Cookbook

Just $35 (plus S&H), Perbacco Isabella is a beautifully illustrated, full-color, coffee table quality cookbook filled with exquisite, seasonal recipes from Chef Isabella.

Each section of the book features recipes based on the seasonal specialties that are native to Italy at that time of year. This includes fresh, locally harvested ingredients, unique presentations and in some cases, a family secret or two. Isabella has borrowed some traditional methods that have been passed down from her mama and nonna (grandmother). The book also illustrates a pictorial flash back to Isabella's childhood growing up in Trissino, a small village dating back to the 14th century, in the Veneto region. "I had so much fun doing this book" say Isabella. "I hope everyone gives these recipes a try. I tried to make them pretty easy to make, and if you can't find everything you need for the recipe, then substitute...it's ok." Isabella is a veteran performer at cooking demonstrations and cooking classes, and has made several appearances on both radio and television. "You won't find many of these recipes in any other Italian cookbooks, these are my creations and all have tested by our Paesano's good customers," says Isabella.

There are many signature dishes represented in the book from rhubarb stuffed chicken rolls, to goat cheese stuffed lamb loin with fig chutney, and autumn grilled marinated duck breast with moscato poached pears and pear chips, to a wintry veal in a puff pastry with cauliflower sauce. There is a wide variety of accompanying sauces, appetizers, seasonal salads and tantalizing dessert recipes. Readers will also enjoy tidbits about the Italian way to prepare risotto, read about the different ways Italians prepare fowl, and where Chef Isabella gets her inspiration. "I tried to give a little story about each recipe," says Isabella. "We do things different in Italy than they do in the States. We don't eat nearly as much chicken and instead, eat more duck, goose, hen, pheasant and turkey. "Chef Isabella has been on a book signing tour and cooking appearance of Michigan, and Ohio since the book came out. View a complete list of events and activities. "We are very proud of our girl, Isabella," says Paesano owner, Michael Roddy. "She is an amazing talent with an electric personality. That is so evident in this cookbook. We are very proud of her and when looking at this cookbook, readers will get a true sense of the Italian Experience, which is what Paesano is all about."