Happy Birthday, Julia!

Two and a half years ago I watched Meryl Streep portray the incomparable Julia Child in “Julia & Julia.”  I was so enamored with the story of America’s most beloved chef that I went on to read her memoir “My Life in France” and her collection of letters to and from her dear friend Avis Devoto “As Always, Julia.”

Something about Julia’s personal journey spoke to me in an intimate way.  She was a pioneer and champion (perhaps accidentally) for women and women’s rights.  An independent woman holding fast to a fierce independence in a world where women were expected to be anything but, she forged a career in a decidedly man’s world of international espionage during and after WWII.  She remained independent and self-sufficient until her late 30′s (nearly unheard of at the time) when she married US diplomat Paul Child.  And when she returned to the US, she brought with her a passion for cooking which she then shared with the rest of the country.   Armed with skill and knowledge gained from France’s famed culinary institute Le Cordon Blue, she  became America’s cooking professor, making home cooking popular and accessible once again.

I think my own perceived kinship to Julia comes from her continued growth and evolution.  Her “second act,” as some may call it, did not begin until her late 30′s.  When she married and left her career in the OSS, she did not stop searching for something more from her life.  Against all odds she forced her way into le Cordon Blue and persevered  until she successfully completed the course.  Then for years she worked on the cookbook that would make her a household name.  And the rest is history…

Her story gives me hope.  It tells me it’s not too late.  It teaches me nothing is impossible as long as I just don’t give up.

For that I thank Julia Child.

Today is Julia’s 100th birthday.  She left so much for us to learn and share and enjoy.  And she inspires… even still, after all this time.

The first recipe I ever attempted from “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” is this gratinéed scallops.  It is an involved recipe, but it is also delicious.

{Scallops Gratinéed withWine, Garlic and Herbs}

Happy Birthday, Julia!