I cook. I mean, I like to cook. In the past I've had interest in all kinds of cuisines, and have taken time to learn about them. My latest adventure is in French cooking.
I've made a few things so far and all of them have come with great reviews from my kids. I've been cooking out of Julia Child's Mastering The Art of French Cooking . I was lucky enough to find a used set from 1979 for fairly cheap but in good conditon.
My interest has mainly been in the meats and sauces, but I've branched out to other areas as well. I made the Soupe Au Pistou which is very easy and very tasty. The potatoes au gratin are also easy (but time consuming) and very good. I'm amazed at how much butter and cream they use in French cooking....it reminds me of watching Two Fat Ladies - they used butter and bacon in just about everything they cooked.
I've also been watching the Julia Child French Chef DVD's. They have them on Netflix if you're inclined to rent them. I do recommend them. I've learned quite a bit that you dont get from current Food Network gurus. Its also amusing to watch her in the show, with all of the mistakes and things they'd cut out these days. I swear half the time that lady was dipping into the wine during the show.
Some of the things I've learned watching her show:
- Dry your meat well before you saute it. This will help it brown better
- French bread takes about 7 hours to make...yikes!
- When you cook an omelet, you dont ever fold it in the pan..you fold it on the plate when its done
- The proper way to truss a chicken
My son Noah says his favorite French thing I've cooked is Chantilly Cream. Well, you dont really cook it, you prepare it. Its very easy to do and is very tasty with ice cream or cookies, or pastries.
Tonight I am hoping to cook a very nice Beef Daube. I've made it many times before, and its a very good meal but its best served on a cold night with crusty french bread. I'll write again when I have more to share about my French Cooking Adventure...
