Celebrating Julia

I've just finished this wonderful book by Karen Karbo.  I recently read her book on Georgia O'Keeffe, which I loved.  This one did not disappoint.  I remember watching Julia's cooking shows on PBS in the early 1970's.  They were so entertaining but her complex, multi-step recipes were a bit beyond me. (Seriously, she once spent 20 minutes demonstrating how to slice an onion!)  It made me think of the recipe I have from my grandmother for molasses cookies which came from her grandmother.  Julia would be aghast!  Very indistinct measurements, (how much exactly is a "big “half cup?) and no instructions at all.  Then there is the "saleratus", baking soda for the non-Victorian.  Gram called it "salsoda".  Julia and her husband Paul lived in Cambridge, MA and when I was doing my graduate work at Harvard, friends and I would have an after-class glass of wine at the Harvest on Brattle Street, Julia's favorite restaurant.  I was once introduced to her there.  She had the most amazing laugh.  Anyway, I totally recommend this humorous take on everybody's favorite French chef.  My favorite "lesson" from the book is, "You are never to anything for anything."