"I shall buy a black hat now he is definitely dead. He was an exemplary monarch."
'Upstairs, Downstairs' fans (like me), should be thrilled that Jean Marsh has the keys again to 165 Eaton Place. She comes back as the housekeeper when the house is inherited and re-opened.
Upstairs, a friend of the new mistress was referring to the death of King George. She was going to buy a new black hat out of respect for his death. In 1991, the first year I had my hat shop I only sold black hats. That was what the customer wanted. It was the beginning of the black decade, so many people wore head to toe black. I know I did. A reaction to the 80's.
They were having tea Upstairs when the hat conversation took place. A tasty fried goat cheese appetizer is elegant enough to have been served that afternoon. Especially with a cranberry, beet and raspberry puree. I first had this dish in England.
Fried Goat Cheese
serves 2 people
1-4" or 2-2" sliced rounds of aged goat cheese, about 3/4" thick
1/4 cup rice flour
grape seed oil for frying
Heat 1/2" of oil in a small frying pan. Dredge the goat cheese in the flour and lay in the oil when it is really hot. Fry on the first side until golden. turn and fry on the other side. Serve on top of a cranberry, beet and raspberry puree.
Cranberry, Beet and Raspberry Puree
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 bunch beets, steamed until tender, peeled, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
juice and zest of one lemon
1 tbs. superfine sugar (I grind sugar superfine in a spice grinder)
Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, remove from the heat and let cool. Process until smooth with an immersion blender. Add a tablespoon of water if it is too thick.
Spoon some pureé on a plate and place the fried goat cheese on top. Serve with gluten free bread.
If you are having tea, make it more 'Upstairs" and wear a hat.
To see the latest collection of Zazu & Violets' hats, please visit our on-line Etsy shop.
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