Jacques Pépin: Fast Food My Way

Jacques prepares a beautiful room temperature buffet in which all of the dishes can be prepared ahead. A menu of Pico de Gallo, Asparagus with Croutons and Chorizo, Melon and Prosciutto, Oven-Baked Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato and Salsa Mayonnaise, Sweet Cheese Medley, and a gorgeous, layered Almond Cake with Berries is ideal for any celebratory gathering of family and friends.

Jacques takes the traditional long-cooked cassoulet of southwestern France and turns it into a Thirty-Minute Cassoulet that can be made for family or company on a weeknight. It's a meal in itself, but even better with the addition of Avocado Halves in Red Sauce, Smoked Salmon Timbales, or a Zucchini and Tomato Salad. A refreshing dessert of Oranges and Cream Cheese make the perfect meal.

At the end of a long day, a large bowl of an earthy soup or stew like Corn and Hominy Chowder or Red Snapper with Mussels and Chorizo can be the perfect meal. In addition, Jacques prepares a quick Cheese Crostini and a Banana Bourbon Coupe, a special ending to any meal.

Jacques, having grown up in France during the war, hates waste! The cooking liquid, juices and bodies of lobsters used in Lobster Salad with Tarragon can be used for Lobster Bisque. Servings of Pressure-Cooker Lamb and White Bean Stew can be extended by serving with Couscous or starting with an Asian Eggplant Salad. Jacques also makes a cost-conscious ricotta and graham cracker dessert, Ricotta Honey Mix.

After more than fifty years in the kitchen, Jacques still finds new ways to cook a chicken. For Chicken Breasts on Mashed Cauliflower with Red Salsa, the cooking method is classic, but the combination of flavors is fresh. It's a perfect winter dish paired with Smoked Trout Salad with Horseradish Cream and finished off with Pineapple Slices in Kirsch with Sherbet or Mock Tiramisu.

After a busy day, dinner shouldn't be another challenge. Jacques shares the Shrimp Burger he discovered at Dr. Taco in Playa del Carmen and a great improvisational Bean Purée with Anchovies or Smoked Oysters. With the appetite under control, there is time to work on Wonton Cannelloni in Tomato Sauce, Parsley and Pumpkin Seed Salad, and Caramelized Apple Granola Timbales.