The year was 1991. I was editor of a now-defunct magazine called "Catering Today." We sponsored a popular "Catering Expo" in New Orleans. And Julia Child was the keynoter for our "Crystal Pineapple Awards" luncheon that year.

It was a memorable experience and we lapped up every word from this American treasure. When she moved from "use cream and butter - but in moderation" to her disdain for frozen meals and microwaves, I knew we were in trouble.

Our publisher took to the podium next, to present the catering industry's top awards, reading the words I'd so carefully prepared. The top award went to a Denver caterer who prepared healthy (low-fat and low-calorie) meals and then froze them so that busy urbanites could end their hectic days with a freshly microwaved meal.

A little bit nauseous for more than one reason (I was five months pregnant with my son John at the time), I watched Ms. Child as first her jaw clenched and next her lip curled in a disdaining sneer.

As the publisher hit Julia's breaking point "these delicious, healthy meals may be purchased a week at a time, frozen, to be quickly and conveniently microwaved each evening," Ms. Child SNORTED!

It was loud. It was clear. It could not have been mistaken for anything other than an outburst of utter scorn.

I loved Julia Child that moment. She was my hero from that day on. Viva Julia!

Image source: http://jc100.tumblr.com/