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Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple
250 of master chef Jacques Pépin's classic and timeless recipes for unexpectedly polished and satisfying meals with minimal prep and cleanup
You don't need a kitchen brigade, decades-honed skills, or expensive ingredients to cook and eat like master chef Jacques Pépin. Just like the rest of us, he doesn't always have as much time or energy as he'd like to put together a satisfying meal. So, he came up with Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple, 250 recipes for surprisingly achievable, impressive fare. Covering homemade staples and every course, with tips for kitchen tools and equipment, pantry staples, and techniques to simplify and improve every dish you make, this foundational, classic collection is essential for every busy home cook who refuses to eat poorly. Dine on the Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce that Jacques is proud to serve, prepared in under an hour. Or, for healthier fare, Suprêmes of Chicken with Paprika comes together in under thirty minutes. Originally published as The Short-Cut Cook, this revised edition is a testament to Jacques' timeless food and advice, and now includes beautiful photographs.
You don't need a kitchen brigade, decades-honed skills, or expensive ingredients to cook and eat like master chef Jacques Pépin. Just like the rest of us, he doesn't always have as much time or energy as he'd like to put together a satisfying meal. So, he came up with Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple, 250 recipes for surprisingly achievable, impressive fare. Covering homemade staples and every course, with tips for kitchen tools and equipment, pantry staples, and techniques to simplify and improve every dish you make, this foundational, classic collection is essential for every busy home cook who refuses to eat poorly. Dine on the Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce that Jacques is proud to serve, prepared in under an hour. Or, for healthier fare, Suprêmes of Chicken with Paprika comes together in under thirty minutes. Originally published as The Short-Cut Cook, this revised edition is a testament to Jacques' timeless food and advice, and now includes beautiful photographs.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
346 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Jacques Pépin
83 books227 followersLibrarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. For the epidemiologist, see Jacques Pepin.
Jacques Pépin (born December 18, 1935) is a French-born American chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist. Since the late 1980s, he has appeared on American television and has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine and other publications. He has authored over 30 cookbooks, some of which have become best sellers. Pépin was a longtime friend of the American chef Julia Child, and their 1999 PBS series Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home won a Daytime Emmy Award. He has been honored with 24 James Beard Foundation Awards, five honorary doctoral degrees, the American Public Television’s lifetime achievement award, the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019 and the Légion d'honneur, France's highest order of merit in 2004. --Wikipedia
Jacques Pépin (born December 18, 1935) is a French-born American chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist. Since the late 1980s, he has appeared on American television and has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine and other publications. He has authored over 30 cookbooks, some of which have become best sellers. Pépin was a longtime friend of the American chef Julia Child, and their 1999 PBS series Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home won a Daytime Emmy Award. He has been honored with 24 James Beard Foundation Awards, five honorary doctoral degrees, the American Public Television’s lifetime achievement award, the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019 and the Légion d'honneur, France's highest order of merit in 2004. --Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 18, 2020
Jacques Pépin's facebook videos have been one of the high points of the day during the Pandemic: what he does is cooks with what's in his kitchen, and he keeps it simple and relatively quick meals. His videos -- which accompany the recipes in this volume -- show the reader (viewer) that anyone can go in the kitchen and recreate his recipes. He writes as he speaks.
In his Introduction, Jacques Pépin states that what he's doing is going to a normal supermarket (Kroger! Meijer! Giant Eagle!) and using canned beans or sliced mushrooms right off the shelves -- so these meals DON'T have to cost an arm-and-a-leg!
Definitely worth a look, if you're interested in cooking! And I strongly recommend his facebook videos!
In his Introduction, Jacques Pépin states that what he's doing is going to a normal supermarket (Kroger! Meijer! Giant Eagle!) and using canned beans or sliced mushrooms right off the shelves -- so these meals DON'T have to cost an arm-and-a-leg!
Definitely worth a look, if you're interested in cooking! And I strongly recommend his facebook videos!
February 13, 2023
The shellfish section was particularly good.
February 12, 2023
So far I've only made one recipe out of it, but it was indeed both quick and simple and was extremely tasty (and not something I would have likely hit upon throwing together on my own). There are a lot more recipes in here I'm inclined to try.
While not all of the ingredients called for are in every grocery store around me, they almost all are available from the slightly fancier grocery stores in my area (and usually not prohibitively expensive ingredients, either).
So, the combination of recipes I want to make, using methods and ingredients I consider feasible, and with instructions that aren't (for me) too challenging to follow means a good cookbook, as far as I'm concerned.
While not all of the ingredients called for are in every grocery store around me, they almost all are available from the slightly fancier grocery stores in my area (and usually not prohibitively expensive ingredients, either).
So, the combination of recipes I want to make, using methods and ingredients I consider feasible, and with instructions that aren't (for me) too challenging to follow means a good cookbook, as far as I'm concerned.
February 7, 2021
I have been loving Pepin's quick and simple Facebook videos, but this book just fell flat for me. I found most of the recipes to be dated or uninspired (even the photography seemed old fashioned), but Pepin is popular for a reason and this cookbook is a decent one for the shelves of home chefs.
March 7, 2023
4.5 stars! Jacques, as always, is an incredible chef. I really appreciate him creating a down-to-earth cookbook full of meals that are easy to make.
Most of the recipes I've tried in this cookbook have been amazing, but a few feel as though they are okay at best (looking at you, pumpkin soup recipe). I feel as though you should be fairly familiar with cooking to really utilize this book. It's still pretty beginner friendly imo, but not "I cook twice a year" friendly. I feel as though the to-the-point directions allow room for error. The ingredients he asks for are usually fairly accessible, and while not always kept in the american pantry, if you start keeping some of those ingredients on-hand, you'll see them pop up a lot more both in this book, as well as his other books. Because of that, I'd say that the meals in this book are fairly cheap if you cook ffom it often.
Most of the recipes I've tried in this cookbook have been amazing, but a few feel as though they are okay at best (looking at you, pumpkin soup recipe). I feel as though you should be fairly familiar with cooking to really utilize this book. It's still pretty beginner friendly imo, but not "I cook twice a year" friendly. I feel as though the to-the-point directions allow room for error. The ingredients he asks for are usually fairly accessible, and while not always kept in the american pantry, if you start keeping some of those ingredients on-hand, you'll see them pop up a lot more both in this book, as well as his other books. Because of that, I'd say that the meals in this book are fairly cheap if you cook ffom it often.
May 11, 2021
I bought this book for the Instant Chocolate Mousse recipe alone and am happy to say that it was worth it. This book is filled with delicious recipes that are exactly as promised - quick and simple. It has a little of everything and seemed to be particularly heavy on seafood recipes.
November 3, 2020
I am not a very experienced cook, and I don’t really enjoy cooking often. It’s a chore for me. I did a cooking class with Jacques and I thoroughly enjoyed cooking the easy recipe he taught. I was excited to receive this cookbook to find more easy recipes, and it didn’t disappoint! Plus, the cookbook itself is beautiful.
March 5, 2022
I read ‘Quick & Simple’ in a day, and made his ‘potatoes persillade’ (pg 176) at the same time :) I really like this book.
I am an experienced home cook, and although I like Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ for a breakdown of classic technique & huge repertoire of recipes, Pepin’s ‘Quick & Simple’ is exactly that - a series of fail-proof recipes for the home cook with tips for saving time & labour. Recipes are not ‘classic French’ but Pepin’s own blend of cultures, with a focus on simple ingredients & techniques.
Highlighting foods & ingredients from various cultures (squid ink, baked beans, lobster, duck, &!Japanese eggplant, etc) recipes are easily adapted to use for other, readily available ingredients, such as swapping chicken for quail in a recipe that features a spicy marinade, or veal or rabbit for other types of meat (because the sauces & meals look fantastic:)
Photos are used to illustrate finished products; not all dishes are shown. One thing I was surprised to find myself enjoying were Pepin’s own paintings and drawings interspersed throughout. They lend a lot to the overall enjoyment of the book :)
Pepin’s comments in the introduction are basically a short course on cooking - how to set up (food & equipment) with the purpose of saving time & effort. This alone is a must read.
I’d give ‘Quick & Simple’ 5 stars if there were more recipes or extensions like ‘Mastering’ but this is a very good, basic cookbook with a clear focus - saving time & effort while still creating excellent food.
Edit- upgraded to 5 stars cuz it’s a simple cookbook & good overview of Pepin’s recipes for the home cook. Read this with his ‘Apprentice’.
I am an experienced home cook, and although I like Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ for a breakdown of classic technique & huge repertoire of recipes, Pepin’s ‘Quick & Simple’ is exactly that - a series of fail-proof recipes for the home cook with tips for saving time & labour. Recipes are not ‘classic French’ but Pepin’s own blend of cultures, with a focus on simple ingredients & techniques.
Highlighting foods & ingredients from various cultures (squid ink, baked beans, lobster, duck, &!Japanese eggplant, etc) recipes are easily adapted to use for other, readily available ingredients, such as swapping chicken for quail in a recipe that features a spicy marinade, or veal or rabbit for other types of meat (because the sauces & meals look fantastic:)
Photos are used to illustrate finished products; not all dishes are shown. One thing I was surprised to find myself enjoying were Pepin’s own paintings and drawings interspersed throughout. They lend a lot to the overall enjoyment of the book :)
Pepin’s comments in the introduction are basically a short course on cooking - how to set up (food & equipment) with the purpose of saving time & effort. This alone is a must read.
I’d give ‘Quick & Simple’ 5 stars if there were more recipes or extensions like ‘Mastering’ but this is a very good, basic cookbook with a clear focus - saving time & effort while still creating excellent food.
Edit- upgraded to 5 stars cuz it’s a simple cookbook & good overview of Pepin’s recipes for the home cook. Read this with his ‘Apprentice’.
October 24, 2007
Jacques Pepin is enormously appealing to me, not only because he's a great cook, but because he seems totally devoid of pretension. Even though it was published in 1990, this book seems like it's from another era, partially because of some of the recipes (Hot Cucumber Relish, Crabmeat Croquettes, Broiled Ham Steaks, Turkey Scaloppini), partially because of the surprising use of sausage, iceburg lettuce, pound cake, and canned fruit in syrup, and partially because of the linguistic oddities found throughout the book (Oriental, fricassee, cutlets, Crisp of Blueberries). But if you can get past these things, there are some great ideas here, and I wonder if some younger chefs don't turn to his recipes, give them a more sophisticated name, and present them as their own.
December 31, 2020
Pepin has a legendary reputation in cooking, especially in his beloved France. This book is surprising in that the recipes seem to be total shortcuts to French cooking. I am thinking that it will appear a bit scandalous to many who have worked to master the art of French cooking! The photos are excellent companions to the recipes.
However, the most appealing aspect of this book is that the art work is done by Pepin himself: beautiful watercolors of landscapes, water, seaside scenes, and full tables. Honestly, it's amazing to look at and I admit I wouldn't mind having one on a wall in my home!
I don't want to try any of the recipes, but the book was a delight to see.
However, the most appealing aspect of this book is that the art work is done by Pepin himself: beautiful watercolors of landscapes, water, seaside scenes, and full tables. Honestly, it's amazing to look at and I admit I wouldn't mind having one on a wall in my home!
I don't want to try any of the recipes, but the book was a delight to see.
February 27, 2023
The recipes in here are very very simple. In fact one recipe is for boiled potatoes. The next one is for boiled potatoes with butter and parsley. However! Boiled potatoes with butter SLAPS. As the kids say. Everything in here is simple and super flavourful. I think this would be the perfect cookbook for anyone who wants to develop their cooking skills with some excellent base recipes. They are good for 1 or 2 people, lots of vegetables and cheaper cuts of meat but in the simplest and tastiest way possible, and it sounds very fancy. I wish I had this book when I first moved out. I'm going to try the braised leeks with Dijon vinaigrette and the artic char with sorrel cream sauce and also the strawberries with pekoe tea for sure.
February 11, 2021
There are a lot of recipes in here, and they are all quick and easy. . . and somewhat elevated. Pepin uses ingredients from regular grocery stores here, to show that there's really no excuse not to cook.
I would have liked more photos, but the recipes are very clear and the ingredients aren't fussy. This is active cooking, but many of these recipes are good enough to serve to company. There were a few things that seems old-fashioned or unnecessary (broiled ham steak?) but overall this is a good resource. The best chapters were vegetables and salads; he also has some good deserts that look like they required more work than they actually did.
I would have liked more photos, but the recipes are very clear and the ingredients aren't fussy. This is active cooking, but many of these recipes are good enough to serve to company. There were a few things that seems old-fashioned or unnecessary (broiled ham steak?) but overall this is a good resource. The best chapters were vegetables and salads; he also has some good deserts that look like they required more work than they actually did.
September 15, 2022
As I read this book I did further research on M. Jacques Pėpin. What an incredible life this gentleman has lived. He was the chef for three French Presidents, including Charles de Gaulle. Turned down JFK’s request to be his personal chef only to go on to be the head of R&D for Howard Johnson’s!
His kind demeanor and easy-to-follow recipes won me over as a fan and he is now my favorite celebrity chef. This book, with simple recipes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, did introduce me to techniques and flavor combinations that I never knew or had imagined.
You’ll find this book easy to read and even easier to cook with. Bon Appetit!
His kind demeanor and easy-to-follow recipes won me over as a fan and he is now my favorite celebrity chef. This book, with simple recipes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, did introduce me to techniques and flavor combinations that I never knew or had imagined.
You’ll find this book easy to read and even easier to cook with. Bon Appetit!
November 27, 2023
For the few Pepin books I have read so far, I haven't been impressed, but this book delivered as it's title promised--quick and simple. You will find yourself wanting to save a variety of recipes for entrees or as simple side dishes. The chapters are broken down into: Appetizers and Salads, Soups, Breads, Pizza and Hot Sandwiches, Pasta and Rice, Legumes and Vegetables, Shellfish and Fish, Eggs, Poultry and Meat and Desserts. Worth your time seeking this book out. Mine was provided through a library system. If it meets your tastes often enough, you may wish to buy it.
December 25, 2020
Of all "celebrity" chefs, Pepin is far and away the best - he is authentic and a fabulous cook. This book's title says it all: the recipes provide quick, simple guides to wonderful food. And the illustrations have all been painted by the multi-talented Pepin. While I have others of his cookbooks, which I read for ideas more than how-to, this one will undoubtedly be used for the latter, because the recipes seem too easy but come out perfectly.
February 14, 2021
A wonderful synopsis of everything Jacques Pepin. I love that his artwork is infused throughout this book, and all of my favorite recipes are mere recommendations. He is a master at creating food from what is on hand, the sign of a truly expert cook. I can't wait to have a go at creating new soups and bread with this encyclopedia of truly quick and simple recipes. If you don't follow his videos on Facebook, I highly recommend them, as well!
March 21, 2021
I don't think it is possible to dislike a cookbook by Jacques Pepin :) This is a lovely book, too. The illustrations and Pepin's voice throughout makes it a delight to read through. At the end of the day, it just wasn't quite simple enough for me to try anything out. It isn't fancy but there are just enough ingredients that are common in his life that aren't in mine, or techniques that aren't quick for someone who doesn't know how to do them (like me!).
November 25, 2020
My days are brightened by Jacques Pépin's latest little cooking videos he started doing on FB during the pandemic. I appreciate all of his kitchen tips, assessable recipes and kind demeanor. Jacques's latest cookbook, Quick & Simple, is wonderful and came with a signed bookplate available on his website. Merci beaucoup!
January 23, 2021
Quick and simple recipes. Miam, Miam. This cookbook is filled with interesting, tasty and simple recipes with beautiful food pictures. The bonus for me was the beautiful artwork that accompanied the different chapters. Relax, read the recipes, and enjoy the beautiful artwork. Jacques Pepin has done it again.
February 1, 2021
I love anything quick and easy. The recipes in this cookbook are simple and quick as stated in the title but make me feel like I've put together an elaborate dinner. I've cooked a couple now and they have turned out great. There are still many to try. I think this will be one to turn to when I'm looking for when I don't have a lot of time or a nice meal when I have come home late from work.
March 8, 2021
I have been a huge fan of Chef Pepin for years and was excited to purchase an autographed copy of this book. Lots of fun and, as the title says, simple recipes. An added bonus is the lovely artwork throughout the book that was painted by Jacques himself. This is a delightful addition to my cookbook collection.
August 21, 2021
It's an excellent selection of recipes in the Jacques Pepin-style. Many of them are simple to prepare; I found a couple of dozen to try. There are many helpful tips throughout, e.g. a common mistake is to overcook fish, chicken and so on. Scattered throughout are wonder examples of his art too. It's worth the price to buy a copy.
November 12, 2020
I love Jacques Pepin’s Facebook videos and his previous books, so it was no surprise to find that I loved this book. I tried several of his vegetable recipes and found them both simple and delicious. I’d like to get the book back again to try some of the recipes from the fish and seafood chapter.
December 14, 2020
I really love this cookbook for so many reasons. Not only are the recipes easy, they are family friendly, entertainment worthy, and delicious. The bonus ... the amazing Pepin original artwork that dots the pages of this cookbook. An equally talented chef and artist.
December 20, 2020
A great cookbook for the cooking fatigued, time constrained, money limited, or just tired cook. So simple, so easy. There's nothing wrong with "cheating" to make these recipes. If Jacques says it's okay, it's okay.
December 6, 2022
Simple but Great
Love Jacques Pepin, I have a couple of his books and have watched him on TV since I was a child. Great cookbook couldn't best the digital price of $2.99. Very easy to follow and simple recipes.
Love Jacques Pepin, I have a couple of his books and have watched him on TV since I was a child. Great cookbook couldn't best the digital price of $2.99. Very easy to follow and simple recipes.
December 19, 2022
Again, Jacques doesn’t disappoint. I’m looking forward to doing most of these dishes starting one tomorrow. I love the way his books leave you feeling like you’ve had a great conversation with a good friend, having said that I wish he had said more about each of the entries.
October 11, 2020
Great cooking ideas without a lot of fuss and shopping
January 10, 2021
I liked this book a lot. I have tried several of the recipes and they were all tasty and reasonably easy.
February 11, 2021
You can tell this is a reworking of an older cookbook, but that doesn't mean it isn't a gem. I appreciated the fruit forward dessert section.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews