DAME NELLIE MELBA

I am pleased to report that I have been able successfully to produce Melba Toast. The sort that you can buy in packets in Tesco comes all the way from Holland, bearing its national characteristics of unimaginative solidity with it.
But in the past I have been put off making it myself by recipes which involve toasting an ordinary slice of bread and then cutting it in half, sideways. Have you ever tried this? Far less dangerous and exasperating it is to cut thinnish [5mm] slices, shape them in soldiers or triangles, and toast them on a low shelf at very moderate heat, watching and turning as necessary. This produces a deliciously light and crackly accompaniment - just the thing to eat with duck breast pate, don't y' know.
Precise details available on request, as usual.


Incidentally, unkind people have been known to suggest that the chief characteristic of Dame Nellie's voice was its sheer power, rather than any other quality. Very suitable for singing 'Land of Hope & Glory' in large auditoria; or, of course, really getting the stylus wiggling in the days before electric recording. Oh, yes, children, such times did exist.

Personally, I like the homely touch of the handbag.