International Women's Day and Muriel Matters!

Most of you probably know it is International Women's Day on March 8, but some of you may not have heard of Muriel Matters.  (I mean really, what a name!)  She was an Australian suffragist, who moved to London as a young woman, and became active in the women's suffrage movement.  She chained herself to a grille in the House of Commons in 1908, and became technically the first woman to deliver a speech there.  She was also an actor, and lecturer amongst other things.  I have always been fascinated by these amazing women who blazed a trail for the rest of us, making sure that modern women ended up with rights to own property, and most importantly the right to vote, and to work. I am quite stunned and horrified that young(er) women seem to think "feminist" is a dirty word these days, often proclaiming they don't need to be one.  Mmm maybe that is because these women worked and in some cases, died for the rest of us to have these fundamental rights.  Anyway, I will get off my soap-box now:)  (But really, these young women need to get a grip.)

American suffragettes picketing the White House in 1917  (image Wikimedia Commons public domain)  

I love the colours that the Women's Social & Political Union chose way back in 1908 as their "team colours".  Purple was to symbolise justice and dignity. (my fave colour so how can I not love it?)  So as my foodie tribute, I have plated up a tasty little salad dish in their honour, celebrating the colours, and the incredible women who began the Women's Movement, back in the day.

take some beetroot 

and some broad beans 

plus some topped and tailed green beans  

add some bocconcini and fetta  

scatter over some snipped chives and pine nuts     

I used frozen broad beans as fresh were not in season.  These need a second peeling after they are steamed or boiled to get rid of the rather nasty second skin.  Though Mr Pickings tried one with the skin, and said it was delicious!  I drizzled on some walnut oil and lime juice, then seasoned with salt and pepper.  Excuse the wonky photos.  They were taken at night, Mr Pickings holding a torch over for extra light, and my semi-inebriated sister taking the photos!!  (Oh did I forget to say steam or boil the green beans too?)

(image Wikimedia Commons public domain)