seeds to toast, and grind with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Directions
- Beat the eggs and combine with the soda and fat in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Masa Harina, baking powder, salt and spices.
- Stir to combine; refrigerate for one hour.
- Split the chicken broth between two saucepans. In one, add some oil, bring to heat and sauté the celery, carrots and onion just until softened. Add the 1 1/4 cup of broth and turn down to simmer.
- Bring the second pot of stock to a simmer.
- Have a bowl of water handy to keep your hands wet. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. If you have a small scooper, use that, and make 1-inch balls. Once they are lined up on the parchment paper, wet your hands and roll them to uniform shapes. Let dry for 15 minutes, then add to the simmering broth and cook for 40 minutes- test to make sure they are steamed through.
- Using a slotted spoon, divide the balls into 4 pre-warmed bowls. Strain the masa broth if necessary, adding it to the broth and vegetables.
- Pour the soup over the masa balls, serve with garnish on the side.
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