Alone In The Kitchen With An Old Frenchman

Recently French chef Jacques Pépin turned 80 and retired. Over the years, he educated viewers of Public Television on how to cook and, something that no other cooking show host has done, techniques in the kitchen with wisdom, humor and a smattering of French lessons. As Gilad Edelman wrote in a Slate article, this man will teach you how to cook

Fabulous Fins

acques lives close to the sea and has developed a taste for a variety of fins. He begins with a recipe, created by his long-term friend Jean-Claude, of Cured Salmon in Molasses. Jacques prepares it step-by-step so that everyone can learn to make this mouth-watering treat. Jacques follows with Tuna Steaks with Tapenade Coating and Tuna Tartare on Marinated Cucumbers – two very different preparations of the same fish. He also demonstrates a quick and easy Tuna Carpaccio. All this is followed by Poached Salmon in Ravigote Sauce. Then, utilizing skate, a fish that was often only used for bait, Jacques makes Ray Meunière with Mushrooms.

Tuna Tartare on Marinated Cucumbers

Delicious and attractive, this simple but sophisticated dish makes a great first course.

Poached Salmon in Ravigote Sauce

Salmon fillets are poached briefly, then served with a ravigote sauce. Ravigote means “to invigorate” in French, and this sauce, containing tomatoes, scallions, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil, awakens the taste buds and complements the salmon.

Ray Meunière with Mushrooms

Skate, or ray, is a mild fish that is soft-fleshed, tender, and moist. It is excellent poached, sautéed, or grilled.