The French Chef by Julia Child VIDEOS on demand

I just watched Volume 1 Episode 1 of The French Chef which originally aired January 1 1963.  It was a 30 minute episode and contained lots of good information.  Even if you cook a lot, you will probably find at least one of her tips helpful.

I watch a lot of cooking shows and my TV is camped on the Food Network.  But it was surprising how some of the basics that Julia covered, I had never learned.  I really enjoyed it and am planning to watch the rest of the episodes over the holidays.

I discovered this video and the whole series is available on Amazon.  Better yet, the whole series is free to watch on demand if you are an Amazon Prime member.

If you’re not an Amazon Prime member you can do a 30 day free trial and watch all the episodes during your free trial.

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

If you don’t want to join Amazon Prime, then you can watch the videos your want:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00622CMW4?tag=thescienceofb-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00622CMW4&adid=1RYB0D6J7RX378S26TE2 
Click this and you will also see the other episodes that are available on demand or for purchase.

Oil Sprayer Mister that Actually Works!

I had given up on those oil sprayers or oil misters that allow you to use less oil because I have never got one to work.  The idea is good, but until now, I thought that it just wasn’t possible.

Over the holidays I tried one more time.  I read all the reviews and decided on this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SSRRWS?ie=UTF8&tag=thescienceofb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000SSRRWS

I have been using it for several months and it is working great.  I use it to oil skillets and to spray a little on popcorn.  I highly recommend this one.

Cookware is on SALE so replace yours NOW

Just received the new cookware I ordered from Amazon.  I took advantage of their 4 for 3 sale and replaced everything that needed replacing.  Heres’s what I got:

• “Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 3-Quart Chef’s Pan with Cover” $29.95
• “Simply Calphalon Nonstick 5 Quart Chili Pot”  $31.99
• “Simply Calphalon Nonstick 10 Inch Covered Omelette Pan” $31.99
• “Farberware Triple Pack with Square Griddle” 24.99

To take advantage of the 4 for 3 deal the above 4 items were around the same price and I got the Farberware Triple Pack for FREE.
Then I also picked out 4 items that were in the $50 ranage.  Here’s that list:

• “Rachael Ray 12-Inch Stainless Steel Nonstick Skillet” $49.99 (two of these)
• “Simply Calphalon Nonstick 12-Inch Everyday Pan” $49.99
• “Joyce Chen 14 inch Lightweight Cast Iron Wok” $55.95

I got one of the Rachael Ray pans for FREE.  So if you need to replace 4 items, now is the time!

I’ll let you know how they wear and dishwash, but so far they are all really great.

Update your cookware while it’s on SALE!

This time of year I update those pieces of cookware and kitchen applicances that need it. Why this time of year? Well because Amazon runs a 4-for-3 special. You buy 4 pieces and only pay for the 3 highest priced one.

If the pieces I need are about $50, then I find 4 about $50 pieces to take the best advantage of this offer.

Here the link to take you directly to the Amazon 4-for-3 deal! Amazon 4 for 3 SPECIAL

Use the index on the left side of this page to zero in on exactly what you need that is included in the special.

Julie and Julia DVD for your favorite cook!

Here’s my review of Julie & Julia: I loved the movie and I discoved that Julia Child was a very interesting person. I laughed hard and related to the cooking woes. This movie makes a great gift for your favorite cook.

Julie & Julia is a film that should be relished with gusto–accompanied by the freshest and best ingredients, pounds of butter, and bottles of the very best wine. It lovingly celebrates the life of one of American food’s most influential and beloved figureheads: Julia Child–played here with zest, humor, and a sweet, subtle respect by Meryl Streep, whose performance is spectacular.

Julie & Julia is based on the book by Julie Powell, a frustrated New York bureaucrat who wants to be a writer. “But you’re not a writer until someone publishes you,” she moans. So she gives herself a challenge: to cook her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year, and to blog about it. As Powell (played with chirpy determination by Amy Adams), begins to find her groove as a cook, and her voice as a writer, the project takes on a life of its own–and in the end it does provide the struggling young woman with her life’s purpose, to her very pleasant surprise. But mostly, Julie & Julia is a valentine to Child, to Child’s amazing love affair with her dashing husband, Paul (Stanley Tucci, as divine as any soufflé in the film), and to her outlook on embracing life, and ordering seconds. Streep throws herself into the Child role with real affection for her character, and while certain of Child’s idiosyncrasies–including her warbly voice and unflappable haphazardness in the kitchen–are retained, it’s Child’s character and vision which form Streep’s portrayal, and which make the film so involving and rewarding.

Nora Ephron directs with deftness and a light touch, though she seems at times to be encouraging some of Meg Ryan’s onscreen tics in Adams (the self-conscious head tilt, for one). But mostly she simply allows Streep to channel Child and her love of food, her husband, and 1950s Paris. And that is a recipe for something truly sublime. –A.T. Hurley

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Family

My two favorite products this year have been ….

1) The Rachael Ray Oval Pan:  Must Have Rachael Ray Pan!  I have made bunch of recipes in this pan and worked it over pretty good including tons of dish washing.  You can read my review here:  https://favoritecooking.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/review-rachael-ray-5-quart-hard-anodized-orange-oval-saute-pan-with-helper-handle/

2) Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien’s cookbook:  Hungry Girl: 200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories (Paperback)  I have posted several recipes from Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien here.  If you like good food but want fewer calories, this cookbook is a must.  That’s why I give it my hearty recommendation as a great gift for the cook in your life. 

You can get one or both of these for any cook and they will appreciate it!

REVIEW – Rachael Ray 5-Quart Hard-Anodized Orange Oval Sauté Pan with Helper Handle

This is the pan that Rachael Ray uses on her show all the time. It seems to be her main pan. This is certainly true for me because this pan has become my favorite pan of all time. I use it for everything.

I was initially concerned that the oval shape would cause uneven heating, but this has not been an issue.

So far this pan has held up nicely to frequent use and dishwashing. Even though they recommend that you hand wash it. It is oven-safe to 400 degrees F and comes with limited lifetime warranty.

The pan comes with orange silicone handles which are nonslip, comfortable, and heat-resistant.

To get the best price for the Rachael Ray 5-Quart Hard-Anodized Orange Oval Sauté Pan with Helper Handle, click here.   $79.95 at time of this post with FREE shipping.