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

Game Day

Game might sound intimidating, but it’s much easier to find in stores these days. Jacques begins with a step-by-step demonstration of Venison Steaks in Sweet-Sour Sauce. It’s a simple recipe using cupboard staples to great effect. Next, his Skillet Duck with Red Oak Salad is a simple and delicious way to serve duck. Finally he reveals a rabbit and separates out the saddle to roast and makes a stew with the rest in Sautèed Rabbit with Morels and Pearl Onions. It’s really two recipes in one.

Venison Steaks in Sweet-Sour Sauce

Venison is traditionally served with a sweet-sour sauce. This one contains currant or raspberry jelly for sweetness and vinegar — cooked with shallots and added at the end — for a contrasting sour taste.

Sautèed Rabbit with Morels and Pearl Onions

This stew is made with the rabbit’s front and back legs and rib cage. The saddle (the whole back) is roasted, cooking in less time than the stew and staying moist and flavorful.

Skillet Duck with Red Oak Salad

Easy and delicious, this duck is cooked in much the same way as Southern fried chicken — fried in its own fat in a covered pot so steam develops,