Author Maria Isabella to Speak at Shaker Library

Editor's Note: This post was submitted to Shaker Heights Patch by the Shaker Heights Library. Visit the website for more on this event.

Meet Maria Isabella, author of In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 12 at the Main Library, 16500 Van Aken Boulevard.

Isabella is an award-winning freelance writer and published author with more than 30 years’ creative experience in the advertising, marketing, and publishing fields. She has a degree in Communication from Cleveland State University and is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the James Beard Foundation, and Les Dames d’Escoffier. Maria is also a cooking instructor and contributes as a focus group member and recipe tester for Bon Appétit, Zagat, America’s Test Kitchen, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and General Mills.

In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs takes readers into the private kitchens of 35 local culinary greats to discover what’s really cooking. Food enthusiast Maria Isabella asked each chef to submit a recipe that could be prepared in one hour or less for last-minute entertaining. The recipes are as varied as the chefs, who represent an array of gastronomic talent – from celebrity chefs, restaurant chef/owners, and institutional chefs, to caterers, cooking instructors, and researchers. Each chef shared detailed recipes for delicious signature meals that can be prepared quickly and easily at home – 119 recipes, including a range of meat, fish, and vegetarian choices to tempt every palate, including helpful wine pairings. Accompanying each recipe are full-color photographs featuring the chefs and their culinary masterpieces. Isabella’s profiles of each chef offer insights into everything from personal life stories to tips for successful last-minute entertaining.

The book lets readers mix and match the recipes to create their own customized menus. For a delicious appetizer, start with Jonathon Sawyer’s Devils on Horseback or Eric Williams’s "Guacamole Tradicional," followed by Michael Symon’s Roasted Rack of Pork with Pumpkin Puree & Cilantro Salad or Dante Boccuzzi’s Mustard-Crusted Lamb Cutlets with Garbanzo Beans & Frisée for the entrée. Decadent dessert options include Jonathan Bennett’s Gingered Apple Tarte Tatin, Zachary Bruell’s Greek Yogurt with Berries & Honey, or Karen Small’s Fig Scones.

Filled with informative tips and clear step-by-step instructions using local ingredients and familiar techniques, In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs gives busy home cooks and foodies alike the tools and confidence they need to entertain just like the pros.

Following her program, books will be available for sale and signing.