Jezebel and Stuffed Squash Blossoms

"Somehow, I don't like your hat and your ears and anything in between them."

Ouch.  That is how you insult someone in 1852.  This quote is from the movie "Jezebel", set in the mid- 1800's, made in 1938 and starring Bette Davis.  She is truly a southern belle in this role.  Hoopskirts, ringlets, flirtatious ways, and scandal.  

One of her suitors confronts another man brecause he had mentioned a lady's name in a bar, the lady being Bette Davis.  The men end up fighting a duel.  Then she was ostrasized from society by deliberately wearing a red dress to a ball when all unmarried girls wore white.  That cost her, her beau.  Thank goodness times have changed.

I could compare this quote to stuffed squash blossoms with the opposite result.  I like the hat(blossom), the ears(baby squash) and everything in between(stuffing).  Lightly battered and fried, a real treat when you can find the blossoms at the market.

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

serves 2 people

6 squash blossoms, baby squash attached

goat cheese stuffing;  mix together 3 oz. goat cheese, 1 tbs. creme fraiche, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbs. of olive oil, 1 tbs. fresh thyme leaves, pinch of sea salt

Open the blossoms carefully and using a teaspoon, stuff them half way with the goat cheese mixture.  Twist the ends to seal.  Be careful not to tear the blossoms.  Dip them in buttermilk and dredge in a little rice flour.  Let them sit a minute on a plate and make sure the ends are still twisted.  Heat 1 cup olive or grape seed oil in a wok and fry the blossoms until golden, a couple at a time.  They should be completely covered in the oil.  Don't turn them, lift them out starting with the fruit end and drain on a paper towel. Serve with a glass of wine, or a cocktail.

Traditionally Italian peasant food, but such a delicacy in my house.  And a sure sign of summer and straw hat weather.

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