Julia Child is probably the most popular chef of all time, and now amateur cooks everywhere can peruse her personal notebook of essential kitchen wisdom, gathered over a lifetime of preparing gourmet dishes. Every section of the book begins with a basic recipe, and then presents dozens of possibilities for delicious, and ridiculously simple variations on the dish. From basics like hamburgers and mashed potatoes to specialties like leg of lamb and chocolate mousse, Child's timeless recipes are much more than lists of ingredients--she provides all the tips and cheats needed to make each meal easy for the chef and pleasing for the lucky food recipients.