Today would have been Julia Child's 99th birthday.  We're just as devoted to Julia and her love of classic cooking technique now as we ever were, and celebrate her birthday this year with one of her simplest recipes.  Julia's pan-fried burger is deliciously juicy and perfect for summer.

Get the easy recipe below, and catch a special episode of Chefography: Julia Child tonight at 8pm ET on Cooking Channel.  Happy Birthday, Julia!

In a small saute pan over high heat, saute the shallots in the butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Divide the meat into 4 portions. One at a time, flatten each by chopping and spreading the meat with light strokes of your chefs knife. Season each with salt, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the shallots. Blend into the meat, chopping and turning it as you shape the portions into 4 1/2 to 5-inch round patties, 1/4-inch thick.

Toast the hamburger buns and distribute them to your guests. Suggest that they dress the bottom halves of their rolls as they wish while you cook the burgers.

Lightly dust the surface of a large, hot saute pan, with salt. When the pan is very hot, but not smoking, lay a patty in the pan. Rapidly add a second burger. Brown the meat, about 20 seconds. Turn patties to other side. Cook until done, about 1 minute. Remove cooked burgers to a warm platter. Repeat process with 2 remaining burgers.

Place finished burgers onto guests buns as quickly as possible so they can add their finishing touches.

Who else is cooking Julia Child recipes today?  Here are some of our favorites from devoted fans around the world...

• Watch a special episode of Chefography: Julia Child, tonight at 8pm ET
• Watch her show, The French Chef, Tues-Fri this week at 2pm ET
• See how Food People are cooking up Julia's recipes
• Stock your pantry for French cooking
• Make Julia's Pan-Fried Hamburger
• Get cooking on more amazing French recipes