Ep 20. The French Chef: Small Roast Birds

The French Chef with Julia Child is a classic cooking show that features the charming and lovable chef, Julia Child, sharing her culinary expertise with viewers. In season 2 episode 20, titled "The French Chef: Small Roast Birds," Julia takes on the challenge of roasting small birds to perfection.

The episode begins with Julia introducing the audience to the birds she will be roasting: quail, game hen, and squab. She explains that roasting small birds can be tricky, as they can quickly dry out and become tough if not cooked properly. Julia shares her tips and tricks for ensuring that the birds are perfectly roasted and juicy, including how to tie the legs together to keep the stuffing from falling out, and how to baste the birds with butter to keep them moist.

Throughout the episode, Julia demonstrates how to prepare each bird for roasting, from cleaning and seasoning to stuffing and trussing. She also shares different flavor profiles and seasonings that complement each type of bird, such as sage and onion for quail, lemon and thyme for game hen, and rosemary and garlic for squab.

As the birds roast in the oven, Julia also takes the time to prepare an accompanying side dish of sautéed mushrooms, which she explains is a classic French accompaniment to roasted game. She demonstrates how to chop and sauté the mushrooms, adding a touch of white wine and cream to create a rich and decadent sauce.

After the birds are finished roasting, Julia presents them on a platter and shares her tips for carving and serving each type of bird. She also plate the sautéed mushrooms alongside the birds and garnishes the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Throughout the episode, viewers are charmed by Julia's wit and humor, as well as her passion for French cooking. She shares anecdotes and stories about her time studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and gives viewers a taste of classic French techniques and flavors.

Overall, "The French Chef: Small Roast Birds" is a delightful and informative episode that showcases Julia Child's talent as a chef and her warm and engaging personality. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in French cooking or simply looking to improve their roast bird game.