To wrap up the new year, I’d like to pay tribute to Julia Child who represented several firsts in my life: first cook book; first cooking demo and only time I was allowed to ditch school; as well as first and only strawberry mousse cake with homemade lady fingers.
Whether you’re a food entrepreneur, a home chef, or never touch the kitchen, Julia Child exemplifies a good life for several reasons:
- Boldly asking for what she wants. Not until I read about Grub Street San Francisco‘s report that Julia Child “propositioned” a chef, asking if he was single. And why not? Nothing ventured nothing gained.
- Inspiring the world to experiment with cooking: “Learn to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”
- Speaking her mind : “Just speak very loudly and quickly, and state your position with utter conviction, as the French do, and you’ll have a marvelous time!”
- Laughing at the small stuff: “Maybe the cat has fallen into the stew, or the lettuce has frozen, or the cake has collapsed. Eh bien, tant pis. Usually one’s cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile, and learn from her mistakes.”
- Coming into her own later in life, joining the ranks of many great late bloomers. Of course if you find your calling in your youth, all the better. But if not, Julia is a great role model.
Go down Julia memory lane on PBS and share how her Julia-ness has inspired you!
