Lessons from Hollywood

It's not often that we see movies which actually teach us or inspire us, but the recent film "Julie and Julia" has done just that. We don't just mean an inspiration to read the book the film is based on, or to do further research on the person or events portrayed. Most movies have that effect on us (as evidenced by our overloaded bookcases). But this film has actually motivated us to be better people. Only once in a while does that happen. Here are some of our thoughts.

JEFF: Usually it's the so-called artistic movies, the ones loved by the Academy, that are considered inspirational. I doubt that "Julie and Julia" will be nominated for many awards, even though Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child is charmingly rendered. But I have gained another level of appreciation for good cooking. Other light-hearted cooking movies like "Ratatouille" and "No Reservations" have done this too. What sets this one apart is the lesson in perseverance. As the author George Eliot said, "It's never too late to become what you might have been."

JEN: First, I think it's an amazing feat to see a film that inspires me to buy a cookbook. As you may or may not know, I don't cook. Despite the mean cookies I bake, I am a person who eats to live rather than anticipating my next gourmet meal. However, I heartily enjoyed the film "Julie and Julia" so much that I'm tempted to place my order on Amazon for Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" (as the local Barnes & Noble was out of stock) if only to discover new dessert creations. I found the film delightful both times I saw it.

JEFF: By the time most people get to my age, they are well-established in their careers and family life, and they can easily project the next several years of their lives. I, however, still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Julia Child is a great example of discovering one's passion somewhat later in life and becoming successful with a hidden talent. (Maybe buying the cookbook will awaken a knack for fine cooking in Jennifer after all...)

JEN: I'm not sure that'll actually happen. However, the Bavarian cream that swirled across the screen reminded me of a recipe for Caledonian cream in Godey's Lady's Book, 1860. Anything 19th Century motivates me.

JEFF: While I have no plans to become a gourmet chef, I continue to find pleasure in learning and practicing my culinary skills. Tonight, an omelette with bacon, green bell pepper and squash; tomorrow, perhaps, Beef Bourguignon.

JEN: Inspiration from this film came to me on three levels: first, to want to try my hand at cooking a dish or two; second, encouraging me to be more creative in my writing for Cloak & Corset; third, discovering a new method of brainstorming.

If you have a chance, go see the movie. Then tell us when you're cooking chicken with mushrooms sauteed in a butter, port, and cream sauce, and we'll be your guests for dinner. Bon appetit!

Thank goodness for ceramic!

In my Total Health Breakthroughs e-newsletter a couple weeks ago they gave a great recipe for Blackberry Souffle. It was great as it uses xylitol and stevia, both natural sugar substitutes.

We had guests coming over last Sunday to watch the Oscars so I wanted to try out the recipe as it seemed easy enough. So we took a trip to Williams-Sonoma (great store!) and picked up six ceramic ramekins - what the recipe called for.

I cooked the blackberries and Jeff helped with the lemon zest and juice. Mixing everything together, I spooned out the ricotta and egg mixture into the ramekins. They were quite full! Ok. Well, we'll see how they turn out.

They nearly overflowed after the first 15 min. baking. I had to spoon out some of the mixture so I could top them with the blackberry compote and bake another 15 minutes.

And then - well, let's just say I'm glad they were on a cookie sheet in the oven or I'd have to buy an oven over cleaning the thing.

Ta-Da! Exploded Blackberry Souffle.

But they tasted wonderful.
And were very filling with 15 grams protein and 3 grams fiber but with only 6 grams of sugar.

Thank goodness the ramekins were ceramic as I worried how many hours I'd have to soak and scrub them to get them clean. They actually cleaned up quite quickly.