Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home

"There's nothing as good as a good piece of meat," and as Julia is quick to point out there is less and less really good (well marbled and aged) beef to be found. Hangar Steak, Skirt Strip, Flank and Ribeye. Sautéed ribeye steak for Steak Diane, New York strip steak with crushed pepper (Steak au Poivre), sautéed chicken steak with persiallade, a classic Chateaubriand (for two, or more), les piéces de resistance: two grand All-American Hamburgers, each stacked high with Julia and Jacquess' respective favorite garnishes and condiments.

Jacques and Julia create some very special desserts in this colorful episode: scrumptious, sweet, creamy, rich and delicious Strawberries Sabayon; Crêpes Suzette, classically flambéed and served with orange butter and powdered sugar; and a Hungarian-inspired torta of layered crêpes baked with raspberry jam, called a Palacsinta.

Jacques dressed in a toga? For Julia's Caesar Salad, of course! This show has a salad for everyone, from a simple mixed green salad with a garlic vinaigrette, to classic Caesar and Niçoise (with fresh seared tuna) Salads. How about some Potato Salad? Well, Julia and Jacques prepare two: an American-style potato salad with home made mayonnaise, and its tart French cousin.

As a child, one of Julia's favorite sandwiches was an ice cream sandwich. Jacques' was a stick of chocolate between two pieces of bread. Today, Julia's favorite is the Croque Monsieur, or pressed and baked ham and cheese. Of course, Jacques provides a variation he calls a Croque Madam. A close second they can both agree on is the New England Lobster Roll, served on a toasted hot dog bun. Then the two join forces to produce a Mediterranean specialty, Pan Bagnat and a seafood-filled loaf of bread.

Julia and Jacques prepare artichokes--several ways--including artichoke hearts stuffed with spinach and mushroom duxelle. Julia demonstrates her secret to ever-green cooked string beans and butter bruised peas. Jacques counters with his aromatic Tomato Provençal.

Sounds rather ordinary for this celebrated duet...but here, Jacques and Julia demonstrate why Beef Burgundy and Pot Roast have been favorite "classic" recipes (here and in France) for what seems like "forever", and they put their own signature on it: "Swiss cheese mashed potatoes" (for the Beef Burgundy), and "soft ribbon noodles" (for the Pot Roast).