True Blue

We completed an important project this week. The kitchen at Rabbit Hollow has been transformed, and now looks more like the farmhouse kitchen it really is. In fact, it looks a lot like Julia’s kitchen (see if you can tell which photo is our kitchen and which is hers). I for one am convinced this will serve as a fantastic inspiration. The only thing missing is the motivational words we want to stencil on the wall… you know, “butter”, “cream” and of course, “chocolate”!

In case you are not sure who the heck this Julia is, well, she is none other than the indubitable Julia Childs. She was the one who said, “If you’re afraid of butter, just use cream.”  She also said, “Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” I have heartily agreed with her philosophy for years, perhaps in part because I was transfixed by a stay in France when I was younger, discovering the art of enjoying food and wine. (Julia also said “In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.”)

Some people might think we’re a bit odd, having an old house with rickety front steps and a few cracks in the walls, and yet here we are painting the kitchen, and turquoise, too! We didn’t get new cupboards, we didn’t replace the linoleum, but it feels like we have revived an old spirit. I am not saying we eschew new things, just that we have a fondness for old classics.

Martin likes the practical side of Julia, I think. This quote reminds me of him…“Be a fearless cook! Try out new ideas and new recipes, but always buy the freshest and finest ingredients, whatever they may be. Furnish your kitchen with the most solid and workmanlike equipment you can find. Keep your knives ever sharp and -- toujours bon appetit! “

I won’t take on every Julia Childs recipe, but I think I might adopt a few more of Julia’s tendencies. After all, the woman lived to be 92 years old. Perhaps the philosophy of “All things in moderation – even moderation” is the way to go. Cooking with wine, and putting in the food, didn’t seem to hurt her. Most importantly of all, a combination of confidence, sense of humour and appreciation seems to be the best recipe for a long and happy life. Oh, and finding your perfect Valentine. “Cooking is like love: it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

But I have that part covered already.

Kristin