Cooking for me, and probably for a lot of us, started at home. I remember when my little sister and I cooked a multi-course Victorian meal from Samantha Parkington’s cookbook for my parents’ anniversary one year. I should mention I’m pretty sure the “cheese course” was cubed cheddar and a few raisins – and also that this was partly to make up for our very dried-out “ch-urkey” from the previous year.
Even though it was probably awful, my parents still encouraged us to cook, and, eventually, it got better. At least that’s what they told us.
Cooking and entertaining are just a few ways to show love and appreciation to those you’re cooking for and hosting. And, according to Julia, it doesn’t have to perfect all the time. I certainly have times when my cakes don’t rise the way I want them to and I have to toss them out, scrape the pan, and try it again. I also have times when the decor takes a bit longer than I’d planned and my guests end up on an interactive cooking adventure.
That’s also part of why I’m so drawn to Julia Child, who would have turned 106 years old this week. Nothing has to perfect in her book. It’s okay to be a little messy or for there to be a spray or two that you can’t quite get straight in your floral centerpiece. If something doesn’t turn out the way you hoped it would, follow the words of Julia Child: “Never apologize – nobody knows what you’re aiming at, so just bring it to the table.” You just have to own it and keep going.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Julia Child:
If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.
People who love to eat are always the best people.
I was 32 when I started cooking. Up until then, I just ate.
This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!
You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.
The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.
Happy weekend, all!
