No. 006 : The French Chef Cookbook
[Classic] The delightful companion book to Julia's famous show.
5 things I’m affectueux in The French Chef Cookbook
It’s Connected to the Show
The French Chef is the companion book to the beloved Julia Child cooking show of the same name. This particular copy is a recent (November 2023) reprint of the original book, Julia’s first solo cookbook, published in 1968. Each chapter is a direct reflection of one episode of the show, with the detailed recipes for the food Julia cooks in that episode. It collects over 300 classic French recipes, many of which come from her bible Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and many of which were designed specifically for the show. I love that each chapter and episode is a complete topic, some of which are based on technique and ingredients like The Mayonnaise Show (the 120th show) and some are full meals like Steak Dinner for Four in Half an Hour (the 108th show).
Behind the Scenes Photographs
Nestled throughout the book are behind the scenes photos that Paul Child - Julia’s beloved husband and creative other half - took while helping on set of The French Chef. The crew was lean in the early days of making the show and Paul was as instrumental as Julia in making it come to life. From planning out the flow of the show (which they shot straight through in 30 minute full length episodes without stopping!), providing notes on wine pairings, to hanging out of frame to pass Julia dupes or clear dishes, he was instrumental in helping his “Julie” bring her show to life. The end papers are contact sheets of his images, showing his notes and selects, which as a photographer myself I love seeing.
Illustrations by Paul Child
Paul also provided the illustrations and they could not be more delightful! The depiction of Julia is so perfectly her, and the cooking illustrations are so sweet, I wish I could buy a print of the seasonings illustration for my kitchen.
Delicious French Recipes
Last week I had some lovely French green beans from the farmers market, so I consulted Julia and decided to make the Haricots Vert au Maître d’Hotel (Fresh Green Beans Tossed with Butter, Lemon Juice, and Parsley) from her 15th show: Vegetables the French Way. Unsurprisingly, they were perfect. Tender but still with a snap, while the combination of butter and lemon gave them a lovely tangy flavor. Yum. Beyond these simple recipes, the book is full of French classics from Ratatouille to Boeuf Bourguignon to Chocolate Soufflé. Julia makes every recipe feel accessible. Because of her, I can’t wait to watch the 76th show and give my first approach at Croissants a try, or spending a rainy day watching the 97th show and making Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée (French Onion Soup).
Reading Julia’s Voice
I have been a deep fan of Julia’s for almost 20 years. I know this does not make me unique, but somehow the relationship I have with her and the inspiration she provides me feels completely unique in my life. Reading her voice in this book feels like she is there personally helping me to learn new recipes and techniques. You can feel her lightness of spirit and her deep love for French food in every word. I can only hope to do her proud when I try something new from her book, knowing that regardless of if I nail it or not, she will be cheering on my mistakes, and no matter what I will be in for something delicious. Bon appetit!
My Life Week in France
I recently got the chance to tag along with my partner on a work trip to Paris. While he was shooting on set, I spent my time eating, cooking, walking, and eating again. I brought my well worn and many times read copy of My Life in France, Julia’s memoir about her time in France with Paul where she first fell in love with French food, attended Le Cordon Bleu and began writing her classic cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I soaked in her words, as I basically did a Julia pilgrimage around the city. Taking pastry classes at Le Cordon Bleu (highly recommended! I can make macarons now!), shopping at E. DEHILLERIN, strolling past Julia + Paul’s apartment 81 “Roo de Loo”, and having the most delicious three hour lunch of French Onion Soup, Sole Meunière and Profiteroles at Au Pied de Cochon. It was delightful in every way, and yet again, I have Julia to thank for it.
The French Chef Cookbook is by Julia Child
You can find more about Julia Child on The Julia Child Foundation website, through her memoir and by enjoying shows including The French Chef.
CLUB CHAT
Do you have a favorite Julia Child recipe or memory?
What did you learn while watching, reading or cooking from The French Chef?