Julia Child Bechamel Food

JULIA CHILD'S HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

Steps:

• Whisk the yolks, water, and lemon juice in the saucepan for a few moments, until thick and pale (this prepares them for what is to come).
• Set the pan over moderately low heat and continue to whisk at reasonable speed, reaching all over the bottom and insides of the pan, where the eggs tend to overcook.
• To moderate the heat, frequently move the pan off the burner for a few seconds, and then back on. (If, by chance, the eggs seem to be cooking too fast, set the pan in the bowl of cold water to cool the bottom, then continue).
• As they cook, the eggs will become frothy and increase in volume, and then thicken. When you can see the pan bottom through the streaks of the whisk and the eggs are thick and smooth, remove from the heat.
• By spoonfuls, add the soft butter, whisking constantly to incorporate each addition. As the emulsion forms, you may add the butter in slightly larger amounts, always whisking until fully absorbed. Continue incorporating butter until the sauce has thickened to the consistency you want.
• Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper, whisking in well. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding droplets of lemon juice if needed. Serve lukewarm.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PERSILLADE (JULIA CHILD'S)

Steps:

• Peel eggplant and cut into half-inch dice.
• (If you wish, salt cubes with 1/2 t salt, let drain for 20 minutes, then dry in a towel--optional).
• Film large (preferably nonstick) skillet with the olive oil.
• Saute eggplant cubes over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, until tender.
• Add minced garlic and toss for a couple of minutes.
• Add parsley only at the last minute and toss before serving.
• Fine alone (hot or cold) as a side dish, or serve over prepared spaghetti squash.
• May toss with optional parmesan cheese.

JULIA CHILD'S STUFFED MUSHROOMS (CHAMPIGNONS FARCI)

Steps:

• Remove the stems and reserve.
• Wash and dry the caps and bush with melted butter.
• Arrange hollow side up in a baking dish.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Wash and dry the stems.
• By handfuls twist in a corner of a clean towel to extract as much juice as possible.
• Sauté with the scallions in butter for 4 or 5 minutes until the pieces separate.
• Lower the heat and add the flour. Stir for a minute or two until thickened.
• Stir in the cream and cook until thickened.
• Stir in the parsley and seasonings.
• Fill the mushroom caps and top each with 1 tsp of cheese and dribble on any remaining butter.
• Fifteen minutes before serving preheat the oven to 375°F Bake in the upper third of the oven until lightly browned on top.

JULIA CHILD SUPREMES DE VOLAILLE AUX CHAMPIGNONS (CHICKEN BREAST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Rub the chicken breasts with drops of lemon juice and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the butter in a heavy, oven-proof casserole, about 10 inches in diameter until it is foaming. Stir in the minced shallots or green onion and saute a moment without browning. Then stir in the mushrooms and saute lightly for a minute or two without browning. Sprinkle with salt.
• Quickly roll the chicken in the butter mixture and lay a piece of buttered wax paper over them, cover casserole and place in hot oven. After 6 minutes, press top of chicken with your finger. If still soft, return to oven for a moment or two. When the meat is springy to the touch it is done.
• Remove the chicken to a warm platter (leave mushrooms in the pot) and cover while making the sauce (2 to 3 minutes).
• To make sauce, pour the stock and wine in the casserole with the cooking butter and mushrooms. Boil down quickly over high heat until liquid is syrupy. Stir in the cream and boil down again over high heat until cream has thickened slightly. Off heat, taste for seasoning, and add drops of lemon juice to taste. Pour the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.