Ep 9. The French Chef: Roast Suckling Pig

The French Chef with Julia Child is a cooking show that originally aired in the 1960s, hosted by the iconic chef Julia Child. In season 5 episode 9, titled "The French Chef: Roast Suckling Pig," Julia teaches viewers how to prepare and cook a succulent and flavorful roast suckling pig.

The episode begins with Julia introducing the main ingredient for the day, a small pig weighing about 12 pounds. She explains that a suckling pig is a young pig that has not yet been weaned from its mother's milk, making it very tender and perfect for roasting. Julia then goes through the process of preparing the pig, which involves cleaning and trimming it, removing the ears and tail, seasoning the cavity with salt and pepper, and tying it up with a cord to keep its shape during cooking.

As the pig roasts in the oven, Julia demonstrates how to make an apple sauce to accompany the dish. She chops up some apples and cooks them in a saucepan with sugar, butter, lemon juice, and cinnamon, creating a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the pork.

Next, Julia prepares a stuffing for the pig, which consists of bread, onions, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and mushrooms. She moistens the stuffing with chicken broth and stuffs it inside the pig's cavity before tying it up and returning it to the oven to continue roasting.

Throughout the episode, Julia provides helpful tips and techniques for cooking the perfect roast suckling pig, such as basting it regularly with its own juices to keep it moist, and using a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the pig emerges from the oven, golden brown and succulent, Julia marvels at its beauty and the delicious aroma that fills the kitchen. She slices into it to reveal the juicy meat and flavorful stuffing inside, and serves it up with the apple sauce and some roasted vegetables on the side.

Overall, "The French Chef: Roast Suckling Pig" is a mouthwatering episode that showcases Julia Child's expertise and love for French cuisine. With her warm and engaging personality, she makes cooking this impressive and delectable dish look easy, while also providing valuable insights into the techniques and flavors that make French cuisine so special.