Ep 12. Chocolate Tuiles & Gingersnaps with Gale Gand and David Blom

In the 12th episode of the third season of Baking with Julia, titled "Chocolate Tuiles & Gingersnaps with Gale Gand and David Blom," viewers get a chance to learn from acclaimed pastry chef Gale Gand and chef David Blom as they demonstrate how to make two different kinds of cookies.

In the first part of the episode, Gand shows us how to make Chocolate Tuiles, a thin, crispy cookie that is perfect for pairing with ice cream or mousse. She starts by making a batter with flour, sugar, and egg whites, and then adds melted dark chocolate to the mix. After chilling the batter in the fridge, Gand uses a spoon to drop small circles of batter onto a silicone mat and spreads them thin with a spatula. She bakes them for a few minutes until they're crispy and lace-like, and then quickly shapes them into curved shapes before they cool and harden. The result is a delicate and delicious cookie that is impressive yet surprisingly simple to make.

In the second half of the episode, Blom takes over to demonstrate how to make Gingersnaps, a classic cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. He starts his recipe by creaming together butter and sugar before adding molasses, egg, and flour. He then spices things up with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Once the dough is mixed, he rolls it out and uses a cookie cutter to create round shapes before baking them in the oven. Blom also shares tips on how to control the texture of the cookies, depending on how long they are baked.

Throughout the episode, both Gand and Blom share their expertise and tips with viewers, such as the importance of using high-quality chocolate in the tuiles and the benefits of using black pepper in the gingersnaps. They also offer suggestions for variations on the recipes, such as using white chocolate or adding a lemon glaze to the tuiles.

As always, the episode features Julia Child's signature humor and delight in the process of cooking. She hops in throughout the episode to chat with Gand and Blom, ask questions, and offer her own insights on cookies. The result is a fun and informative episode that is sure to inspire viewers to get baking in their own kitchens.