Keep your kitchen clean with Julia Child's simple rule
If there’s one person who knows how to cook and keep a kitchen clean, it’s the legendary chef, Julia Child. She not only mastered the art of French cuisine but also understood the importance of maintaining a clean and organized kitchen to cook efficiently.
Julia’s cleaning routine was simple yet effective, and it’s something that we can all learn from. In this blog, we will explore the cleaning rule that Julia Child followed in her kitchen and how we can apply it to our own kitchens.
But first, let’s take a brief look at who Julia Child was and why she was so influential.
Who is Julia Child?
Julia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality who became famous for introducing French cuisine to the American public. She rose to fame in the 1960s with the publication of her cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which she co-authored with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.
Her television show, The French Chef, was the first cooking program to air on American television and made her a household name. Julia’s down-to-earth personality and infectious enthusiasm for cooking made her relatable and inspired a generation of home cooks to experiment with new flavors and techniques.
Julia's cleaning rule
Now, let’s get back to the topic at hand: Julia’s cleaning rule. The rule was simple: “Clean as you go.” This meant that Julia would clean up after herself as she cooked, rather than leaving a mess to tackle later.
Julia’s philosophy was that cleaning as you go saves time and keeps your workspace organized, which ultimately makes cooking more efficient. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of cooking and forget about cleaning, but Julia’s approach ensured that the kitchen stayed under control.
How to implement Julia's cleaning rules in your kitchen
Here are a few tips for following Julia’s cleaning rule in your own kitchen:
Start with a clean workspace
Before you start cooking, make sure your workspace is clean and clutter-free. This means wiping down counters, clearing away any dishes or utensils that aren’t needed, and organizing your ingredients.
Keep a clean sink
Julia believed that the sink was the most important part of the kitchen, and she made sure to keep it clean and empty throughout the cooking process. This meant washing dishes and utensils as she used them and keeping the sink free of clutter.
Use a garbage bowl
Julia popularized the use of a “garbage bowl,” which is a bowl or container that you use to collect scraps and other waste as you cook. This keeps your workspace clean and eliminates the need to make multiple trips to the trash can.
Wipe down surfaces as you go
As you cook, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge to keep them clean. This includes counters, stovetops, and any other surfaces that come into contact with food.
Soak dishes and utensils
If you don’t have time to wash dishes and utensils immediately, soak them in hot, soapy water to make cleaning easier later. This prevents food from drying onto dishes and makes them easier to clean.
Why Julia's cleaning rule is important
Julia’s cleaning rule is important for several reasons. First, it saves time and makes cooking more efficient. By cleaning as you go, you don’t have to spend hours cleaning up after a meal, which means you can spend more time enjoying your food and the company of your guests.
Second, it helps prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness. Keeping your workspace clean and washing dishes and utensils as you use them prevents bacteria and other pathogens from spreading.
Finally, following Julia’s cleaning rule helps maintain a sense of order and calm in the kitchen. Cooking can be chaotic, but having a clean and organized workspace can make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Plus, a clean kitchen just feels better and more inviting.
How to Incorporating Julia's cleaning rule into your cooking
Incorporating Julia’s cleaning rule into your cooking routine may take some practice, but the benefits are worth it. Here are a few more tips for making it work…
- Plan ahead
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to plan out your meal and gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need. This will save time and prevent you from having to scramble for items while you’re cooking.
- Work efficiently
Try to work efficiently while you’re cooking. For example, while something is simmering on the stove, use that time to wash dishes or prep ingredients for the next step. This will help you stay ahead of the game and prevent the kitchen from becoming too cluttered.
- Enlist help
If you’re cooking for a group, enlist the help of others to clean up as you go. This not only makes the process go faster but can also be a fun way to involve others in the cooking process.
- Embrace imperfection
Remember that Julia’s cleaning rule isn’t about achieving perfection or obsessively cleaning every little thing. It’s about maintaining a sense of order and cleanliness as you cook. So don’t stress too much about a few crumbs on the counter or a stray pot lid. As long as you’re making an effort to keep things clean and organized, you’re doing it right.
To conclude
Julia Child’s cleaning rule may seem simple, but it’s a powerful way to maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. By cleaning as you go, you’ll save time, prevent cross-contamination, and maintain a sense of order and calm in the kitchen. So next time you’re cooking a meal, take a page from Julia’s book and try cleaning as you go. Your kitchen (and your guests) will thank you for it!
