Ep 14. Roast Chicken
- G
- December 11, 1999
- 24 min
Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home is a cooking show featuring legendary chefs Julia Child and Jacques Pépin, who team up in the kitchen to share their expertise with viewers. In season 1 episode 14, the focus is on roast chicken, one of the most classic dishes in the culinary world.
The episode begins with Julia and Jacques discussing the merits of different types of chickens for roasting. They explain that a young, small chicken is better for roasting than a larger bird, because it will cook more evenly and be more tender. They also discuss the importance of seasoning the chicken properly and stuffing it with aromatics like garlic and herbs.
Once the chicken is seasoned, Julia and Jacques demonstrate how to truss it – tying the legs and wings together to create a compact shape. They also explain how to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly by rotating it in the oven and basting it with its own juices.
As the chicken roasts, Julia and Jacques take the time to share some of their own personal tips and tricks for roasting chicken. Jacques explains that he likes to put a small amount of water in the roasting pan to prevent the chicken from sticking, while Julia suggests using a bed of vegetables under the chicken to add flavor to the pan juices.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, Julia and Jacques give a detailed demonstration of how to carve it. They show viewers how to remove the legs and wings, then carve the breast meat into thin slices. They also demonstrate how to make a simple pan sauce from the drippings in the roasting pan, which can be served over the carved chicken.
Throughout the episode, Julia and Jacques's personalities shine through as they banter and joke with each other while still delivering informative cooking advice. The duo's chemistry is infectious and makes the episode engaging as well as informative.
Overall, season 1 episode 14 of Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home is a thorough and enjoyable guide to roasting chicken. Whether you're a novice cook looking for basic tips or a seasoned home chef searching for new techniques, this episode is sure to have something for everyone.
