The cookbook that became a lifeline

Available for over a year

Remembering the late writer Julie Powell who spoke to Outlook in 2020 about the project that led her to fame. From a young age, Julie had been enthralled by a book in her mother’s pantry: Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It was co-authored by one of America’s culinary titans - the eccentric but pioneering TV chef, Julia Child. Years later when Julie was working as a secretary and suffering from depression, she returned to Julia Child’s book, but this time she decided she was going to master its recipes - all 524 of them, and she would do it in a single year. Before long, Julie and her project had legions of passionate followers. Would Julia Child herself be one of them? Presenter: Emily Webb Producer: Maryam Maruf (Photo: Julie Powell at the premiere of the film Julie & Julia in 2009. Credit: Getty Images) Get in touch: [email protected]