Jacques Pepin's: Summertime Celebration

Connecticut-based French chef Jacques Pepin pays homage to the culinary traditions of his native and adopted lands with a lavish Franco-American feast perfect for summer celebrations such as the 4th of July and Bastille Day. Pepin's sophisticated menu includes whole poached salmon with mousseline sauce, rillettes of rabbit, potato and corn packages, and grilled shoulder of veal with lemon-herb butter, all accompanied by crisp white wine and crusty country bread. Two desserts--traditional chocolate mousse and a sponge cake laced with berries, brandy, and custard sauce--offer satisfyingly sweet conclusions to a meal that marries the very best of French and American cuisines.