Ep 22. Duck

Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home is a cooking show that originally aired in the late 1990s and featured two legendary chefs, Julia Child and Jacques Pépin. In the season 1 episode 22 named "Duck," the duo is cooking up a storm with one of the most flavorful and versatile meats - duck.

The episode starts with Julia and Jacques discussing the different types of ducks and the various ways to prepare them. They emphasize the importance of handling the meat with care and removing excess fat as it can overpower the dish.

Jacques demonstrates his expertise by preparing a savory duck and sausage ragout that he declares to be a classic French dish. He starts by browning the duck in a hot skillet, then adds the sausage and vegetables to create a rich and flavorful sauce. He then finishes the ragout by simmering it slowly for an hour until the meat is tender and the flavors have infused.

Julia, on the other hand, takes a more traditional approach and prepares an herb-rubbed roast duck with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. She first trusses the duck, seasons it with herbs and spices, and then roasts it to perfection. She then uses the pan drippings to create a luscious orange sauce by adding fresh orange juice, vinegar, and sugar.

The two chefs also show viewers how to prepare duck breasts, which are a popular choice for a quick and simple meal. Jacques prepares pan-seared duck breasts with a cherry-port sauce, while Julia prepares her duck a l'orange, a classic French recipe that coats the duck in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.

Throughout the episode, Julia and Jacques share their techniques and secrets for cooking duck to perfection, including tips on getting crispy skin, rendering fat, and achieving the desired level of doneness.

As always, the dynamic between Julia and Jacques is a joy to watch. Their friendship and mutual respect shine through as they work alongside each other in the kitchen, sharing stories and cooking wisdom with their viewers.

Overall, the "Duck" episode of Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home is a must-watch for any home cook looking to learn more about this flavorful and versatile meat. With Jacques and Julia as your guides, you are sure to master the art of cooking duck in no time.