In celebration of a culinary giant and amazing woman, I made Julia a birthday cake. I learned about the JC100 celebration only a few days ago...I know, I live in a cave. But, honestly, I grew up watching this woman not ever knowing what a influence she would make in the cooking world. Or, my own world for that matter.
I have mostly watched Julia on PBS with her Baking with Julia series. I was so inspired that I bought that book, almost 20 years now. I have great dreams of finally mastering croissants and brioche. This cake, Reine de Saba, isn't in that book, but I found it on the list of Julia's favorite recipes that her publisher created for folks like me to make and post in homage to Julia's talents and passion.
My favorite quote from Julia is, "Never apologize for your food." I'm still working on that...
Not a lot of step-by-step today as it's actually a very rough day for me. I woke with really, really bad vertigo. I wasn't so sure after the initial cold sweats whether I would be able to stand. But, with some time, I'm feeling better. It may have been the dinner last night...Unlikely, though. Or this heat wave we're having in the Central Valley.
More likely am feeling the great, great loss of Mrs. Finch who passed away last night, thankfully peacefully, and in the presence of her family who love her. She was her own force of nature...Much like Julia.
