Ep 3. Creme Fraiche with Nancy Silverton

In the third episode of season three of Baking with Julia, the renowned pastry chef and author Nancy Silverton joins Julia Child to demonstrate the art of making crème fraîche, a versatile and creamy cultured dairy product commonly used in French cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Nancy shares her passion for baking and highlights the importance of using high-quality ingredients in creating delicious desserts. She explains that crème fraîche is a key component in many of her recipes, from cakes and pies to ice cream and sauces, and demonstrates how easy it is to make at home.

Together, Julia and Nancy walk through the steps of making crème fraîche, starting with combining heavy cream and buttermilk, and letting it sit at room temperature for several hours to allow the natural fermentation process to take place. Nancy explains that the key to making perfect crème fraîche is finding the right balance between acidity and creaminess.

As the crème fraîche sets, the two chefs move onto preparing a variety of delicious recipes that showcase its versatility. First up is a gorgeous apricot and raspberry tart, featuring a buttery crust and a luscious layer of crème fraîche holding the fruit in place.

Next, they prepare a classic French dessert, strawberries with crème fraîche and brown sugar, which highlights the tangy yet sweet flavor of the dairy product. Nancy also shares a recipe for a savory crème fraîche sauce, which features herbs and garlic and can be used to top fish or vegetables.

As they work together in the kitchen, Nancy shares her expertise on a wide range of topics, from the history of crème fraîche in French cooking to the importance of measuring ingredients accurately in baking. She also discusses the joys of working with fresh, seasonal produce and the importance of being creative in the kitchen.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be captivated by the friendly and engaging banter between Nancy and Julia, as well as the gorgeous food photography and helpful baking tips. Whether viewers are seasoned bakers or just getting started in the kitchen, they are sure to come away from this episode inspired to try their hand at making their own crème fraîche and incorporating it into a wide variety of delicious recipes.