In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs Season 1 Episode 38 New England Fish Chowder with Jasper White
- June 8, 1992
- 24 min
In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs season 1 episode 38 is titled "New England Fish Chowder with Jasper White". The episode features renowned chef Jasper White as he prepares his version of the classic New England dish, fish chowder, in Julia Child's kitchen.
Jasper is the owner and chef of several successful seafood restaurants in the Boston area, including Jasper White's Summer Shack, which specializes in regional seafood dishes. He is known for his expertise in preparing and cooking seafood, and his recipe for fish chowder is a staple on his menus.
The episode begins with Jasper introducing himself and his love for New England seafood. He then dives into the preparation of the chowder, starting with the base of the dish - a rich and flavorful fish stock made with fresh fish heads and bones, celery, onions, and other aromatics. The stock is simmered for several hours to develop a deep and complex flavor profile.
Next, Jasper adds the vegetables to the stock, including potatoes, carrots, and fennel. He explains that the key to a good fish chowder is to not overcook the vegetables, as they should still have a slight crunch and texture to them.
After the vegetables have cooked for a few minutes, Jasper adds the star ingredient - fresh fish. He uses a combination of haddock, cod, and halibut, which he has cut into bite-sized pieces. The fish is added to the pot and left to simmer for just a few minutes until it is cooked through and tender.
To finish the chowder, Jasper adds cream and a handful of fresh herbs, such as thyme and parsley. He stirs the pot, allowing the cream to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
As he serves up bowls of the finished chowder, Jasper explains that the key to a good fish chowder is to use the freshest ingredients possible and to not overcook the fish or vegetables. He also shares some tips for making the perfect fish stock, such as using fish heads and bones to create a richer and more flavorful base.
Throughout the episode, Julia Child interacts with Jasper and asks him questions about his recipe and techniques. She marvels at the simplicity of the dish and the way in which the fresh ingredients shine through.
Overall, "New England Fish Chowder with Jasper White" is a delightful episode that showcases the simplicity and excellence of traditional New England cooking. Jasper's recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying.