Favorite Tips From "The French Chef"
Cooking shows have been a regular part of my television viewing since long before Emeril and the Food Network became household words, or Top Chef began scoring top ratings.
Graham Kerr, Jeff Smith, Justin Wilson, Martin Yan, Marian Morash ~ they all found their way into my living room, and of course the creativity and talent you can catch on the tube today is nothing short of impressive.
But in the world of television cooking, as with so many other things, it's that first experience that ends up making a lasting impression and consequently, in my estimation, Julia Child still reigns supreme.
Photo taken from "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom" ~ captioned "Goose ready to take off"
The 2009 film "Julie and Julia," created renewed interest in Julia Child and her career, but her wealth of cooking knowledge and talent for sharing it with home cooks through television and books has been iconic in the world of food for a long, long time.
She made her television debut in 1963 on WGBH in Boston, and 46 years later her books are still among the first I grab from the shelf when I need to "consult." I love the little book she wrote in 2000 called Julia's Kitchen Wisdom. It's compiled from Julia's "trials, remedies, and errors" throughout her career in the kitchen. I thought I'd share some of my favorite and most used tips from that publication here.
- Give canned broth some fresh flavor by simmering for 15 to 20 minutes with a handful of minced carrots, onions and celery and a splash of white wine (I like to add a little parsley too).
- General salt proportions: For liquids, use 1-1/2 teaspoons per quart. For raw meat, use 3/4 to 1 teaspoon per pound.
- Roast chicken timing: Begin with a standard 45 minutes, then add 7 minutes per pound of weight - e.g. a 3-pound chicken would roast for 66 minutes.
- For maximum flavor development, the ideal temperature for rising dough is 70° to 75°F.
- Baking powder, once opened loses its strength after about six months. To test it, stir one teaspoon into 1/2 cup of hot water. It should actively produce bubbles immediately - if it doesn't, discard it and buy fresh.
- To sauté mushrooms, toss frequently them until butter (or oil) is first absorbed, then reappears on the surface. At this point, the mushrooms will begin to brown.
- Test meat for doneness frequently by pressing it with your finger - if it feels soft and squishy, it is very rare, lightly springy is medium, no spring - well done.
- Whisk together equal quantities of sour cream and heavy cream as a substitute for crème fraîche.
Three of the commenters below won a copy of "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom" (courtesy MyGourmetConnection) for letting us know what they learned from Julia Child. The contest ended on August 7, 2009, but please share any tips and inspiration you've learned from "The French Chef."
Congratulations to Ronna, Jannine and Audrey! Enjoy the book.
From MyGourmetConnection How To Cook ~ Cooking Tips
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I learned how to make Swedish crackers! I was sucked into the TV! :)
(1)Posted by: Deanna | Reply
I SO want a copy of this book! Thanks for putting it out there!
(2)Posted by: Laurie | Reply
I was very young watching those on PBS. My mother was a dreadful cook and watching Julia gave me hope that there really was good food out there. That, and I could watch her omelet episode a billion times!
(3)Posted by: Kim Shuman | Reply
Learned that preparing food could be fun and not to become uptight about making meals.
Looking forward to the movie.
Grandma Joan
(4)Posted by: Joan Carroll | Reply
I learned that the ideal temperature for raising (rising?) bread dough is room temperature. (Why do so many recipes call for a higher temp?)
(5)Posted by: Melissa | Reply
Julia was the original 'just do it' lady. From my perspective she encouraged our mothers (and by osmosis us) to step into the kitchen and cook -- without being intimidated by the ingredients or the number of steps. And to just roll with what happens in the kitchen.
(6)Posted by: Lynn | Reply
My mother-in-law found the first print of Mastering the Art of French Cooking that Julia Child co-wrote at a thrift store & bought it for me. I used to be a horrific cook and that book helps "break down" the building of recipes so that they don't seem so overhwelming.
I feel like I'm the only one looking forward to Julie & Julia in my family. I'm hoping to convince my husband to take me to see it. :-)
I'd love to win a copy of this book!
(7)Posted by: Beth | Reply
she has come a long way, i would give anything to get a copy of her cook book
(8)Posted by: lynda kruger | Reply
She taught me that reading cookbooks (and cooking) could be fun!
(9)Posted by: Kathy Lonquist | Reply
I loved the way Julia made a recipe come alive. She taught me that recipe books are great forms of reading. I have collected more than I will ever use by now.
(10)Posted by: Audrey Barrick | Reply
What stands out to me is that mistakes happen. It's ok. Just try again. And butter is the bomb diggety in cooking and baking.
(11)Posted by: Elizabeth | Reply
I think what I really loved about her was her take no prisoners attitude! SHe really wanted us all to learn to enjoy food and cooking. Her no nonsense style was so refreshing! A legend for sure.
(12)Posted by: Donna | Reply
Julia, like my wonderful Norwegian grandmother, taught me the true value that BUTTER can play in my life. Never any of that margerine in our home.
(13)Posted by: Pat | Reply
I loved her braveness with cooking. She encouraged all of us not to be afraid. I did not realize you could create creme fraiche with sour cream and heavy cream. I don't own any of her books but I guess being a serious (but happy) cook I should! Can't wait to see this movie.
(14)Posted by: Charlene | Reply
I learned just to go for it! Try something with abandon and enjoy every second of it! And if it isn't that great, just have some more wine!
(15)Posted by: Laurie | Reply
I have learned to laugh at my mistakes, not cry. There is always another meal to prepare tomorrow and a chance at success.
(16)Posted by: Beth K | Reply
I learned that you can make something as simple as a roasted chicken taste delicious if you cook it properly. Julia was the true Master and the original Iron Chef, in my opinion! My sister was fortunate enough to meet her in person. Wish I had!
Thanks for the giveaway - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm one of the lucky winners!
(17)Posted by: Jannine | Reply
The most important thing I learned from Julia is that when it comes to flavor simplicity rules. I also love the show where she drops something on the floor and advises to just throw it back in the pot because no one will know (LOL)
(18)Posted by: Lisa | Reply
I would love to add this book to my collection. Thanks.
(19)Posted by: Carole R. | Reply
I learned that cold eggs are easier to separate, but that egg whites need to be warmed to room temperature to whip up quickly.
(20)Posted by: Suzanne | Reply
Julia Child taught me that that you don't have to be a perfectionist in the kitchen....and she was definitely an example of that! She was so fun to watch! Julia Child led the way for all of the Food Network Stars so they could be what they have become, and we are all better cooks for being able to see them!
(21)Posted by: Ronna | Reply
My copy of Julia's cookbook is dog-eared and grubby, but I still turn to her recipes for quiche and crepes. Actually, you could just open the book at random and make something and you know it will be good.
My very favorite cake is her Reine de Saba (Queen of Sheba) from the name alone you know it will be decadent.
I love the way she starts from the beginning and takes you right through to the end, no mysteries involved.
(22)Posted by: Diane Nemitz | Reply
Can't wait to see the movie and would love to win the cookbook! Julia Child was so down-to-earth, and she could be so funny at times...yet she knew gastronomy (the art or science of good eating)...that was a part of her wisdom.
(23)Posted by: Darlya Oehler | Reply
I've learned that I "can do" and don't need to be intimidated by ingredients.
(24)Posted by: Helen | Reply
I learned that it's not too hard or scary to debone a chicken. And, you may even enjoy it!
(25)Posted by: Amy | Reply
I remember watching Julia on TV when I was a child. My sister and I would pretend to have a cooking show -- I loved the way she talked!
(26)Posted by: Joan C | Reply
I learned to embrace my creative side and be fearless when trying out new recipes.
(27)Posted by: Bev Jones | Reply
You can learn to cook.
(28)Posted by: Teresa Kwiatkowski | Reply
I was a little too young to watch the show, but I've been inspired by Julia's can-do attitude. Can't wait to see the movie Julie & Julia - I read the book and it was fantastic.
(29)Posted by: Dena | Reply
I just saw the movie last night and now I am inspired to cook anything Julia.
(30)Posted by: Wendy | Reply
I bought a chef's apron on Ebay signed by Julia Child, Marian Morash, Martin Yen, Jeff Smith and Graham Kerr. There are 3 other signatures on this apron signed in the sixties. Do you have any idea who they might be since I cannot read the other 3. Thank You.
(31)Posted by: Donna Mount | Reply
Hi Donna ~
I'm not sure who the other signatures could be, but there are a couple of other TV chefs that come to mind - Madeleine Kamman of Madeleine Cooks and Justin Wilson of Louisiana Cooking. Let us know if you figure it out!