When you hear the words, “Scarlet Queen” what sort of visual does your imagination summon? Do you think of a dark-haired vixen dressed in red satin or are you moved to an image of the 1970s rocker chick Stevie Nicks making her way across the stage in a long flowing red cape?
While there is likely a handful of both men and women who would love to take on the title, the name Scarlet Queen was made famous in the late 1940s when producer James Burton created the radio drama, Voyage of the Scarlet Queen. The episodes were ocean adventures that took place aboard a 78-foot sailing craft with two masts known as a ketch.
Voyage of the Scarlet Queen from Old Time Radio CD Artwork http://www.otrr.org
Those familiar with this program believe that it may have heavily influenced the production of Star Trek decades later. Every episode opened with the ship’s master, Philip Carney reading an entry from the ship’s log naming his vessel, himself and a detailed description of their locale and the weather. And each show closed in a similar manner: “Ship secured for the night. Signed, Philip Carney, master.”
While the quality of this radio production placed it ahead of it’s time, the dialogue used accurate sailing terminology and map coordinates so that those at home drinking scotch from their captain’s chairs could easily follow the ketch course around the South Pacific. The stops of the Scarlet Queen were delivered in steady paced stories with music directed by Walter Schumann and composed by Nathan Scott. The master and first mate made adventures going ashore to find trouble, scrappy fist fights and women. And much like our Captain Kirk, they would return to the ship’s wheel to reminisce about the problems they’d solved before the master closed his log.
How a variety of red salad turnips came to be known as Scarlet Queen, I do not know. But I do know that this simple salad is worthy of an adventure be it on the high seas or otherwise. The short time it takes to prepare will leave you plenty of time for exploration, romantic interests and if you choose, even a good fist fight.
Scarlet Queen Red Turnip Salad
Adapted from Dunk & Crumble
Serves 4 – 6
The Queens
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch Scarlet Queen Red turnips (about 5), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a mandolin
- 1/2 medium cucumber, largely diced
- 2 scallions, light green and white parts only, sliced thinly into rounds
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- salt and pepper
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
Mandolin Love
Directions:
In a medium salad bowl, combine the turnips, cucumber, scallion, and pistachios. Sprinkle feta cheese on top, as well as a big pinch each of salt and black pepper. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over salad, and toss gently to combine.
Scarlet Queen Salad
Serve immediately (if you prepare the salad in advance, withhold the feta, salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil until just before serving). Enjoy with an episode from the past:
Do you still listen to stories on the radio or on podcasts or in the car while you are driving?
Agrigirl's Blog 
nrhatch
/ November 20, 2013Love the parallels to Star Trek ~> “Captain’s Log, Star Date . . . ”
I wonder if my dad ever listened to The Voyage of the Scarlet Queen? He loved listening to the radio as a boy, teen, and young adult. And he loved nautical tales.
What an interesting salad . . . those pistachios add an unusual twist.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013I was really surprised at the parallels between this and Star Trek. Did you have a chance to listen to the track at the bottom of the post? This salad really works well in it’s simplicity.
nats1mom
/ November 20, 2013Love, love, love your blog! I look forward to reading your updates! GREAT!
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013so glad to have come in contact with you!
Sally
/ November 20, 2013Oh My Gosh. Does this bring back memories and how enjoyable! The menu items fun and yummy As usual. I wonder if I could incorporate red and yellow beets with the turnips?
Thanks Tammy. Maybe where my love of the romance of the SEAS, began?
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013I think you’re a bit too young to be able to remember the show but perhaps your parents listened. It’s a great venue.
Carolyn's Southwest Kitchen
/ November 20, 2013I recall listening to lots of radio dramas in my childhood. Couldn’t get tv in my mountain community so we listened to Fibber Magee and Molly, Twilight Zone, and Stella Dallas and a bunch more I can’t recall. The turnips are beautiful.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013I still love to listen to Garrison Keillor. I think that radio would be a great way to push out the adhd of social media.
Kath
/ November 20, 2013I’ve never heard of this radio drama and was nicely surprised to hear of the parallels to Star Trek! Also, the term Scarlet Queen wouldn’t have made me think of beets but rather of something disreputable. 😉
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013Yes, it’s a surprising name for a turnip. That’s how the post began – I was trying to figure out where they got the name.
hotlyspiced
/ November 20, 2013I’ve heard of turnips but not Scarlet Queen turnips. What a fancy name for a vegetable! I love the look of this salad and I think the finely sliced turnips would go very well with the fetta xx
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013The feta really strengthens it but the overall combination works very well.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime
/ November 21, 2013Lovely recipe! We never got that radio show here. When we were children we listened to The Eyes Of Tracy Dark.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013I think we need more radio shows!
Sophie33
/ November 21, 2013Mmmmmmmmmm,…..! A great recipe !!! 😉😋
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013Do you have scarlet turnips Sophie?
T
/ November 22, 2013Love it! Thx Tammy!
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013What a joy to see your comment!
henrymowry
/ November 22, 2013Reblogged this on MowryJournal.com and commented:
A salad and a radio show. Who knew?
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013Thanks so much for the reblog!
Lisa H
/ November 22, 2013I grew up on Star Trek and loved it (and the new movies, too!). The Scarlet Queen doesn’t sound familiar. I enjoyed how you tied the two together and then found turnips with the same name. The salad is worthy of the name.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013Well, the turnips really led in the discover but the salad is great.
authorjaneward
/ November 22, 2013Beautiful name! I never knew there was a red variety – we always get the white salad turnips.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013The taste is similar although perhaps not quite as mild as the harukei.
Estrella Azul
/ November 23, 2013Oh, I just love turnips! This sounds like an awesome recipe, especially since it has feta in it, too 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I’m sooo trying this when turnips are back in season here.
Tammy
/ November 23, 2013I would love to hear back when you try this to see how you like it.
Estrella Azul
/ November 24, 2013Will report back! 🙂 (Next Spring, but will do.)
isathreadsoflife
/ November 24, 2013What a great “ambiance” in your post, Tammy ! Oh, this style of music reminds me of E. Flynn’s movies. I would love such a salad. I first thought “Scarlet Queen” was the name of an apple. Thank you for all the information.
Tammy
/ November 26, 2013Glad you listened. I think many missed that the show was attached. I really like this salad and surprising, it might be good with apples too!
unpackedwriter
/ November 24, 2013Your backstory about the ketch makes me wonder if Ketchikan was named for this? Love how you combine tangential information to bring layers and interest to the cooking, recipes and other anecdotes. Engaging! Renee
Tammy
/ November 26, 2013Good call on ketchikan! Maybe! I love building a deeper story -need it, thrive on it.
unpackedwriter
/ November 26, 2013Yes, it shows in your writing! Have a happy Thanksgiving. Even after going vegan for almost two years I still can’t help but bake/smoke a turkey… Ah, tradition! What will you cook?
Tammy
/ November 27, 2013I am not the cook this year. Hard but not.
Marthafied
/ November 25, 2013Love the story! I actually love turnips in salads, I love the “crunchy” quality. Makes the salad seem a bit more substantial to me. Lovely recipe- will try!
Tammy
/ November 26, 2013This one was a hit all around.
Gabe
/ November 26, 2013Salad was good but I have a total desire to follow in the steps of the blokes on the Scarlett Queen!
Tammy
/ November 26, 2013Adventure… now how to get paid to do it?
Inger Wilkerson
/ November 27, 2013The name immediately made me think of beets–wouldn’t that be a great name for a beet too? You are doing a great job using up your turnips! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tammy
/ November 27, 2013Same to you Inger!
Cindy
/ November 27, 2013Tammy, you’re a wealth of knowledge! I always learn something new from you. I love it!!
Tammy
/ November 29, 2013I’m so glad. Thanks Cindy. I always learn something in the writing too!
Sartenada
/ November 30, 2013That radio drama must have been unforgettable. Before TV, we listened radio a lot of. Especially radio plays were very popular in Finland.
Tammy
/ December 19, 2013I still like them but know that I am in the minority these days.
Crystal Collier
/ November 30, 2013When you said “Scarlet Lady” I immediately thought of a swashbuckler. Guess that’s because I’m primed to go on a cruise and have adventure on the mind.
Tammy
/ December 19, 2013How fun! I think this radio program was all about cruising!