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

Sweet Endings

While Jacques’ long time friend Jean-Claude isn’t looking, Jacques crafts Chocolate Mint Trufflettes that meet excited approval from Jean-Claude. Together the pair make Quick Almond and Plum Cake using whole plums, expertly removing the pits without damaging the fruit. Crispy Tuiles a L’Orange follows, simple to make as long as you keep one eye on the oven while they bake! The same goes for the Summer Cornets Susie filled with whipped cream and fresh berries. They’re all desserts that impress guests, but don’t stress out the chefs.

Chocolate Mint Trufflettes

These small truffles are especially nice to box and give to friends over the holiday season. They keep well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen.

Quick Almond and Plum Cake

You can bake the cake in a springform pan or in a loaf pan, like a pound cake.

Crispy Tuiles a L’Orange

Tuile means “tile,” and these cookies are shaped like curved roof tiles. Although tuiles are not usually flavored with orange zest, this is a nice variation.