The mere mention of Jacques Pépin's name often brings forth outpourings of affectionate recollections of his many popular television shows, the clarity of his instruction across a wide range of cookbooks, and the charming ease with which he conveys his deep knowledge.

This handsome book, illustrated by Jacques' own colorful and playful paintings of chickens, is part memoir, part cookbook in which stories are interspersed with recipes, most of which are conveyed conversationally, the way Jacques might explain them to you if you asked him after dinner how he had prepared that delicious dish. This style allows him to tell stories about everyone from his mother and his late wife Gloria to Danny Kaye, Pierre Franey, and Julia Child.

Captivating and heartwarming.

Hardcover. Color illustrations throughout.