Waiting for Thoreau

Columbia Farmers' Market Peaches

Julia Child’s birthday was today and I wanted to do something big – say make her peach galette – but we kicked off the school year with a day long faculty meeting. I settled for leftovers.

But I did think of Julia today. A lot. She would love 21st-century technology. I just know it.

Through my mom’s personalized newspaper clipping service, I was introduced to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home by Jeni Britton Bauer. I love ice cream. I own a White Mountain ice cream maker. And a Cuisinart ice cream maker. I milk my own cows. Need I say more?

So, I downloaded the book on my iPad. It took forever to load, and now I know why.

It contains videos. It’s like having Jeni in the kitchen with you. I watched her introduction and then her spiel on making caramel (the dry-burn technique). The next day I made a trip to the grocery store and farmers’ market.

I made the Peach Lambic Sorbet (no cream, but lots of fresh peaches) and the Salty Caramel (lots of cream). They are both extraordinary.

Salty Caramel Ice Cream

I can only hope that someone will take Julia’s PBS series and plug it into Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I would love to cook side-by-side with Julia Child.

Happy Birthday, Julia!