Essential Pepin

Jacques likes to celebrate his international roots when his daughter Claudine and granddaughter Shorey visit. Grilled Leg of Lamb reflects his time in the U.S., and Pork Loin Tournedos with Cream and Calvados represents his French heritage. Puerto Rican Pork and Beans honors his wife Gloria’s family, and Jacques ends the show with a stew that his mother used to make, Lamb Navarin.

Guest chef Roland Passot of La Folie Restaurant in San Francisco joins Jacques to taste Endive with Olives. He then prepares a hearty bowl of Stewed Navy Beans followed by a Gratin of Leeks before Roland joins him again to make the Classic Ratatouille and a country dish of Tomatoes Maison.

Jacques’ Good Lady Apples Bon Femme recipe satisfies all apple cravings with maple-sweetened fruit. Then Jacques adds basil leaves to a Stew of Red Summer Fruit to make a deliciously flavorful, fragrant dessert. He also prepares two more simple and tasty dishes: Braised Pears in a Caramel Sauce and Flambeed Bananas. Apples return as the main ingredient for the final dish of Apple Fritters.

There are times when Jacques craves a good steak, so he cooks a perfect Grilled Steak with Lemon-Thyme Butter. For large get-togethers or celebrations, Jacques’ Spicy Rib Roast packs a tangy rub and makes an impressive centerpiece. Veal Chops with Caper Sauce uses the under-utilized fresh sage for an herbal note, while Braised Beef in Red Wine becomes a delicious meal from an often-overlooked cut.

Jacques makes Lobster in Artichoke Hearts and then Shrimp Pane on Watercress. Jacques used to make Escoffier Quenelles when working with Pierre Franey at the Le Pavillon in New York and now makes them using a food processor to make light work of the task. Finally, he waxes poetic on the virtues of one of the ugliest fishes in the sea and makes Monkfish Roulade stuffed full of broccoli rabe.

Crepes a la Confiture are a childhood favorite of many French people, including Jacques. Jacques quickly makes the crepe batter in the time that it takes to heat the pan. Then its Orange Souffle Crepes that are baked until puffy and a Baked Alaska that must be served straight from the oven because of the treat’s hidden frozen center. The last recipe is a delicious Apricot and Pistachio Souffle.

Ricotta Dumplings with Red Pepper Sauce are light and fluffy dumplings that make an easy lunch or supper. Eggplant and tomatoes combine to make Macaroni Beaucaire a satisfying meal. Classic Gnocchi Maison give Jacques the chance to share his technique for using a piping bag to shape the mixture. Jacques finishes with his own version of Linguine with Clam Sauce and Vegetables.

Jacques assembles a make-ahead charcuterie favorite, using the oft-forgotten liver in a recipe for Pork Liver Pate. He follows this with a recipe designed to keep winter chills at bay, Roast Sausage with Potatoes. Next is the hearty yet chic dish of Braised Sweetbreads in Mirepoix, it’s full of diced vegetables. Finally, a substantial country recipe for Braised Tongue with Lentils.

Jacques shows chef and restaurant owner Loretta Keller his step-by-step way to the perfect French Fry. He then makes smooth and creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, just like his aunt did years ago. Then another dish from his childhood, Potato Ragout. The refined version of scalloped potatoes, known as Gratin Dauphinoise, is next and finally, a French classic, Cream Puff Potatoes.

Jacques shares an American favorite – Cheesecake with Apricot-Blueberry Sauce. Jacques also prepares the classic and creamy Flan a la Vanille with Caramel-Cognac Sauce and a simple but decadent Chocolate Mousse. Finally, he makes a creamy and delicious Bread and Butter Pudding.

Jacques creates simple recipes to tempt even the most reluctant veggie-eater. He begins by sharing Ragout of Asparagus, then features two gratins -- a Zucchini and Tomato Gratin and a creamy Cauliflower Gratin. Plus, Artichoke Hearts Helen and a simple Corn Tempura that can be served alone or topped with smoked salmon (or even caviar).

Jacques prepares Cured Salmon in Molasses, followed by Tuna Steaks with Tapenade Coating and Tuna Tartare on Marinated Cucumbers -- two different preparations of the same fish. He also demonstrates a quick and easy Tuna Carpaccio and Poached Salmon in Ravigote Sauce. Then, utilizing skate, Jacques makes Ray Meuniere with Mushrooms.