In his latest cookbook, A Grandfather’s Lessons, Jacques Pépin, the world’s most beloved cooking teacher takes his granddaughter, Shorey, under his wing in the kitchen. And because she learns to cook from a master, we do, too.
• ON-DEMAND: Listen to Faith talk to Jacques and Shorey about some of their favorite recipes and what it was like to create this book together. •
Dog-eared, with yellow and bright pink sticky notes sticking out in every direction, this is Faith’s all-time favorite book of Jacques’—and she’s cooked from all of his books over the years. There’s a simplicity to Jacques approach that all cooks will find encouraging. Never condescending, Jacques cheers us on in the effort to entertain simply or to put a meal on the table so we can eat and connect with our families. That’s the whole point.
Yes, even Jacques Pépin agrees it’s fine to use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and cook bacon in the microwave. He teaches Shorey (and all readers) proper cooking techniques, but understands all of us are cooking in the real world (he’s about the most real celebrity chef you’ll ever meet—and you actually may if you hang out at Connecticut nurseries or R.J. Julia’s in Madison). Even for dinner parties, we’re using frozen puff pastry. Why wouldn’t we?
With warm, beautiful photography in Jacques’ kitchen, to expressive illustrations and hand-written menus by Jacques and Shorey, the book is inviting: inviting you to learn, inviting you to cook, inviting you to set a table and eat good food together.
Start with these favorite recipes from A Grandfather’s Lessons:
Roast Chicken with Garlicky Salad
Sausage, Potatoes, Onions, and Mushrooms en Papillote
Chocolate, Nut, and Fruit Treats
