Master Recipe For Basic Stock Julia Child Recipes

SIMPLE BEEF STOCK A LA JULIA CHILD

Steps:

• Place the beef bones in a large heavy pot and cover with cold water by about two inches.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and skim the sum which rises to the top--this should take about five minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients and more cold water so that everything is covered by at least an inch or two.
• Bring the stock to a simmer again, skimming as necessary.
• When the stock is simmering (Do NOT allow it to boil), partially cover and maintain at a very slow simmer for four to five hours.
• If the water level gets too low, add boiling water to the pot.
• Skim as necessary.
• When the vegetables and the bones have given their all to the broth, strain the broth and discard the solids.
• Set the stock, uncovered in the refrigerator until the fat has risen to the top and solidified.
• Remove and discard the fat.
• Taste the degreased stock (remembering it contains no salt) and if it is not strong enough, reduce it over medium heat.
• When the stock is cold, store in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer.

BRAISED RICE WITH CHICKEN STOCK (JULIA CHILD)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Cook the onions and butter slowly in a flameproof casserole over medium heat until soft but not browned. Blend the rice into the butter and onions and stir over moderate heat for several minutes, not letting the rice brown. The grains will get translucent first, then turn a milky white color.
• As soon as the rice looks milky, add the boiling stock. Add the herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then cover and place in the oven.
• As soon as the liquid maintains itself at a slow boil (4-5 minutes), reduce the heat to 350 and continue to bake until the liquid has been absorbed (about 15 minutes).
• Remove from oven, uncover and fluff with a fork before serving (for al dente rice. FOr more tender rice, let stand, covered, for 10 minutes).

JULIA CHILD'S MASTER RECIPE FOR BEEF BOURGUIGNON, IN RED WINE

Steps:

• Make herb bouquet and tie in washed cheesecloth the following: 8 sprigs parsley, 1 large bay leaf, 1 t dried thyme, 4 whole cloves or allspice berries and 3 large cloves of smashed, unpeeled garlic together in a small square of washed cheesecloth. Can substitute with celery leaves and/or washed split leeks.
• Dry out the beef chunks by salting and peppering each and letting them sit at room temperature.
• Saute the bacon slices and set aside on paper towels.
• Choose a large frying pan and brown beef chunks on all sides in bacon grease, being careful not to crowd the meat. Turn browned meat into a heavy ovenproof casserole.
• Remove all but a little of the fat from the pan and add the sliced vegetables. Brown them and add them to the beef chunks in the casserole pot.
• Deglaze the pan with the wine and then pour liquid into the casserole with the meat and carrots and onions. Add enough beef stock or bouillon to almost cover all.
• Stir in the tomatoes and add the herb bouquet.
• Bring to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat. Cover and simmer slowly, either on the stove over a low heat or in a preheated oven set to 325 degrees. Cook until the meat is tender, tasting to check.
• Cook, "brown-braised" onions as follows: Peel onions, heat butter and oil in a medium pan and saute in one layer until colored. Cover onions with a little water, salt to taste and 1 tsp sugar. Cover pan and cook at a rapid boil for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
• To saute mushrooms, quarter washed mushrooms. Heat 1-1/2 TBS of butter and 1.2 TBS olive oil in a large frying pan and when the foaming has subsided, turn in the mushrooms. Saute for several minutes, tossing frequently as the butter is absorbed and then reappears on the surface when the mushrooms begin to brown. Toss in 1/2 TBS chopped shallots, if desired, season with salt and pepper and saute another 30 seconds.
• Drain the meat and vegetables through a colander into a saucepan, pressing the juices out of the residue. Return the meat to the casserole pot and degrease the pan.
• Boil the liquid down to 3 cups.
• Off heat, whisk in the beurre manie [3 T flour mixed into a paste with 2 T softened butter) and add to cooking liquid. Simmer for 2 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly.
• Correct seasonings and pour over the meat, folding in the sauteed onions and mushrooms. {May be completed to this point a day in advance for a dinner party).
• To serve, bring to a simmer, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce for several minutes until thoroughly hot throughout.
• Serve with mashed or boiled potatoes, TINKYADA brown rice pasta or a very good French bread or baguettes.