Ep 11. Family Favorites

In season 2 episode 11 of Everyday Italian, titled "Family Favorites," host Giada De Laurentiis shares some of her go-to recipes that are sure to please the entire family. From classic Italian dishes to modern twists on old favorites, this episode has something for everyone.

Giada starts off by making a hearty turkey and pancetta meatloaf. She combines ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, and pancetta for a rich and flavorful meatloaf that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. She pairs it with a simple tomato sauce and tops it off with fresh basil for a touch of brightness.

Next up, Giada shows viewers how to make stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Giada starts by blanching the spinach and mixing it with creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, and nutmeg. She stuffs the mixture into jumbo pasta shells and bakes them in a rich tomato sauce until they're bubbling and golden brown.

For a lighter option, Giada whips up a fresh and delicious shrimp and arugula salad. She grills the shrimp and dresses the arugula with a homemade lemon vinaigrette. The result is a refreshing and satisfying salad that's perfect for a hot summer day.

Giada also shares her recipe for polenta lasagna, which is a fun twist on a classic dish. Instead of using traditional lasagna noodles, she slices soft polenta into rounds and layers them with a rich tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fontina cheese. The result is a cheesy, satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.

Finally, Giada shows viewers how to make a fun and easy homemade pizza. She starts with a store-bought pizza dough and tops it with classic Italian ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced prosciutto. She finishes it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Overall, "Family Favorites" is a great episode for anyone who loves classic Italian dishes and wants to learn some new recipes to add to their repertoire. Giada's recipes are approachable and delicious, and they're sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. So grab a glass of wine and get cooking!