Ep 7. The French Chef: Asparagus From Tip To Butt

The French Chef with Julia Child is a classic cooking show that originally aired in the 1960s and 1970s. In each episode, the host, Julia Child, teaches viewers how to make a classic French dish from start to finish. Season 6, episode 7, titled "The French Chef: Asparagus From Tip To Butt," is no exception.

Asparagus is a vegetable that is beloved by many, but it can be tricky to prepare. In this episode of The French Chef, Julia Child shows viewers how to cook asparagus perfectly every time. She begins by explaining how to choose the best asparagus at the grocery store. She looks for stalks that are firm, bright green, and have tightly closed tips.

Julia then moves on to the preparation process. She demonstrates how to trim the tough ends off the asparagus and how to peel the remaining stem to create a more tender texture. She also explains how to blanch the asparagus to achieve the perfect crisp-tender texture.

One of the highlights of this episode is Julia's demonstration of how to make asparagus hollandaise. She starts by making a traditional hollandaise sauce, which involves whisking egg yolks and lemon juice together before slowly adding melted butter. Once the hollandaise is ready, she shows viewers how to incorporate pureed asparagus into the sauce to create a vibrant green color and unique flavor.

Another dish that Julia prepares with asparagus is a salad with bacon vinaigrette. She starts by cooking bacon until it is crispy, then uses the rendered fat to make a tangy vinaigrette. She then arranges blanched asparagus spears on a platter and tops them with chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced radishes, and the bacon vinaigrette.

Throughout the episode, Julia offers tips and tricks for cooking with asparagus, such as using a wide skillet to blanch the asparagus so that it cooks evenly and doesn't become overcrowded. She also suggests serving asparagus with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt to enhance its natural flavor.

Overall, "The French Chef: Asparagus From Tip To Butt" is a fun and informative episode that showcases Julia Child's talent for teaching viewers how to make classic French dishes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice, this episode will give you the confidence to make asparagus in ways you never thought possible.