A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From legendary chef Jacques Pepin, a book celebrating his lifelong
love of chickens--featuring dozens of his celebrated paintings, a
treasure trove of poignant and often humorous stories, and sprinkled
with recipes throughout.
Chicken may not be an extravagant ingredient, but for master chef
Jacques Pépin, it is the one he turns to most frequently--to cook and
to paint. In this beautifully illustrated book, Jacques reminisces on
his life through the lens of the humble bird, from his childhood in
rural France, where he chased chickens and watched as his maman turned
them into her poulet à la crème, to his demanding apprenticeship and
long, illustrious career--cooking Chicken Chasseur for Charles de Gaulle
and his family, turning down a chance to work as JFK's White House Chef
for a job at Howard Johnson's, and appearing on television alongside
food-world luminaries like Julia Child. Throughout are Jacques' favorite
chicken and egg recipes, conveyed as if he were sharing them over a
dinner table. Most significantly, the book displays dozens of Jacques'
stunning paintings of chickens. "If it clucks or scratches, it's likely
that Jacques has painted it." This unique book is the next best thing to
a visit to Jacques' home, which would include a tour of his art studio,
captivating conversation as he cooks, and a toast with a glass of wine
over a simple meal of perfect roast chicken.
