A Kitchen Lesson from Julia Child

In honor of Julia Child’s birthday, I want to share one of her most repeated kitchen philosophies, because it is one I highly endorse.

Do not apologize for your kitchen mistakes. Just keep cooking. 

Julia famously dropped food on camera, flipped things onto the stovetop instead of the pan, and kept right on going like nothing happened. She believed a kitchen mistake was not a reason to panic, it was simply part of the process. Nobody watching her show ever expected perfection, and that honesty is exactly what made people trust her enough to try cooking something new themselves.

So here is my practical kitchen tip inspired by her. When something goes wrong with a dish, do not start over. Ask yourself what you can do with what is already in the pan.

Dry chicken can usually be rescued by slicing it thin and simmering it in a bit of broth or sauce to bring the moisture back. A dish that tastes flat just needs another round of salt, acid, or fresh herbs before you give up on it. Vegetables that overcook can be blended into a soup instead of tossed. Julia treated cooking like a conversation with her ingredients, not a test with one correct answer.

This week, I challenge you to cook something slightly out of your comfort zone. Do not worry about getting it perfect. Try tasting as you go, adjusting as needed, and staying in the kitchen even when it gets a little messy. 

Julia never let a dropped potato or a broken sauce keep her out of the kitchen, and that might be her greatest lesson for the rest of us home cooks.

Here’s to a little kitchen confidence,
Health Coach Carol

“Whatever you do, throw yourself into it. Passion will carry you further than skill.” — Julia Child