Maria Isabella, author of In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs, will speak at 7 PM Wednesday, December 12 at Shaker Library, located at 16500 Van Aken Boulevard.

Maria Isabella is an award-winning freelance writer and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the James Beard Foundation, and Les Dames d’Escoffier. She 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.

Her book takes readers into the private kitchens of 35 local culinary greats to discover what’s really cooking. Isabella asked each chef to submit a recipe that could be prepared in one hour or less for last-minute entertaining. Each chef shared recipes for meals that can be prepared quickly and easily at home. 

A total of 119 recipes include a range of meat, fish, and vegetarian choices to tempt every palate. Accompanying each recipe are full-color photographs featuring the chefs and their culinary masterpieces. 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, the book will be available for sale and signing. Reserve your place online.