A few weeks ago, I took another trip to Fernandina Beach, Florida. This time with my friend and walking partner, Barbara. The historic district was dressed for fall, the temps cooler. A calm ambiance prevailed on Centre Street until we approached The Book Loft where chef Jacques PΓ©pin was appearing for a book signing. Long before 11:00 when the event was to begin, book lovers jammed the small store. Others thronged the entrance, waiting to get in line.
Jacques has a home in Fernandina Beach and has appeared at The Book Loft before, but this time his new book was making a dΓ©but: Jacques PΓ©pin: Quick and Simple. This book was sold out at an event the night before, so I bought this title instead, autographed by the chef himself.
Jacques, who has created his own ink-drawn illustrations in this delightful ccokbook, shares the spotlight with his grand-daughter Shorey.
Shorey
Shorey has been cooking with her grandfather since she is six years old, standing on an upside-down cardboard box to reach the counter.
When she was about two years old, I [grandfather Jacques] asked Shorey if she likes blueberries. She responded, βOh, yes, I love blueberries. They have a lot of antioxidants in them.β I barely knew the word!β he remarks. Jacques admits his grand-daughter has a kind disposition, but she also notices her grandpaβs shortcomings and comments when he talks with his mouth full, puts his elbows on the table, or slouches at the table.
Shorey Speaks
“The best meal Iβve ever had happens almost every day. A homemade meal with fresh organic ingredients shared by family and friends.β
“I like to cook with Papi because I enjoy learning about his life and listening to his stories.β
“The most fun thing about cooking is definitely eating.”
“The biggest difference between cooking with my mom, daddy, and grandfather Β is the conversation. With my mom, I talk about life and my goals. My dad and I talk about things in the news especially if they relate to math and science. My grandpa and I like to discuss schoolβand food!”
Shorey remarks: I donβt often cook with my grandma because we usually go out for Chinese food so there is no cleanup. (Smart lady!)
Shorey’s ChatΒ reminded me of fun in the kitchen with my own granddaughter. Once we made a Rainbow Cake.
Another time we had a Lemony Tea Party.
Recipes I Tried from this Cookbook
Jacques’ Salmon for Grandma, a fish dish marinated in these ingredients
Beet and Apple Salad
The beet and apple salad was simple to make. I had all the ingredients except fresh dill and sour cream, which was left out of the photo.
The dish can be served with or without lettuce.
Paging through the cookbook, I made other discoveries: A recipe for fried green tomatoes, which surprised me. What didn’t surprise me was the section “Decorating for Fun.”
Because, after all, why cook with GrandpΓ¨re if itβs not fun
. . . unless, of course, your grandfather is Jacques Pepin!
Other Fun Dishes!
Curly hot dog with relish on a hamburger bun
Chicken Salad, food art
You can find videos of these recipes here: www.surlatable.com/jacquespepin
The Book Loft sponsored this fall event. You’ll possibly meet two Cathys, a Rita, Dan, or perhaps Sue, when you visit. The bookstore, featuring best-seller and local authors, invites you to browse and buy from an independent bookstore.
Good morning, Marian! It sounds like a fun–and delicious day!
I cooked with my children. We still talk about the kitchen and children covered in flour. And daughter and I always–except last year–fry latkes together at Hanukkah.
I know you do, Merril. You kitchen is brimful of creativity: yummy dishes, and powerful prose and poetry. Of course, I’m not surprised that you and your children cooked together. Thanks for starting the conversation, as usual! π
Thanks for taking us along on this fun outing, Marian. I might need to try that design with my hard-boiled eggs tomorrow morning. π
Well, Jill, the eggs will provide protein and the decoration–another creative outlet. Thanks for commenting during your busy book launch. π
How exciting, Marian! Someday I’d love to attend this type of bookstore event. Thanks for sharing the story of Jacques and his granddaughter. Have fun with the recipes π
Meeting Jacques and seeing the simple recipes in his cookbook inspired me to try the two you see pictured here. Thanks, Barbara! π
Enjoyed reading this very much, Marian. Thank you for sharing.
You are very welcome. It’s good to see you here again, Jack! π
I love the photo of you and Jacques Pepin! The beet and apple salad looks really good.
Liz, if you have beets and apples in the house, it’s super easy and very nutritious too. π
I like the sound of super easy! (I’ll just tune out my husband’s comments about food that tastes like dirt.)
Ha Ha!
π
Oh my word. I shouldn’t have read your blog before breakfast!!! I’m sooooo hungry now!!!!
You meet the most interesting people, Marian! How wonderful!. I love salmon so everything looks so good.
I’m replying here before lunch, and the comments about food will have me eating earlier than usual. I’m glad you enjoyed this, L. Marie. π
Thank you, Marian for this delightful blog post! Shorey reminds me of my own granddaughtersβinquisitive, intelligent, frank, realistic and loving! They have that same relationship with their βOpaβ. I love the bookmark at the end and Iβm looking forward to cracking open several books Iβm getting for Christmas (hubby canβt keep secrets, and Amazon comes to the door)! Iβm also gifting my grandchildren with books, one of them my own memoir up to age 13. A book request from our youngest granddaughter (13) is βThe Girl Who Drank the Moonβ by Kelly Barnhill. The title and cover intrigued me and I got hookedβitβs an excellent read!
First of all, congrats on being able to gift your grandchildren carefully written words about your life till age 13, what a treasure! I had to chuckle at your snooping into the book gifts. The Kelly Barnhill book intrigues me too. Thanks for a book-filled comment here. Always enjoyable, Elfrieda.
What a fun event and a great cookbook. There is something about cooking with grandparents. I cooked with my grandmother and my kids cooked with my mom. Fond memories for all of us.
I think it’s the warmth of the kitchen that makes the generations passing along friendship and recipes so fulfilling. As you may recall, I wrote about Grandma L. and me making potpie together. I can still recall all the scents and tastes. Thanks for checking in today, Darlene! π
Love The Book Loft. I was last there for Marie Bostwick’s latest release. Fernandina is a quaint, cozy seaside village loaded with historical sights and fun boat tours. Great place to release a cook book with all the good restaurants around. Hope you will take it in next time you are in north Florida. Thanks for taking us along with you on your visit Marian. Great pic of you and Jacques, beautiful granddaughter.
Carolyn, I’m sharing this post with Cathy, who manages The Book Loft. She will smile to hear of your patronage. This indie book store made a killing on Jacques Pepin day, but usually it’s a struggle to compete with Amazon. Thanks for your supporting my blog with a comment, once again! π
Marian β It looks like you had a wonderful (delicious!) time at the book signing event.
I’m content to be sous-chef to head chef Len in our kitchen.
Laurie, you can tell Len there is no greater service to a writer than to prepare meals on the stove, so that she can keep the writing “fires” burning in her head.
Everything looks delicious! I’m certain I wouldn’t have the patience to carve fruit into animals though. I baked with my kids when they were little, but they never took much of an interest. Occasionally I get calls from Big Guy asking questions about timing or spices, or they hang around and watch while I make homemade candy or pasta. It would be wonderful to share some family recipes. I wish I had caught the cooking bug when my grandmothers were still alive. My Mom never did catch it. lol
Along with your zest for tea, you too like and prepare good food, especially desserts. I wonder if you find that cooking & baking is a relaxing break from writing.
Thanks for adding to the conversation here, Jenn! π
LOL I’m ot sure how relaxing baking is sometimes…but they say tears are cathartic. π
Very true, Jenn!
Sounds like it was a wonderful time. He is an amazing chef and it sounds like Shorey will become one too!
Joan, you probably remember the days when Julia (Child) and Jacques cooked together. I’ll bet he enjoys being in the kitchen with Shorey even more because he’s passing on his legacy. In his mid-eighties, he probably has big plans for her carrying on the tradition. The book came out 4-5 years ago, so she’s probably in college by now, maybe even culinary school. π
I too love the picture of you and Jacques together, Marian. My granddaughter Lydia could recognize the cover of the Jacques Pepin cookbook and say “Jacques!” before she say many other words. Our son has taken several cooking classes with Jacques in NYC. And I have the cookbook with Shorey purchased on Kindle when it was on sale a few weeks ago. I thought my granddaughter would like the idea of those curly hotdogs, but she opted for a plain dog on a hotdog bun instead. She loves salmon, however, so maybe I’ll try that one. I’ll have to wait a while before the beets and apples salad, however. π
Just read a description for a child your Book Loft owner might like: “Mama, I want to go to the kind of library where you get to keep the books forever!
Shirley, I’d say your comment is “Jacques over the Top!” And why not? You probably remember PBS broadcasts with Julia Child and Jacques, she eccentric and excitable and he, methodical and modest. A great duo.
Thank you too for your quote about bookstores from a child’s point of view. I’m thinking Lydia would enjoy this post. As always, thank you!
How fantastic! I am a great believer in getting children involved in cooking from an early age. Like reading, it’s a passion that will stay with you forever.
Your recipes look delicious too! π
Reading well and eating healthy, are both positive passions. It’s good to see you here and read your comment, Fatima. Thank you! π
This draws me into wanting to getting back into cooking more for the blog and sharing recipes–I just paged through a stack in one cupboard, many one-off’s I’ve made, I need to try again. I recently met my cousin’s wife–I haven’t known her well, but after staying at her house before she and her husband left on a trip, she showed me the stacks of recipes she has waiting to try, and that she NEVER (or I’m guess rarely) repeats a recipe she’s tried. She says there are too many others she wants to try. Her kitchen and her storage was amazing and she needs to write a cookbook too, I think. An awesome cook. I love your post and the photos! Blessings.
You sound fired up to warm your kitchen with recipes both old and new. You have an amazing list of cookbooks to your credit. Unlike your friend, I will try a recipe twice if I (and my husband) like it well enough.
Thanks for checking in with such an enthusiastic response, Melodie. Thank you! π
Really enjoyed reliving the day through your blog post!! It was so memorable and I’m so glad that we had the adventure!!
Barbara
Barbara, thank you for initiating this trip and driving to and fro. See what a chain reaction you inspired here. I wonder if you tried any of the recipes.
Again, thanks! π
Thank you for sharing your fun day , Marian it looks as if a wonderful time was had by all … apples and beets sounds delicious…:)
“Cook” is practically your middle name. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Apples and beets together tasted wonderful and is highly nutritious, an added bonus. Thanks, Carol!
How lovely to have such an artistic and interesting grandfather, Marian. My dad is so funny, he will always complain about every meal that is not roasted meat and potatoes. He doesn’t like wine or garlic in food. It isn’t easy to cook for him.
Apparently your dad would not be interested in French cooking. Ha Ha! Thanks for tuning in today, Robbie!
Aw! How lovely was that feature. I love a cook book Marian . I always treat myself to one every Christmas , and over the holiday, read it from cover to cover , with this year being no exception , I have the new Rachel Allen book in mind .
When our son Cameron was little we used to cook together and it was always a joy . We had a language whilst cooking like no other time , just like Shorey and her Grandfather.
Now Cameron cooks all the food in his own house , in fact , his best friend only rang him the other day to ask his advice on cooking Italian meatballs because he was about to propose to his girlfriend and he wanted to surprise her with her favourite meal.
Food the language of love β€οΈ .
Cherryx
Yes, indeedy, food IS the language of love. You’ve passed on the warmth of hearth and heart to your dear Cameron. I hope he is doing well in his first year of marriage, usually a tough one. At least you know he is caring about the food aspect of his friend’s romance and proposal. So very sweet.
I love it, Cherry, Thanks! oxo
I love that grandfather and granddaughter have found a common interest to share. While the activity is important I’m sure what makes it all the more special with whom they’re sharing it.
You hit the nail on the head. Shorey looks charming and full of energy, just what she needs to carry on Jacques legacy. Thanks for tuning in again, Pete! π
What a fun event to happen upon, Marian. Wow, he ran out of one of his books the first nightβ¦ We can only dream about that. π So, I guess Iβm supposed to know who Jacques is? I really am clueless when it comes to authors and icons! The only Jacques I know if my dad.
This relationship between grandpa and granddaughter is heart-warming and precious. I love how Shorey differentiates her cooking partners by the topics they talk about. And, of course, she couldnβt be more right with βThe most fun thing about cooking is definitely eating.β I really like the last quote of your blog too! I might βstealβ that for some Christmas book promo. π
Liesbet, Jacques is in his mid-eighties and in his heyday when you were a tot. Chef Jacques is a “French-born American chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist.” Since the late 1980s, he has authored over 30 cookbooks, some of which have become best sellers. He doesn’t act this age, which only adds to his charm.
The quote is well-known. I don’t think “stealing” it would be considered theft. Thanks for tuning in and for reminding me that your dad’s name is also Jacques. π
Delightful, Marian! Thanks so much for sharing. FOOD, FAMILY & FUN–a great combination for us all!
I know you pair writing and cooking. Probably baking too. I imagine your kitchen is warm with some pastries or cookies baking these days. Thanks for reading and commenting today, Bette! π
What a fun post Marian, and a great story. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful display of food carving artwork. Hugs <3
Dear Debby, for some reason I had to “approve” your reply here. WP gremlins? How odd, since we’ve been friends for years and years. Nevertheless, I’m glad you enjoyed the food pics. π
Lol, well, thanks for approving me. I think it’s because I’m on the new blog platform so it didn’t recognize I was already following you. But yes – gremlins still do pop their heads up LOL. But I’m here! <3
Jacque Pepin is one of my favorites and I love that he wrote this book. What a treat it must have been to meet him.
What a pleasure to meet you, Bernadette. I see you found me through Carol and Sally’s posting of English trifles. It was a treat to meet Pepin and I found him both humble and authentic, something to say of a chef who’s become a legend in his lifetime.
I’m enjoying Mary Berry’s tour of British castles on the Acorn channel, recipes included. You may have seen her on British cooking shows too. Now she’s on Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets: https://acorn.tv/maryberry?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20211208_WatchGuide_NAM/
Again, welcome. I hope you visit again soon! π
Isn’t this about the coolest thing ever! I like Jacques Pepin, but didn’t know about Shorey who sounds like a delight. Love the bit about going out for Chinese because of easy clean-up. And the decorating for fun calls to me. Tonight there’ll be a cute lemon overseeing our salmon dinner. Wonder if my husband will notice?
Shorey is sure to carry on her grandfather’s legacy. She’s got moxie, for sure!
I like Chinese and it’s almost aways takeout. By the way, even if your husband doesn’t notice, you’ll thrill over the cute cut of lemon. But, of course! π
I apologize that I’m late to the party, my son came in for a visit. π Wow, you were with cooking royalty Marian! That must have been a fun day. As soon as I started reading about a grandfather and granddaughter, I thought back to my own teen years with my grandfather. We didn’t cook, we gardened. I helped him with the weeding and some planting when he tired. Then, he would pull up his old patio chair and sit with me and talk. It was special. In fact, I ended up naming my son after my grandfather because I felt so close to him. Thanks for bringing that memory back!
I just love it when a post evokes a fond memory. Your grandfather was indeed special, especially if you named your son after him. It strikes me that the freshest foods begin in a country garden, the way many of Jacques recipes begin.
Thanks for reading, Melanie. No need to apologize. I always leave the light on my my blog, day or night. I hope you enjoyed your son’s visit, definitely a priority. π