Ep 2. Chocolate Ruffle Cake with Alice Medrich

In season 1 episode 2 of Baking with Julia, titled "Chocolate Ruffle Cake with Alice Medrich," the renowned pastry chef Alice Medrich joins host Julia Child in demonstrating how to create a stunning chocolate ruffle cake. Throughout the episode, Medrich shares her expertise in baking and chocolate-making, revealing the techniques behind creating a cake that is both beautiful and delicious.

The episode begins with Medrich walking viewers through the steps for making the cake batter, providing tips for ensuring the cake turns out light and fluffy. Once the batter is mixed, the focus turns to the chocolate ganache filling that will be used to sandwich the layers of cake together. Medrich explains how to make the perfect ganache, using a combination of high-quality chocolate and heavy cream.

With the cake batter and ganache ready, it's time to assemble the cake. Medrich and Child work together to layer the cake and ganache, creating a beautiful tower of chocolate goodness. Once assembled, Medrich expertly demonstrates how to create the ruffle effect on the outside of the cake, using a simple tool that transforms the chocolate into delicate, feathery frills.

Throughout the episode, Medrich and Child provide helpful tips and tricks for home bakers looking to improve their skills, from the importance of measuring ingredients accurately to the best way to layer a cake for even distribution of filling. Medrich's expertise in chocolate making is particularly evident, as she explains the differences between various types of chocolate and offers insight into how to work with it to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

As the episode comes to a close, Medrich and Child slice into the finished cake, revealing the layers of moist, chocolatey goodness. With the ruffle effect on the outside adding a touch of elegance to the dessert, it's clear that this cake would be a showstopper at any gathering.

Overall, "Chocolate Ruffle Cake with Alice Medrich" is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to improve their baking skills, particularly when it comes to working with chocolate. With the guidance of these expert bakers, even novice home cooks can create a stunning chocolate cake that is sure to impress.