Legendary Chef Jacques Pepin Shares His Greatest Recipes in New Series

After six decades of providing delectable culinary inspiration, celebrity chef Jacques Pépin has for the first time ever, collected and updated his favorite recipes for a new television series and accompanying book titled Essential Pépin (26 x 30'). The 26-episode television series and companion book offers a range of more than 700 recipes from breakfast to dessert, easy to elegant.

In this television series, his 13th produced by KQED-TV, Jacques shares more than 125 recipes. From easy to elegant, Essential Pépin, showcases Jacques" masterful technique and his ease and flair with dishes ranging from classical Escoffier Quenelles to honey Braised Beef in Red Wine, to Poached Trout in Vegetable Broth and simple Chicken with Tarragon Butter. Jacques cooks what he loves and mouth-watering treats include basic French Fries, Soda Bread, rustic Tomatoes Maison and Brioche. Desserts range from uncomplicated Quick Almond Plum Cake and Chocolate Truffettes to the ultimate — a perfect Apricot and Pistachio Soufflé. It"s no wonder that Julia Child called Jacques &'the best chef in America.&'

Essential Pépin includes everything that is essential to Jacques — his love of food and cooking, his teaching and mentoring, and his family and friends. Renowned as a chef"s chef and a great teacher, Jacques begins each thirty-minute episode with an introduction and an easy to follow step-by-step recipe that demonstrates his unparalleled technique. Jacques" influence is felt far and wide, and many master chefs have showered their praise: &'I often find that with Jacques Pépin, whether on television or in print, I walk away from my time with him having learned a little something more, and I feel a bit richer for that,&' stated Lidia Bastianich. Anthony Bourdain added &'Jacques Pépin is The Master — the undisputed authority on ... well, just about everything related to food.&'

Jacques" love of family and friends is evident in the series as he occasionally shares cooking duties with his daughter Claudine, granddaughter Shorey, best friend of fifty years, Jean-Claude, and other guest chefs.

Jacques" classical training, solid technique and roots in traditional French cuisine are balanced with his understanding of current American trends, and the practical need to get dinner on the table. Awarded the Legion of Honor along with numerous James Beard and IACP awards, Jacques is legendary for his knowledge of food and his enthusiastic expertise in the kitchen.