Ep 1. Emeril Lagasse

Julia Child - Cooking with Master Chefs season 1 episode 1, named Emeril Lagasse, is a culinary adventure with one of the most recognized celebrity chefs of the 1990s. Emeril Lagasse is a prominent figure in the food world, known for his flamboyant character and signature catchphrases. Julia Child, a legendary chef herself, joins Emeril in his New Orleans restaurant, where he demonstrates three of his most exciting dishes.

The show begins with the theme of Louisiana cuisine and the ingredients that characterize it. Julia Child and Emeril Lagasse discuss the importance of fresh seafood, red beans and rice and, of course, the famous spice blend, Cajun seasoning, in the Cajun and Creole culinary traditions.

The first dish that Emeril cooks is a classic gumbo, a hearty stew made with a combination of seafood, chicken, sausage, and a flavorful roux. Emeril shows how to make the roux, which is the base of the gumbo, by slowly cooking flour and oil until it develops a rich, nutty brown color. He then adds the "holy trinity" of Louisiana cooking: onions, celery, and bell peppers, along with garlic and a blend of Cajun spices. Finally, Emeril adds the seafood, sausage, and chicken and lets everything simmer together.

The second dish that Emeril makes is a grilled redfish with beurre blanc sauce, a French-style butter sauce that complements the mild, delicate flavor of the fish. Emeril explains how to sear the fish perfectly on a hot grill and how to make the beurre blanc by whisking together white wine, vinegar, and butter. He also demonstrates how to make a simple but elegant garnish of sautéed leeks and julienne vegetables.

The final dish that Emeril prepares is a decadent chocolate and banana bread pudding, a rich and indulgent dessert that is quintessentially New Orleans. Emeril uses leftover bread, bananas, milk, and eggs to make the base of the pudding and adds a generous amount of chocolate chips and pecans for texture. He then bakes the pudding until it is puffed up and gooey and serves it with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Julia Child and Emeril Lagasse have a delightful rapport, exchanging stories and tips about cooking and sharing their deep love for good food. Emeril's infectious enthusiasm and energy are on full display as he cooks and entertains, and Julia's gentle guidance and encouragement make this a warm and inviting introduction to the world of Master Chefs.

In the end, Julia and Emeril sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring the flavors and textures of the dishes they have created. This first episode of Julia Child - Cooking with Master Chefs season 1 is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana and the expertise of one of America's most talented and charming chefs.