The story of this cookbook begins with Ellena Conway, co-founder, with her husband Mike, of Latah Creek Wine Cellars. Ellena’s wine pairings and cooking demonstrations have been a tradition at the winery since the beginning, and play a large role in the winery’s wonderful customer following.

Ellena’s cooking debut began with her first dinner of tuna noodle casserole with mushy peas. Needless to say, she has come a long way since being a nineteen–year–old newlywed. Ellena’s interest in food and cooking developed during her and Mike’s stay in Turkey for much of his four years in the Air Force. In fact, several of the recipes included in this cookbook are from meals she experienced there. Since then she has been passionately working in the kitchen, loving every minute. Included in this cookbook are generations–old family recipes, re–creations of recipes from her many trips abroad, and favorites shared by friends.

“I love cooking for people—for our customers, for family and for friends. It’s what inspired me to start collecting recipes and sharing them with our extended Latah Creek family. Three cookbooks later, all complete with a lifetime of recipes and experiences. I’m Italian at heart and my heart is in each of these recipes. We hope this cookbook inspires you to try something new that’s out of your comfort zone. My favorite pairings are the unexpected ones.”