AllMovie

The Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home series brings viewers into the kitchen with outstanding chefs Julia Child and Jacques Pepin. The 22-part series, which was aired on PBS, puts an emphasis on learning basic recipes so that the viewer can learn to cook without specific instructions. Julia and Jacques give a plethora of suggestions, so viewers never feel at a loss for possibilities. In this episode the two friends make sandwiches. Julia makes her favorite croque monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and Jacques makes the croque madam, the same except served with an egg on top. They make New England lobster rolls, lobster salad served on a hot dog bun, and also a pan bagnat that collects the traditional ingredients of a salade nicoise inside garlic-oiled bread. Together, Julia and Jacques teach viewers why certain ingredients and techniques are chosen. They argue about how to obtain the perfect balance of flavors and textures, then improvise until the dishes are complete.