The Doll's Hat and Little Zucchini Cakes

"The entire gamut of female cussedness reduced and confined to a few spare inches of hat." -New York Sunday Mirror, Spring 1938

Hats became almost miniature in the Spring of 1938.  They were called "Doll's Hats".  Apparently men hated them.  I wonder why they elicited such a strong opinion.  Of course the thing about hats is everyone has an opinion about them.  But this is not a very nice one. 

At the New York World's Fair in the 1930's, a copper time capsule was sealed to be opened in 5,000 years.  The hat chosen to be put in the capsule and to represent the 1930's turned out to be the "Doll's Hat".  A miniature purple and green hat with a veil and purple ostrich feathers was made by famed milliner Lilly Daché.  

There is a resurgence today of the "Doll's Hat".  They have a new name, "fascinators".  A few inches of hat.  You can top them with almost anything.  If I relate that to food I think of little zucchini cakes.  A few inches of goodness and top them with almost anything.

Little Zucchini Cakes

makes 8-2" cakes


2-6" zucchini, grated
1 tbs. Zazu & Violets' all-purpose gluten-free flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup Zazu & Violets' all purpose gluten-free flour for dredging
grape seed oil for frying


Mix together the zucchini, flour, and salt.  Let sit for 5 minutes then form into 2" patties.  Heat grape seed oil in a skillet, enough to just cover the bottom of the pan.  When the oil is hot and working quickly, lightly dredge the patties in the flour and lay in the hot pan.  Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.  Drain on paper towels. 

Let the zucchini cakes cool a bit.  Top with creme fraiche and chopped chives or smoked salmon and horseradish cream.  Try finely sliced cucumbers mixed with yogurt for a refreshing topping.

These little zucchini cakes are a few inches of goodness just like the "Doll's Hat".

To see the latest collection of Zazu & Violets' hats, please visit our on-line Etsy shop.