A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From legendary chef Jacques Pepin, a culinary memoir 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, a classic of French home cooking, 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, this lovely illustrated cookbook 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.
This beautiful volume, a must-have for any food lover, offers a unique blend of art, storytelling, and unforgettable food:
- Celebrated Chef Stories: Poignant and humorous tales from a legendary career, from cooking Chicken Chasseur for Charles de Gaulle to his time working alongside Julia Child.
- Beautiful Chicken Paintings: Dozens of Jacques's vibrant, personal paintings of chickens, revealing the artist behind the apron.
- Classic French Recipes: A collection of his most essential chicken and egg recipes, including his maman’s famous poulet à la crème, shared in his signature, accessible style.
- More Than a Cookbook: A one-of-a-kind book that is equal parts culinary memoir, art book, and recipe collection, capturing the warmth and wisdom of a master.