Julia Child. What a woman! Throughout the past few years my heart grew fonder of this phenomenon that was Julia! She wasn’t just a chef; her story is a delicious blend of inspiration, empowerment, and, of course, a whole lot of butter. Seriously, if there’s one thing you can take away from Julia, it’s that butter truly does make everything better!

Now, unlike many who grew up here in America, I didn’t have the pleasure of catching Julia on TV during my childhood. My introduction to her was through one of my favorite movies “Julie & Julia.” And let me tell you, it was love at first sight. Julia’s energy, her unapologetic love for food and life, resonated with me on a deep level.

But it wasn’t until I delved deeper into her life—through her book, documentaries, and series—that I truly understood the magic of Julia Child. She was a pioneer who dared to shake up the culinary world at a time when women were expected to simply stand pretty and play housewife.

Julia’s journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming the fearless French cuisine expert is nothing short of inspiring. Picture this: a woman in her fourties’, with no prior culinary experience, boldly enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, a world of men at the time. And she did it with enthusiasm and humility!

With the unwavering support of her husband Paul, Julia embarked on a mission to demystify French cooking for American audiences. She didn’t just teach people how to cook; she showed them, showed me, that food could be a source of pleasure, creativity, and experimentation. Watching her show and documentary made me fall in love with trying new things. Now, I find joy in buying and mixing fresh ingredients to create something tasty—a new hobby for when I have a bit of free time.

But Julia’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen. By fearlessly venturing into the male-dominated world of television, she paved the way for countless women to pursue careers in culinary arts and media. She broke stereotypes, one whisk at a time.

And let’s not forget Julia’s unique personality—her wit, her humor, her unapologetic love for life. She made mistakes, and she faced challenges in the process, but she never lost her zest for living. Even in her later years, she remained a beacon of inspiration, proving that age is just a number when it comes to chasing your dreams.

So here’s to Julia Child—a woman who dared to dream big, who dared to be herself, and who inspires us all to do the same.

And before I sign off, here’s a list of some of the pieces that deepened my admiration for Julia and her incredible journey. Save them for your next cozy evening in, and prepare to be inspired:

• “My Life in France” by Julia Child (2006) – A captivating memoir that offers a glimpse into Julia’s remarkable life and love affair with French cuisine.
• “Julie & Julia” (2009) – Easily one of my favorite movies; it intertwines the stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell, showcasing the transformative power of cooking.
• “Júlia” (2021) – A documentary that celebrates Julia’s legacy and explores her enduring impact on culinary culture. This one made me cry!
• “Julia” – The original series on HBO Max that brings Julia’s vibrant personality and passion for cooking to life in a delightful culinary journey.
• “Dishing on Julia” (2022) – A fun podcast with commentary and behind-the-scenes stories from the creators of the HBO Max series.

With these in hand, may you continue to channel your inner Julia and savor every moment of life’s delicious journey.

As Julia herself would say, “Bon appétit!”