Above All, Have a Good Time

Hello, dear readers! I'm back, and I've missed you (and this blog) so much.

Our wedding was everything I wanted it to be,  the honeymoon an absolute dream, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. I'll have plenty of pictures (yes, that's one of them above!), recaps, some fun DIY tutorials, and of course, delicious new recipes coming up in the coming weeks, but for now, I thought I'd share with you the passage that I chose for the back of our wedding programs.

When picking the readings for our ceremony, I knew I wanted to include something food-related somewhere in the mix. I spent a while going through cookbooks and memoirs looking for just the right thing. I'd thought at first that MFK Fisher would end up providing me with the perfect words, but ultimately my choice came from the lady herself, Julia Child.

I came across the following passage, taken from the introduction to Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and fell instantly in love. It wasn't quite right for the readings, but I decided to put it on the back of the wedding programs for people to read while waiting for things to get started.

It's not a traditional wedding reading; it's not really supposed to be about marriage at all, but I think you'll understand why I thought it was perfect.

Enjoy, and I'll be back very soon with lots and lots more!

xoxo

Alejandra

from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

Pay close attention to what you are doing while you work, for precision in small details can make the difference between passable cooking and fine food. If a recipe says, "cover casserole and regulate heat so liquid simmers very slowly," "heat the butter until its foam begins to subside," or "beat the hot sauce into the egg yolks by driblets," follow it. You may be slow and clumsy at first, but with practice you will pick up speed and style.

Allow yourself plenty of time. Most dishes can be assembled, or started, or partially cooked in advance. If you are not an old campaigner, do not plan more than one long or complicated recipe for a meal or you will wear yourself out and derive no pleasure from your efforts.

If food is to be baked or broiled, be sure your oven is hot before the dish goes in. Otherwise soufflés will not rise, pie crusts will collapse, and gratinéed dishes will overcook before they brown.

A pot saver is a self-hampering cook. Use all the pans, bowls, and equipment you need, but soak them in water as soon as you are through with them. Clean up after yourself frequently to avoid confusion.

Train yourself to use your hands and fingers; they are wonderful instruments. Train yourself to handle hot foods; this will save time. Keep your knives sharp.

Above all, have a good time.

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Photo by Samantha Nichols and Adam Ciccarino, CMOStr photography.