The Ann Arbor Library does a terrific job at having programs. Tonight I went to the Multi-Purpose Room in the basement of the downtown library for Just Desserts with Chef Isabella Nicoletti. Chef Isabella cooks at Paesano’s on Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor. She is Italian and has been in the USA for about 14 years. When she came to the US she “no speaka da English”.
Tonight she did a great job, speaking in front of about 100 people, taking questions and feeding all of us three different desserts. First was a chocolate mousse. I think I liked the brownie part of it better than the actual mousse. It was delicious. Next was a Ginger Ricotta Semifreddo. The first serving was made a couple of days ago and served to the audience while she demonstrated making it. She invited us all up for a second serving. I liked her fresh made much better. The ginger was non-existent in the first one. Her fresh made was much better with a stronger ginger flavor. The last was a Zaletti Cookie – a biscotti kind of treat that was like most biscotti you’ve had.
The other thing I liked was that the recipes were on the chairs when we walked in. So, we got to taste test and have the recipe, which is a bonus. Out of the three, the Ginger Ricotta Semifreddo has the least amount of work for the payoff, and it’s something I would actually make.
Chef Isabella has just come out with a cookbook and there were obviously some of her fans in the audience. The cookbook is something she’s proud of – a major accomplishment for her – with recipes from Italy, her childhood, and Paesano’s. She has a seasonal menu at Paesano’s, changing four times of the year with the seasons, using local ingredients when she can. She likes to cook rustic, peasant food that reminds her of her childhood.
It was a fun evening … and a tasty one too!