Essential Pépin

Too often we plan a meal around the protein and forget that delicious sides can stand alone… Jacques demonstrates a step-by-step recipe of Risotto with Vegetables that can make a perfect vegetarian meal. Other dishes include traditional Darphin Potatoes, sometimes known as Rosti potatoes, and an all-American Skillet Sweet Potatoes recipe. Then, in the blink of an eye, Jacques stirs together a very flavorful Middle Eastern Green Couscous. He follows this with a Corn Polenta with Mushroom Ragout, a meal that even meat lovers will love.

Jacques lives close to the sea and has developed a taste for a variety of fins. He begins with a recipe, created by his long-term friend Jean-Claude, of Cured Salmon in Molasses. Jacques prepares it step-by-step so that everyone can learn to make this mouth-watering treat. Jacques follows with Tuna Steaks with Tapenade Coating and Tuna Tartare on Marinated Cucumbers – two very different preparations of the same fish. He also demonstrates a quick and easy Tuna Carpaccio. All this is followed by Poached Salmon in Ravigote Sauce. Then, utilizing skate, a fish that was often only used for bait, Jacques makes Ray Meunière with Mushrooms.

Jacques helps his daughter Claudine relinquish her fear of making pastry with his easy Tartelettes Aux Fruit Panaches. She goes on to assist her father in the kitchen as he makes his variation of the very traditional French, Tarte Tatin. Jacques then shares his mother’s recipe for Mémé’s Apple Tart using an unusual method to make the pastry. Finally his granddaughter Shorey joins him to make and taste Individual Chocolate Nut Pies.

Jacques loves vegetables and jokes that everything should be considered a vegetable, even chocolate cake! Joking aside, we all know that we don’t eat enough veggies and Jacques creates simple recipes to tempt even the most reluctant. He begins by sharing Ragout of Asparagus with his friend and back-kitchen chef, David Shalleck, and explains the recipe in a step-by-step process. He goes on to feature two gratins, a colorful Zucchini and Tomato Gratin and a creamy Cauliflower Gratin. A very special presentation features a staring lobster nestled in artichokes in Artichoke Hearts Helen and finally, a simple Corn Tempura that can be served alone or topped with smoked salmon (or even caviar.)

Never having tasted Cheesecake with Apricot-Blueberry Sauce until arriving in America, Jacques’ brother loved it! And this is the recipe that Jacques made for him on visits to the US. Jacques also prepares the classic and creamy Flan a la Vanille with Caramel-Cognac Sauce and a simple but decadent Chocolate Mousse. Lastly, he makes a creamy and delicious Bread and Butter Pudding.

Everyone loves fries, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Jacques shows chef and restaurant owner Loretta Keller his step-by-step way to the perfect French Fry. He moves on to make smooth and creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, just like his Aunt did years ago. Then another dish from his childhood, Potato Ragout. The refined version of scalloped potatoes, known as Gratin Dauphinoise is next and finally, a French classic, Cream Puff Potatoes.