Ep 6. The French Chef: French Salads- Mayonnaise

The French Chef with Julia Child is a television series that features the world-renowned chef and cookbook author Julia Child. In season 1, episode 6, titled "The French Chef: French Salads- Mayonnaise," Julia walks viewers through a variety of French salads and teaches them how to make homemade mayonnaise.

The episode begins with Julia introducing the concept of French salads, which are known for their freshness, simplicity, and elegance. She explains that salads are an essential part of French cuisine and are often served as a separate course before the main meal. Julia then dives into the first recipe, Salade Verte, a classic French green salad made with lettuce, herbs, and a homemade vinaigrette.

Next up is Salade de Tomates, a tomato salad that Julia describes as "summer on a plate." She shows viewers how to slice and arrange the tomatoes in a beautiful way and adds fresh basil and a simple vinaigrette to bring out their natural flavors. Julia also shares tips for choosing the best tomatoes at the grocery store and avoiding any that are overripe or flavorless.

For the third salad, Julia makes Salade de Concombre, a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad. She shows viewers how to slice the cucumbers thinly and toss them with a homemade sour cream dressing flavored with dill and lemon juice. Julia notes that this salad is the perfect side dish for grilled meats or fish.

The fourth salad is Salade de Betteraves, a beet salad that Julia says is a favorite of hers. She demonstrates how to cook the beets until they are tender and then slice them into thin rounds. Julia also shows viewers how to make a classic French vinaigrette and adds it to the beets along with some chopped parsley.

Finally, Julia wraps up the episode by showing viewers how to make homemade mayonnaise. She notes that while many people are intimidated by the idea of making their own mayonnaise, it is actually quite simple with the right technique. Julia takes viewers through the process step-by-step, using a whisk and a mixing bowl to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. She also shares some flavor variations, such as adding garlic or lemon juice, to make the mayonnaise more interesting.

Overall, "The French Chef: French Salads- Mayonnaise" is a delightful episode that showcases Julia Child's expertise in French cuisine and her passion for teaching others how to cook. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of French salads, as well as the confidence to make their own mayonnaise from scratch.