Birthdays bind us and help mark occasions and honor traditions. With everything “Julia” in August, including Julia Child’s birthday (August 15), explore the art of her cooking, and sharing at the table. You’ll find the party-perfect menu from Julia’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in the August issue of bon appétit. I went straight for the dessert and attempted the Reine De Saba. The Cookery varied the frosting recipe with half white and half semisweet chocolate. Either way, Julia takes the cake.

Chowder for the Wolf at the Door
When 10 pounds of potatoes and a couple dozen ears of corn show up unannounced, welcome them home to the chowder pot. After transforming our