Cuisine De Ma Cherie

Jacques cooks down memory lane, sharing anecdotes from his childhood along the way. First, there's a quick tutorial on how to skin a salami. Next, a classic dumpling dish renowned in Lyon, France, follows as Jacques recreates his family's recipe of ricotta quenelles, poached to perfection. He goes on to show off more of his knife skills, filleting a whole fish in preparation for flounder with lemon butter. Then another family favorite: Jacques simmers a satisfying saute of rabbit with mushrooms and cream.

It's a family reunion as Jacques' daughter Claudine lends a helping hand in the kitchen. Together they sip wine, reminiscence and cook some of Claudine's favorite duck recipes, including duck liver mousse with apples and sauteed duck breast with arugula salad and cracklings. Claudine and Jacques share the cutting board to chop up duck skin and whisk up a vinaigrette for this delectable dish. Granddaughter Shorey joins in the fun as she and her beloved Papi whip up a zesty batch of lemon mousseline before sitting down to enjoy this family feast at the dining room table.

Jacques demonstrates how home cooking using quality ingredients doesn't have to break the bank! This style of cooking, learned from his mother, brings together inexpensive ingredients that inspire creative dishes. Black lentil salad with eggs includes a lesson on how to properly boil an egg every time. Jacques adds fresh vegetables to the hearty dish of pork neck and bean fricassee. Then spinach and ricotta lasagna follows as a low-cost classic comfort dish that Jacques pairs with a bold yet budget-friendly red wine.