A Lesson in Living Life

By Kathy Strahs, Panini Happy

Beyond her profound impact on the food world, it was the way in which Julia Child lived her life - how she challenged herself, pursued uncharted territory and taught what she learned to others - that inspires me most.

I often remind friends who are still unsure of what they want to be "when they grow up" that Julia Child's first cookbook and TV career didn't launch until she was in her 50s. She had a passion for food along with determination and moxie to spare, which carried her far. We're able to look back on her inspirational life and all that she achieved because she dared to try. And, wow, look at what can happen when you go ahead and try.

Thank you, Julia, for inspiring me to follow my passions, stay true to myself, to keep on learning and to always - always - use butter.

Kathy Strahs channels her passions for cooking and online media into two food blogs: PaniniHappy.com, with over 200 creative grilled sandwich recipes and other innovative uses for the panini maker, and CookingOntheSide.com, featuring the recipes she finds printed on food packaging. Her first cookbook will be published by the Harvard Common Press in 2013.

You can find Kathy at her website Panini Happy, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.