Ep 1. The French Chef: Caramel Desserts

The French Chef with Julia Child is a classic cooking series that premiered in the 1960s. The show features Julia Child, an American cook who learned the art of French cooking while living in France. In The French Chef: Caramel Desserts, the first episode of the show's second season, Julia teaches viewers how to make delicious caramel desserts.

As always, Julia begins the episode by introducing the recipe she will be making. She explains that caramel is made by heating sugar to the point where it melts and becomes a golden brown liquid. Julia notes that caramel can be tricky to work with because it hardens quickly, but assures viewers that with practice, anyone can learn to make perfect caramel desserts.

The first recipe Julia demonstrates is for caramelized custards, or "creme caramel" as the French call it. Julia explains that the custard is made by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, and milk, and then pouring the mixture into individual ramekins. The ramekins are then placed in a baking dish, which is filled with hot water and baked in the oven. The water bath helps the custards cook evenly and prevents them from curdling. Once the custards are baked, they are cooled and then inverted onto plates, revealing the beautifully caramelized sugar on top.

Next, Julia prepares a caramel ice cream, which she notes is a favorite in France. To make the ice cream, Julia heats sugar and water in a saucepan until it becomes a deep amber color. She then stirs in heavy cream and milk and lets the mixture cool before adding it to an ice cream maker. After the ice cream has churned, Julia folds in some chopped toasted almonds for added flavor and texture.

The final recipe in the episode is for caramel sauce, which is incredibly versatile and can be used to top a variety of desserts, from ice cream to cake. Julia explains that the key to making a good caramel sauce is to not stir the sugar as it melts, as this can cause it to crystallize. Instead, she advises swirling the pan gently to ensure the sugar melts evenly. Once the sugar has melted and turned a deep amber color, Julia adds cream and butter to create a rich, velvety sauce.

Throughout the episode, Julia offers helpful tips and tricks for working with caramel, including the importance of using a heavy-bottomed saucepan and being careful not to burn the sugar. She also shares anecdotes about her time in Paris and her love of French cuisine, adding an entertaining and personal touch to the show.

In conclusion, The French Chef: Caramel Desserts is a delightful episode of this classic cooking series. Julia Child's warm and engaging personality, combined with her culinary knowledge and expertise, make for an enjoyable and informative viewing experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this episode will inspire you to try your hand at making delicious caramel desserts.