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

Savory Staples

Too often we plan a meal around the protein and forget that delicious sides can stand alone… Jacques demonstrates a step-by-step recipe of Risotto with Vegetables that can make a perfect vegetarian meal. Other dishes include traditional Darphin Potatoes, sometimes known as Rosti potatoes, and an all-American Skillet Sweet Potatoes recipe. Then, in the blink of an eye, Jacques stirs together a very flavorful Middle Eastern Green Couscous. He follows this with a Corn Polenta with Mushroom Ragout, a meal that even meat lovers will love.

Darphin Potatoes

Literally translated, paillasson means “doormat.” Raw potatoes are shredded, pressed into a nonstick pan, and cooked to create a compact cake that is excellent with any kind of roast or on its own with a salad. The dish, also called pommes Darphin, after the chef who created it, is similar to what the Swiss call rösti potatoes.

Skillet Sweet Potatoes

An easy dish, these sliced sweet potatoes are cooked in butter, oil, and water until the water evaporates and they are nicely browned. They are good with almost any meat or fish main course

Green Couscous

Couscous, a favorite in North African cuisine, is now available in supermarkets everywhere. With its green herb puree, this is ideal served with fish.