Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef's Paintings, Stories, and Recipes of the Humble Bird

From legendary chef Jacques Pépin, a book celebrating his lifelong love of chickens, featuring dozens of his celebrated paintings and more than fifty recipes, along with a treasure trove of poignant and often humorous stories

Chicken may not be an extravagant ingredient, but for master chef Jacques Pépin, it is the one he turns to most frequently--to cook and to paint. In this beautifully illustrated book, Pépin reminisces on his life through the lens of the humble bird, from his childhood in rural France, where he chased chickens and watched as his maman turned them into her poulet á la créme, to his demanding apprenticeship and long, illustrious career--cooking Chicken Chasseur for Charles de Gaulle and his family; turning down a chance to work as JFK's White House Chef for a job at Howard Johnson's; and appearing on television alongside food-world luminaries like Julia Child. Throughout are Pépin's favorite chicken and egg recipes, conveyed as if he were sharing them over a dinner table. Most significantly, the book displays dozens of Pépin's stunning paintings of chickens. "If it clucks or scratches, it's likely that Pépin has painted it." This unique book is the next best thing to a visit to Pépin's home, which would include a tour of his art studio, captivating conversation as he cooks, and a toast with a glass of wine over a simple meal of perfect roast chicken.