Off Beat with Phil Potempa
Philip Potempa - philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327 | Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:00 am
My Sunday column about a new documentary on the favorite regional kids television show "B.J. and Dirty Dragon" prompted immediate emails. I particularly enjoyed this one from reader Roy Speelman, which includes a local reference.
"Hi Phil,
Back in the early seventies, both B.J. and Dirty Dragon came to Hammond for a rally at Harrison Park on a Saturday morning. Each kid was encouraged to make a 'Welcome to Hammond' sign. When I got there, it was obvious that many parents helped there kids with signs. I did my best on my own. I remember there was a prize for best sign. Although I did not win, I know I did almost get to shake their hands. Years later, I did get to shake Barney (the Purple Dinosaur's) hand at Southlake Mall. But it's not the same as Dirty Dragon, and that's a story for another day. Thanks for bringing back old times. Roy Speelman"
Of all the show's puppet residents, my favorite also was town postmaster Dirty Dragon, who sometimes ate letters (in addition to lumps of coal) while exhaling billowing clouds of smoke from his reptilian nostrils. And here's something you might find interesting: When I talked to Bill Jackson aka B.J., he mentioned he based the Dirty Dragon character on a former co-worker in Indianapolis.
An added bonus
As promised in my From the Farm column in today's food section, since I had to reprint a recipe previously published earlier this month to correct a flour measurement, I'm including an extra recipe in this entertainment space. This is a great recipe from a great actor, Ernest Borgnine, who is now 92! I spent time with him earlier this month and this is one of his favorites. Frank Sinatra, who also enjoyed it, once said of his pal Ernie, "I'm a cook who sings and Ernie is a cook who gets as many requests in the kitchen as I do on stage. I always enjoy eating a medley of his hits!"
Pebronata a la Borgnine
4 cloves garlic
Splash of olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
10 green bell peppers, diced
1 pound "sweet" Italian sausage, casing removed
1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
Scattering of chopped parsley or dried parsley flakes
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 (16 ounce) jar/can Italian-seasoned tomato sauce
1 cup red wine
1 (16 ounce) package pasta of choice
DIRECTIONS: Saute garlic in oil in skillet. Add onion and cook until lightly browned. Stir in bell pepper and cook, turning frequently, until softened. In separate skillet, saute sausage and beef, stirring to crumble, until cooked and no longer red. Combine meat with the cooked vegetables. And parsley, mushrooms and tomato sauce to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir in red wine and simmer for 20 minutes. While sauce is cooking, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and serve with sauce. Serves 6.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Actor Robert Horton ("Wagon Train") is 85. Wrestling's "Captain" Lou Albano and actor Robert Fuller ("Wagon Train" and "Emergency") are 76. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole is 73. Actor David Warner ("Titanic") is 68. Actor Tony Sirico ("The Sopranos") is 67. Actress Roz Kelly (Pinky Tuscadero on "Happy Days" ) is 66. Keyboardist Neal Doughty of REO Speedwagon is 63. Political wife Marilyn Quayle and actress Leslie Easterbrook (Rhonda Lee on "Laverne & Shirley," "Police Academy" movies) are 60. Singer-bassist Geddy Lee of Rush and documentary maker Ken Burns and singer Patti Scialfa with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are 56. Actress Alexandra Paul ("Baywatch") is 46. Country singer Martina McBride is 43. Drummer Chris Gorman (Belly) is 42. Actor Tim Omundson ("Psych") is 40. Former child actor Rodney Allen Rippy (Jack in the Box commercials) is 41. Actor Wil Wheaton is 37. Singer Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men and actor Stephen Dorff and country singer James Otto are 36. Actor Josh Radnor ("How I Met Your Mother") is 35. Musician Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley is 32. Actress Allison Mack ("Smallville") is 27.