Yaba Daba Doo!

Today remains Monday, 19 December 2006.

As HH wrote today's column, unbeknownst to him, word was coming in on alternative channels: the great Joe Barbera has died, aged 91.

Yes, HH is "of a certain age".

Tom and Jerry.

Among the greatest animationists ever, Hannah (D. 2001) and Barbera.

"The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," "Yogi Bear," "Scooby-Doo" and "Huckleberry Hound and Friends."

A staple of '50s suburban America was the "Tom and Jerry", a punch-type cocktail. (Not sure if the cocktail has a bit to do with the characters.)

Here's a representative recipe:

TOM AND JERRY

3 egg whites
3 egg yolks
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 jigger lukewarm brandy
1 jigger lukewarm rum
hot water, milk or coffee
grated nutmeg

Beat egg whites til stiff froth. Separately beat egg yolks until light in color and then gradually beat in sugar, allspice, cinnamon and cloves. Fold yolk mixture into whites and pour 2 tablespoons of this mixture into each of four 8-ounce mugs. Add 1/2 jigger brandy and 1 jigger dark rum to each mug. Fill mugs with very hot water, milk, or coffee. Stir well and sprinkle the top with grated nutmeg.

You found this recipe on 1st Traveler's Choice Internet Cookbook. (www.virtualcities.com)

One could purchase punch bowls and mugs. I think it antedated the cartoon characters, since all the bowl and mug sets, one of which HH and Mrs. HH own, have archaic decorations of carriages, etc.

So long, old friend, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.