Ep 1. The French Chef: Genoise Cake

The French Chef with Julia Child season 6 episode 1 is named The French Chef: Genoise Cake. In this episode, Julia Child teaches the audience how to make the lightest and airiest of all French sponge cakes, known as the Genoise cake. The episode begins with Julia introducing the recipe and explaining the importance of having all the ingredients at room temperature. She then proceeds to demonstrate the technique of preparing the cake batter, which involves beating the eggs and sugar and adding the flour in a specific way to ensure maximum aeration.

As she works on the batter, Julia shares some tips and tricks for getting the perfect Genoise cake. For instance, she advises against overmixing the batter, as this can cause the cake to be dense and heavy. She also recommends using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a lighter texture.

Once the batter is ready, Julia shows how to properly prepare the cake pans by lining them with parchment paper. She then pours the batter into the pans and explains how to spread it evenly to ensure even baking. After baking, Julia demonstrates how to remove the cake from the pan and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool.

Next comes the tricky part: cutting the cake into layers. Julia shows how to use a serrated knife to slice the cake horizontally into three layers, while keeping the layers intact. She then shows how to fill and frost the cake with a delicious buttercream frosting flavored with orange zest and Cointreau.

Throughout the episode, Julia's enthusiasm and love for French cuisine are evident. She shares stories about her time in France and the inspiration behind her recipes. Her teaching style is easy to follow and engaging, making even the most complicated recipes seem doable.

Overall, The French Chef: Genoise Cake is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning the art of French baking. Julia Child's expertise and passion for cooking shine through in each step of the process, making for a delightful and informative episode.