Julia

One day, around the age of seven, I met Julia.

    Julia Child ruled my elementary and middle school afternoons.  My Mom and I would watch her show as she cooked with total abandon.  And with every episode, Julia—along with Graham Kerr, the “Galloping Gourmet”—would empower me to cook and have fun doing so.  From both chefs I learned that it was a joy to spend time in the kitchen. 

    Dreams of a restaurant blossomed from this time, and around the age of 12, I began collecting used Gourmet magazines.  The moldy pages drove my allergies crazy, but I still flipped each page with conviction.  Assisting with dinner became a regular practice.  Then, just prior to turning 16 my parents asked what I wanted to do for my birthday.  Now far be it from me to turn down putt-putt golf or bowling, I mean who doesn’t love that?  But I said that I wanted to cook.  I wanted to choose a recipe from an old Gourmet magazine, invite my friends over for dinner, and make a feast.  And so it was.  For the next few years, in celebration of my birthday I would receive money from my parents, purchase food, and have my friends over for dinner.  It beat acid-washed jeans every time.

    Like I said, inspiration comes from the strangest places, as do those things that influence us.  Be it family, friends, mass media, or perhaps some random snack that you picked up while driving across country.  Allow everything to effect you and the path of culinary arts will be a fun one indeed.  Just please keep your hands inside the car at all times, and enjoy the ride.

Comments

[Heather]

Thanks for your comment! It is indeed 20 minutes per pound, and we will make the change.

[Sharon]

Nathan-caught your show(s) for the first time on Sunday, May 27--rainy day in St.Louis and waiting for it to clear so I could go on a bike (road) ride...can't wait to see the show again-3 episodes in a row that day! I will be making the spiced turkey breast for sure! I love to cook and watching cooking shows and pursuing my Food/Wine and Gourmet magazines are a favorite past time when not working out.

[P. L. Grove]

Nathan ~ I caught your show this weekend, and pulled your site up on the website, so I could get the full recipe for the Spiced Turkey Breast. Just wanted to let you know there is a problem with the recipe as it appears--or I should say a problem with the cooking time. The recipe directs you to put the turkey breast in the oven FOR 20 MINUTES. IT SHOULD SAY 20 MINUTES PER POUND! I found out the hard way, and am now waiting an additional 40 minutes for it to be ready. I know it will be worth the wait, as it smells fantastic.