Ep 17. The French Chef: More About Steaks

The French Chef with Julia Child season 4 episode 17, titled The French Chef: More About Steaks, explores the art of cooking different cuts of beef to perfection. Julia Child, a beloved television personality and renowned chef, demonstrates her expertise and passion for the culinary arts in this episode.

Throughout the episode, Child emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality cuts of meat and understanding the different characteristics of each cut. She explains the differences between T-bone, filet mignon, rib eye, and sirloin steaks and shows viewers how to properly prepare each one.

One of the highlights of the episode is Child's demonstration of a classic French dish called Steak au Poivre, or pepper steak. She explains how to season the steak with various spices, including crushed black peppercorns and salt, and demonstrates how to cook it to the perfect level of doneness. She also prepares a delicious sauce to accompany the steak, made from cream, butter, brandy, and more black peppercorns.

Another recipe that Child shares in this episode is her version of Steak Diane, a dish that originated in New York City in the early 20th century. She shows viewers how to create a flavorful sauce for the steak, made from butter, shallots, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. She also demonstrates how to properly sear the steak to create a beautiful crust and cook it to the perfect temperature.

Throughout the episode, Child shares tips and tricks to help home cooks achieve restaurant-quality results when cooking steaks. She emphasizes the importance of allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking, letting it rest after cooking, and using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.

In addition to showcasing her culinary skills, Child's warm and friendly personality shines through in this episode. She jokes with the camera crew and shares anecdotes about her experiences with cooking steaks. Her love for cooking and her desire to share her knowledge with others is evident throughout the episode, making it a pleasure to watch for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Overall, The French Chef with Julia Child season 4 episode 17 provides a comprehensive and entertaining guide to cooking steaks. Whether viewers are looking to cook a simple weeknight dinner or impress guests with a fancy steakhouse-worthy meal, this episode has something to offer. With Child's expert guidance, viewers can gain the confidence and skills to create delicious and satisfying meals that are sure to impress.