If Julia Child were still living, today would be her 100th
birthday.
This beloved “first lady of cooking” fervently began sharing
her extensive knowledge of French cuisine with the American public through the
1961 cookbook she co-authored with two French women, Simone Beck and Louisette
Bertholle, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Dubbed “a pioneer of cooking
shows,” she laid the groundwork for today’s infinite number of culinary
programs with PBS’ “The French Chef,” which premiered in 1963.
 |
| Julia Child August 15, 1912 — August 13, 2004 |
Julia’s enthusiasm for life — and cooking — was infectious!
Her charming, cheerful, unflappable disposition and great sense of humor
created an extraordinary kinship between her and her television audiences. She was
prolific well into her older years, continuing to write several other cookbooks
and books and entertaining us “Julia-philes” with numerous TV series during the
1970s, 1980s and, surprisingly, into the 1990s.
To commemorate the centenary of her birth, celebrations
around the country have taken various forms including many special events and
food-related adventures. A panel of chefs and culinary experts has compiled a list
of her 100 most-loved recipes, which wasn’t easy, since she had written over
3,700. You can join in the celebration by cooking one of her recipes in her
honor this month.
PBS is throwing an online “party” for Julia where you’ll be
a welcome guest — find her recipes, watch their video collection, read her
lively quotes, take the JC quiz to discover your “inner Julia Child” and much
more.
Google has dedicated today’s Google Doodle to this esteemed
culinary queen and at least four new books written about her this year can be
added to the lengthy list that already exists. “Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child,” and “Julia’s Cats: Julia Child’s Life in the Company of Cats” are
slanted towards adults while “Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child”
and “Minette’s Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat” will
appeal to all ages.
“We should enjoy food and have fun,” Julia once said. “It is
one of the simplest and nicest pleasures in life.” I so agree. Bon Appetit! CJK
No comments:
Post a Comment