Ep 6. Italian American Night

In this episode of Everyday Italian, titled "Italian American Night," host Giada De Laurentiis explores the rich history of Italian-American cuisine and prepares some classic comfort dishes with her own twist.

Giada begins by explaining the influence of Italian immigrants on American cuisine, from the creation of pizza to the popularity of meatballs and spaghetti. She then sets out to put her own spin on three classic Italian-American dishes: baked ziti, meatball sliders, and cannoli.

First up is baked ziti, a hearty and cheesy pasta dish that is a staple in many Italian-American households. Giada starts by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding in Italian sausage and ground beef for extra flavor. She then cooks the pasta and mixes it with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese before layering it in a baking dish with mozzarella cheese and more meat sauce. The dish is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for large gatherings.

Next, Giada prepares meatball sliders, which are a fun and easy way to enjoy classic meatballs in sandwich form. She uses a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for the meatballs and adds in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings for flavor. After shaping the meatballs, she cooks them in a skillet until browned and crispy on the outside. To assemble the sliders, she places the meatball on a small roll and tops it with marinara sauce, provolone cheese, and basil. These little sandwiches are a great appetizer or party food that is sure to please a crowd.

Finally, Giada demonstrates how to make homemade cannoli, a sweet and decadent dessert that is a favorite in many Italian-American communities. She mixes together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make the filling, then pipes it into pre-made cannoli shells. She tops each cannoli with chopped pistachios and powdered sugar for a classic finishing touch. The result is a creamy and rich dessert that is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips and kitchen hacks for making these dishes, such as using a zip-top bag to pipe the cannoli filling and using a potato masher to break up the meatballs instead of using your hands. She also emphasizes the importance of using good-quality ingredients, such as homemade marinara sauce and fresh herbs, to elevate the flavors of the dishes.

In "Italian-American Night," Giada De Laurentiis showcases the rich history and cultural significance of Italian-American cuisine, while also putting her unique spin on some classic comfort dishes. With her expert guidance and easy-to-follow recipes, viewers will be inspired to try these delicious dishes in their own kitchens.