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Dick Clark's Corn Fritters – "Midnight Snack"

Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson

Dick Clark—TV personality, executive producer for numerous TV shows and made-for-television movies, and former game show host—is a legend.

He is perhaps best known for his perennial youthful appearance (long ago was nicknamed "The World's Oldest Teenager") and for his annual presiding over the New Year's Rockin' Eve in New York City from 1972 until his unforeseen stroke in late 2004. For the New Year's Eve event that was only a few weeks following his stroke, Ryan Seacrest of American Idol was brought in as Dick's host replacement. However, Dick recuperated enough to participate in the hosting of the televised New Year's Eve event the following year, although in a co-host capacity. The stroke may have slowed him down, affected his speech and appearance, but it had not stopped his famous energy and obvious love of doing it. Seacrest continued to co-host and additional co-hosts assisted. Dick remained the show's executive producer.

Dick, as host to the first network television series devoted to rock and roll and the longest running musical show in television history, American Bandstand, helped bring rock music into the homes of mainstream America, making it more palatable. The weekly dance-and-music show helped promote the careers of many young, hip, but unknown, rock and roll artists of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

The show was immensely popular with teenagers and young adults for several decades. In 1957, Dick was responsible for ending the show's all-white policy and began introducing black artists. For decades, Dick surrounded himself with and celebrated current music and artists, showcasing them on TV, and for his contributions to rock music, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. He was nominated for numerous TV awards, including winning several Emmys for hosting American Bandstand and hosting the game show The $10,000 Pyramid. In 1976, at 1500 Vine Street, Dick received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On April 18, 2012, Clark died following a heart attack. He was 82 years old. Reports following his death were that, because of his business savvy and the entertainment empire he had built, he was worth at least $200 million.

Dick reportedly made these delicious and inexpensive corn fritter snacks for his family every year before leaving home for his studio to host the now-famous televised New Year's Eve bash in Times Square.

Dick Clark's Corn Fritters – "Midnight Snack"

One 15-oz can creamed corn
4 lg. eggs
1 c. frozen corn, thawed
2 T. sugar
Salt and pepper
1/2 c. flour
Cooking spray
Unsalted butter, melted, for serving

In a medium bowl, combine the creamed corn, eggs, thawed corn, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle in the flour gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until just combined.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Drop tablespoonfuls of the corn mixture into the pan to form small pancakes. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Serve with the melted butter.

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Source: Every Day with Rachael Ray, "Yum" section, "Midnight Snack," December 2006 / January 2007.

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Dick Clark's Corn Fritters – "Midnight Snack"