Ep 16. The French Chef: Aspics

The French Chef with Julia Child was a cooking show that revolutionized American television in the 1960s. In season 1 episode 16, titled "The French Chef: Aspics," Julia Child demonstrates how to make one of the most challenging dishes in French cuisine – the aspic.

Julia begins the episode by explaining to her audience that aspic is a "cold dish made by setting meat or vegetables in gelatin." She then proceeds to cook a chicken and vegetable aspic from scratch, using a combination of chicken, carrots, onions, garlic, parsley, and other flavorful ingredients.

Throughout the episode, Julia shares tips and tricks on how to make an aspic that is both visually stunning and delicious. She stresses the importance of using a good-quality stock, properly seasoning the ingredients, and patiently waiting for the aspic to set.

As she prepares the dish, Julia's enthusiasm and humor shine through, making the cooking process seem approachable and fun. She laughs with her audience as she struggles to get the chicken out of the pot without breaking it apart and provides tips on how to salvage a dish if it doesn't turn out as expected.

The episode also includes demonstrations of other aspic variations, including one made with fish and another made with quail eggs. Julia explains that aspics can be customized with a variety of ingredients, limited only by one's imagination.

Throughout the episode, Julia's passion for French food and cooking is evident. She speaks fondly of her time in France and shares anecdotes about her experiences learning from French chefs. Her love of cooking is contagious, inspiring viewers to try their hand at making an aspic themselves.

As the episode draws to a close, Julia displays the finished aspic, which is a beautiful combination of chicken, vegetables, and gelatin molded into an intricate design. She describes how to serve it, suggesting pairing it with a simple salad and some crusty bread.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating glimpse into the world of French cuisine and the art of making aspics. Julia Child's charm and talent as a chef are on full display, making it an episode that is both educational and entertaining.