Barbara Fenzl is the mentee of one and only Julia Child. Barbara is the owner of Les Gourmettes Cooking School in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the author of three cookbooks focused on the cuisine of the Southwest. She has hosted a PBS television series, Savor the Southwest, which aired in over ninety cities, and appears regularly on local television in Phoenix.
Barbara's 3 cookbooks are:
- Seasonal Southwest Cooking: Contemporary Recipes & Menus for Every Occasion
- Southwest: The Beautiful Cookbook
- Savor the Southwest (Tr)
Barbara is a past president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, was a member of the James Beard Restaurant Awards Committee for ten years, and still serves as a Beard Awards judge from the Southwest.
We talk about Julia Child, her influences on Barbara. She also tells us a story about when Julia entered McDonalds to have lunch with her own sandwiches.
We talk about French food, what makes French food so special. As well as the influence that Julia had in bringing French Food to America.
Nutrition and Meal Plans
What foods to avoid
- Processed foods
- Boxed ingredients
- Fake cheeses
- Bottled Sauces from the store
What foods to actively seek out
- Triple cream cheese
- Unusual vegetables and chillies
- Hispanic style cheeses
- Tepary beans
- Cholla buds
- Saguaro blossoms
Barbara's fondest food memories
Barbara's favourite meal growing up is the basic meatloaf and baked potatoes and green vegetables.
Exercise Routine
- Swimming
- Running
- Bicycle
- Tennis
Quick dinner ideas
- Fajitas
- Chicken stuffed with goats cheese
- Have a well stocked cupboard
- Prep in advance – create your mis-en-place
Tips on reducing wastage
- Waste not want not program
- Composting
Do you have a clean eating diet plan?
Yes. I don't have a limit to what I eat, but I exercise everyday.
Know more about Barbara
Who would you love to have dinner with and where?
Julia Child in the Southwest part of France.
Last meal on the planet?
Something Southwestern. Some oysters, some truffles, some Foie gras, champagne.
Resources
- Epicurious.com
- My Life in France – Julia Child
Where to find Barbara
- Email Barbara at barbara.fenzl@cox.net
Author: Ronsley Vaz
Ronsley is the founder & chief day dreamer at AMPLIFY. He is an author, speaker & serial entrepreneur.
He has a Masters’ degree in Software Engineering and an MBA in Psychology and Leadership. He is known as the creator of We Are Podcast – the first Podcasting Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, and the host of The Bond Appetit Podcast and Should I Start a Podcast. He has an audience of over 3 million in 133 countries.
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