"I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses… - Julia Child

"I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make. When one's hostess starts in with self-deprecations such as "Oh, I don't know how to cook...," or "Poor little me...," or "This may taste awful...," it is so dreadful to have to reassure her that everything is delicious and fine, whether it is or not. Besides, such admissions only draw attention to one's shortcomings (or self-perceived shortcomings), and make the other person think, "Yes, you're right, this really is an awful meal!" Maybe the cat has fallen into the stew, or the lettuce has frozen, or the cake has collapsed — eh bien, tant pis! Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, as my ersatz eggs Florentine surely were, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile — and learn from her mistakes."

Julia Child

This quote has a book source. Sign up to see titles and page references

food cooking chefs

English

Collect this quote

About Julia Child

Julia Child (August 15, 1912 - August 13, 2004), television chef and author.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Julia Carolyn Child

Alternative Names: Julia McWilliams • Julia Carolyn McWilliams

All quotes from Julia Child Similar Quotes by other Originators

Shorter versions of this quote

Maybe the cat has fallen into the stew, or the lettuce has frozen, or the cake has collapsed. Eh bien, tant pis. Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile, and learn from her mistakes.

Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, as my ersatz eggs Florentine surely were, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile-and learn from her mistakes.

I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make. … Maybe the cat has fallen into the stew, or the lettuce has frozen, or the cake has collapsed—eh bien, tant pis! Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile … then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile—and learn from her mistakes.

Originators like Julia Child:

Anthony Bourdain Ernest Hemingway David Sedaris Henry James Roald Dahl

Additional quotes by Julia Child

A party without cake is just a meeting.

Always start out with a larger pot than what you think you need.

The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.

"I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make. When one's hostess starts in with self-deprecati… - Julia Child

About Julia Child

Also Known As

Enhance Your Quote Experience

Shorter versions of this quote

Works in ChatGPT, Claude, or Any AI

Additional quotes by Julia Child

Unlimited Quote Collections