Chef Jacques Pepin: Heart and Soul in the Kitchen

What does Chef Jacques Pepin keep in his pantry? What are his favorite memories of cooking with Julia Child? What food item would Chef Jacques Pepin want if he were stranded on a deserted island? This special kitchen chat with Chef Jacques Pepin marks a poignant milestone in my culinary journey as this legendary chef shares his Heart and Soul in the Kitchen cookbook.

A photo with Chef Jacques Pepin before the Julia Child Foundation Gala at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

A photo with Chef Jacques Pepin before the Julia Child Foundation Gala at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

As you may know, my biggest regret in life is not going into the kitchen with my father to learn how to cook. He was an incredible gourmet home chef and greatly admired Chef Jacques Pepin.  Twenty-five years ago, my dad passed away in Paris while on a business trip. It was just months before my wedding. To honor my father and discover his joy of cooking, I host Kitchen Chat and interview chefs, cookbook authors and foodies who discuss their recipes, tips, taste memories and stories from the heart.

Chef Jacques Pepin is truly a Renaissance Man and a culinary artist. He is a highly acclaimed chef, accomplished cookbook author, professional chef instructor, talented painter, and he has starred in numerous television cooking shows since the 1980s.  In describing his latest cookbook, Chef Pepin says, “This cookbook is not focused on one specific cuisine or area of expertise. It’s more personal and reflects more of my life and what we cook at home.”  This cookbook truly is an invitation to join Chef Pepin for a meal in his home.  And he delightfully illustrates the pages with his own artwork of which proceeds benefit culinary charities.  In March, I attended the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) conference in Washington DC.  Part of the festivities included celebrating Chef Jacques Pepin’s 80th birthday.  I was thrilled to win Chef Daniel Boulud‘s birthday cake for Chef Pepin!  It was delicious!

Chef Daniel Boulud's Birthday Cake for Chef Jacques Pepin at IACP

Chef Daniel Boulud’s Birthday Cake for Chef Jacques Pepin at IACP

And I can personally attest to Chef Pepin’s artistic talent!  He donated limited prints of two of his paintings, and the funds benefit The Culinary Trust.  This special print is displayed in the adjoining sunroom of my kitchen. Here is a link to Chef Jacques Pepin’s Artwork

Chef Jacques Pepin's Artistry. Featured on page 350 of his new cookbook!

Chef Jacques Peptone’s Artistry. Featured on page 350 of his new cookbook!

In this special kitchen chat with Chef Jacques Pepin, I ask him about cooking with Julia Child.  He is the first recipient of the Julia Child Award which honors one individual who has substantially furthered Julia’s passion for improving the way Americans cook, eat and drink. This celebration will take place on October 22nd at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History where of course Julia Child’s actual kitchen is a permanent exhibit.  In fact, Chef Jacques Pepin cooked the final meal in Julia’s kitchen before it was disassembled and brought to Washington D.C.  He shares what was on the menu during our kitchen chat.

Regarding the one food item he would want to bring on a deserted island, he said it would be an egg.  He stresses the importance of cooking with quality eggs as an important ingredient

I hope you enjoy my kitchen chat with Chef Jacques Pepin.  Please continue to visit with me in my virtual kitchen on www.kitchenchat.info.  Please also visit my Facebook page.

Savor the day!

 

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