Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter (July 28, 1866-December 22, 1943)

English author, illustrator, natural scientist, conservationist

Beatrix Potter is best known for her books about Peter Rabbit and his friends.  The popularity of Potter's books are based on the lively qualities of her illustrations and the depiction of the rural English countryside. She wrote over 23 books.

Potter was born of a privileged family.The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first privately published in 1901. A year later it came out as a small book and was widely successful. With the proceeds of her book and a legacy from an aunt, Potter bought Hill Top Farm in the English Lake Country District. 

At the age of 47 she married William Heelis, a respected solicitor. Potter was also a prize-winning breeder of Herdwick sheep and a farmer keenly interested in land preservation.  She continued to write and illustrate till the duties of land management and failing eyesight made it difficult for her to continue. When she died she left almost all her property to a National Trust. Potter is credited with preservation of most of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park.

Her home and the surrounding area is one of the top places on my "bucket list". 

“It is said that the effect of eating too much lettuce is 'soporific'” by Beatrix Potter

image of Benjamin Bunny nibbling lettuce

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Melon Salad

Cook's notes: Even Peter Rabbit would approve of this salad made with fresh garden ingredients. 

recipe from BHG

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cut up watermelon
• 2 cups of cut up cantaloupe
• 2 cups of cut up honey dew melon
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• romaine lettuce
• optional cilantro

Dressing

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 TB. white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 3 TB. oil
• 3 TB. olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
• 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
• dash cayenne pepper

Directions:

• In saucepan combine sugar, vinegar, salt and ginger
• Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolved-remove from heat
• Place in blender and slowly add oils to sugar mixture (in a thin steady stream)
• Blend till thick stir in sesame seeds and pepper
• Refrigerate till serving