Ep 6. Holiday Side Dishes

In the sixth episode of season 2 of Everyday Italian, host Giada De Laurentiis shares her favorite recipes for holiday side dishes that are sure to impress your guests. In the opening scene, Giada greets viewers and comments on the importance of side dishes during the holidays, as they can often be the most memorable and talked-about part of the meal.

The first dish that Giada prepares is a roasted acorn squash with gorgonzola and honey. She starts by slicing the squash into wedges, then roasting them in the oven until they are soft and caramelized. She then crumbles gorgonzola cheese on top and drizzles the dish with honey, creating a sweet and savory combination that is perfect for the holiday season.

Next, Giada makes a colorful and flavorful quinoa salad with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and toasted almonds. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh herbs, such as parsley and mint, to really brighten up the flavors of the dish. Giada also uses a homemade vinaigrette made with honey, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to dress the salad, adding an extra layer of sweetness and tanginess.

For a more traditional side dish, Giada prepares garlic mashed potatoes with Parmesan cheese. She starts by roasting garlic cloves in the oven until they are soft and fragrant, then mashing them into the cooked potatoes. Giada also adds butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese to the mix, creating a rich and creamy side that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, Giada ends the episode with a roasted vegetable and farro stuffing. She uses a combination of Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions, along with cooked farro, to create a hearty and flavorful stuffing that can be served on the side or even as a vegetarian main dish. Giada also adds fresh sage and thyme to the dish, adding an earthy and savory flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips and tricks for making these side dishes ahead of time, so that you can spend less time in the kitchen on the day of your holiday gathering. She also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to really make these dishes shine.

Overall, this episode of Everyday Italian is a must-watch for anyone looking to up their holiday side dish game. With Giada's expert guidance and delicious recipes, you're sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the table.