Ep 3. Simply Sweet

Giada De Laurentiis returns with another delightful episode of Everyday Italian, this time with a focus on all things sweet. In episode 3 of season 5, titled "Simply Sweet," Giada takes viewers on a delicious journey through some of her favorite Italian desserts.

The episode begins with Giada introducing the theme of the show and explaining how dessert is an important part of Italian cuisine. She then dives into her first recipe, a simple yet elegant Affogato. Giada explains that affogato, which means "drowned" in Italian, is a classic Italian dessert consisting of a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato. Giada puts her own spin on the traditional recipe by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of hazelnuts. The result is a heavenly treat that's perfect for any coffee and ice cream lover.

Next up is Giada's recipe for Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate cake from the island of Capri. Giada explains that the cake is made with ground almonds instead of flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor. She also adds a splash of dark rum to the batter, which enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a bit of warmth to the cake. Giada serves the Torta Caprese with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries, making it a beautiful and delicious dessert that's sure to impress.

Giada's third dessert is a twist on a classic Italian favorite, Tiramisu. Instead of using ladyfingers, Giada uses Pavesini, a thin and delicate Italian cookie. She also adds a layer of strawberries to the traditional mascarpone filling, which gives the dessert a fresh and fruity twist. Giada assembles the Tiramisu in individual glasses, making it a perfect dessert for a dinner party or special occasion.

For Giada's fourth and final dessert, she makes another classic Italian treat, Zeppole. These fried doughnuts are a staple of Italian cuisine and are often served during the holidays. Giada's version is filled with a rich and creamy vanilla pastry cream and dusted with powdered sugar. She serves the Zeppole alongside a warm chocolate sauce for dipping, making it an indulgent and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares her tips and tricks for making these delicious desserts, including how to properly whip cream, how to make a perfect espresso, and how to fry doughnuts without making a mess. She also shares stories and memories from her childhood in Italy, giving viewers a glimpse into Italian culture and tradition.

Overall, "Simply Sweet" is a delightful episode of Everyday Italian that will leave viewers craving something sweet and delicious. Giada's recipes are easy to follow and require only a few simple ingredients, making them perfect for home cooks of all levels. Whether you're looking for a classic Italian dessert or a fresh and modern twist on an old favorite, this episode has something for everyone.