“If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.” — Julia Child
February 22nd, 2010 by Lisa
I came across this line while reading through “Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home”:
“Not everything I do with my roast chicken is necessarily scientific,” Julia says. “For instance, I always give my bird a generous butter massage before I put it in the oven. Why? Because I think the chicken likes it–and, more important, I like to give it.”
Something about that made me laugh out loud. Talk about joie de vivre!
I’ve been away for a few months, but it’s been time well spent. I’ve been living, laughing, loving and…you guessed it…cooking. I’ve gained (a much needed) 20 pounds from a year ago. And I’ve learned not to be afraid of butter or cream.
My latest addiction: Holy Cow Cupcakes red velvet cupcakes. I swear there must be crack in them as I find myself thinking of them, craving one (OK, two or three) all of the time. Actually, it’s probably the European butter. Higher fat to water ratio. And we all know, fat tastes delicious!
Don’t even get me started on wine. I’m loving all of the big, bold reds that I’m having this winter. And nothing makes a special day more special than Champagne. Whenever I have one bottle, I always say there should be two. Duval-LeRoy is a recent find and I must admit that it tops Veuve Clicquot in my book.
This is a big week for me because on Friday I turn the big 4-0. Doesn’t seem possible. But, I’m spending all week celebrating in one way or another. I’m embracing it and enjoying the wisdom that a little age is (finally) bringing me. But that certainly doesn’t mean I ever intend to lose that child-like wonder that I have. I’m still going to ride shopping carts through the parking lot, fly kites and blow bubbles. As Julia says: “Life itself is the proper binge.”
Congrats on living and loving life!!!
Well, happy almost birthday!! I vaguely remember 40…. Hope your week is wonderful.
Really?
wow, what a way to describe a chicken. LOL.
How are you?
Happy birthday on Friday! I’d say you have some damn good reasons for not blogging. I like the way you celebrate, and I hope you keep right on doing that long past your birthday.
Welcome back! I’ve missed you
Glad to hear that all is well.
40?!? Lucky you! The best part of my life has been over 40.
Yes, welcome back- I’ve missed you too! Although I’ve been away a while too…sometimes a little down time does one good.
I loved this post- and gosh, how I loved this movie! I was so in awe of how it could make a cooking-phobic like me actually want to learn to cook, and not only that but want to eat; no- devour and delight in the very things I’d make…I was in tears from the sheer joy of it by the end of the film!
Your post and the pictures accompanying it are a treat. You make me want to meet you one day and share a meal….I think you would have me trying all kinds of wonderful food I would never have imagined!
And happy birthday, my friend. May it be a wonderful day and may the year ahead bring peace your way.
So nice to see you blogging. Love you and love that you’re 40 today! It’s a good year!
yeah! happy 40th!
Great to see you back in the blogosphere again! And a truly happy birthday to you. 40 and fabulous!
Welcome back! I missed your blogging and photos. Happy Birthday, I am glad to hear you are doing so well. By the way, wasn’t Julia Child a genius?
Well said, Lisa! Life is meant to be lived well!!:D)
Hi Lisa,
are only on FB these days?
New Job?
Best wishes from
across the Pond
TorAa