Editor’s Note: Congratulations go out to owners Ted and Chef Franco for Paravicini’s being selected “Best Of” Italian restaurant in GO magazine’s “Best Of” recent issue. Not only were they selected #1 with the staff of GO, but also were garnered that #1 spot by the readers. By the way, their Lobster Bisque Cappuccino soup is excellent…Steve Mayne 

Chef Franco

Chef Franco, brings the best of Italy to the Springs community. From a very early age, Franco was helping at the family’s Italian pastry shop. It was his job to cook the pizzas, and he has never stopped cooking.

In this exciting cookbook, Chef Franco shares stories of his family and traditions. The recipes, preceded with personal stories, have been the cornerstone of his family traditions for many years.

In this book you will learn the art of Italian cooking and the meaning of creating food with a passion. You will find everything from Authentic Italian Dishes to Cookies to cooking tips. Pass by the restaurant, enjoy a wonderful dining experience, then take part of it home for you to create your own traditions with your family.

Chef’s Favorites

“Quick and easy, that’s my style when it comes to cooking at home. I don’t like to spend a lot of time when prepping for entrees especially after a day’s work in the office or in the restaurant and I wouldn’t think you’re any different.

So, enjoy the following, they’re quick and easy.”…Chef Franco

Jombot

Ingredients Needed:

·         1 lb Italian sausage

·         4 lbs assorted squish and zucchini cut into cubes

·         ¼ lb green beans

·         1 onion

·         2 garlic cloves

·         ½ lb potatoes diced

·         1/3 cup olive oil

·         salt and pepper

·         4 cups water

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large fry pan. . sauté sausage till browned, Add zucchini, green beans, chopped onions, garlic, potatoes salt and pepper sauté for couple of min then, add water and let simmer 45min or till potatoes are soft.

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients Needed:

·         4 large green bell peppers

·         1.5 lbs meatball mixture

·         3 cups tomato sauce

·         2 cup water

·         parm cheese

Directions:

Remove tops and insides from the peppers stuff the peppers with meatball mix then plate in a casserole dish cover with sauce and water simmer in a 350 oven for 45 min or internal temp of 160 remove from oven pace on a plate and sprinkle with cheese

Tortellini Rosa with Shrimp

 Ingredients Needed:

·         1lb bag tortellini pasta

·         ½ lb butter

·         1 bunch green onions

·         ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

·         1 pint heavy cream

·         1 cup tomato sauce

·         ½ lb shrimp

·         salt and white pepper to taste

·         1tbs garlic

Directions:

1.) In a sauce pan sauté shrimp and green onions and garlic then add cream bring to a boil then reduce heat, then add tomato sauce, and butter let reduce. 2.) Bring a pot of water to a boil then drop in tortellini cook 5 min then drain the pasta and add to the sauce. 3.) Then mix in cheese and salt and pepper. 

Tucson Salmon

Ingredients Needed:

·         1 6 oz salmon filet

·         1 tbl garlic,

·         1 oz sun dried tomatoes

·         1 oz artichoke hearts

·         4 fl oz heavy cream

·         2 oz wine

·         1oz butter

·         Olive oil

·         Salt pepper

·         Flour

Directions:

1.) Heat oil in pan. Coat salmon with flour place salmon in hot oil sautee on both sides till golden brown then add garlic, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and mushrooms deglaze with white wine add cream and butter reduce salt and pepper finish with butter.

Mixed Berries Marscarpone

Ingredients Needed:

·         ½ lb marscarpone cheese

·         ½ cup sugar

·         2 oz tuaca

·         1 LB mixed seasonal berries

Directions:

1.) In a bowl mix marscarpone sugar and tuaca wash berries place in a bowl and top with marscarpone.

For locations, reservations, and catering…

·         Palmer Lake 75 Hwy 105, 481-2222

·         Old Colorado City 2802 W. Colorado, 471-8200

·         Web: www.paravicinis.com