Today would have been Julia’s 100th Birthday! Oh, how we miss her incredible knowledge for French cooking, the memories she’s instilled on us, her unforgettable recipes, and her famous kitchen! Something as simple as food can do so many things to bring together friends, family, and even strangers. Proof that we all have something in common and we can enjoy the simplicities in life!

Food has always been a huge part of my life! Growing up my parents would throw large parties centered around gourmet food my dad would spend days preparing. They would ship my brothers and I upstairs with a massive plate in hopes we would stay up there for the night. Now, when they have the parties I get to stay down and join in on the festivities!

I remember, as a kid watching Julia every week on PBS  and now I secretly hoard her cookbooks in my kitchen. I guess you could call it a small love affair with her! Food can be so many things to so many people. It can nurture your body, feed your soul, bring families together, soothe a broken heart, cure a cold, reconnect old friendships, welcome new neighbors, or save a starving nation. Julia brought so many people together through her cookbooks and tv shows. She’s touched the hearts and stomachs of people all over the world. She’s left a legacy we can pass on to our children, a way to keep families together through food, and something to always look forward to at dinnertime. We all wish she were still here to show us one more recipe and share one last glass of wine! Happy Birthday Julia! For all of us that love you so dearly, you are greatly missed and will never be forgotten.