Ep 6. Italian Cookie Swap

In the sixth episode of the fifth season of "Everyday Italian," host Giada De Laurentiis focuses on one of the tastiest Italian traditions: sharing and exchanging cookies during the holiday season. "Italian Cookie Swap" sees Giada inviting a few friends over to her home for a cookie swap party. Throughout the episode, she shows the audience how to create seven different cookie recipes, highlighting the diversity of Italy's regional cuisine.

The episode begins with Giada going to a nearby bakery to pick up some supplies for her cookie swap party. She points out some of her favorite cookie ingredients, including dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate. She then heads back to her kitchen to start baking.

The first cookie recipe Giada shares is for "Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies." These cookies are inspired by the hazelnut chocolate spread, Nutella. Giada shows how to make the dough and incorporate the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts into the batter. She then bakes the cookies and sets them aside to cool.

Next up on the menu are "Almond and Lemon Cookies." Giada uses fresh lemon zest and juice to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the batch. She also shows how to use almond flour and sliced almonds in the dough to give the cookies a nutty, crunchy texture. After baking, Giada dusts the cookies with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snowy finish.

For those who prefer something more savory, Giada presents her "Parmesan Puffs" recipe. These cheesy cookies are perfect for appetizers or as snacks. Giada mixes grated parmesan cheese with milk, flour, and egg, forming a soft dough. She then scoops the dough onto a baking sheet and bakes them until golden brown.

The fourth cookie recipe Giada teaches is "Chocolate Dipped Biscotti." Biscotti is a classic Italian cookie that goes perfectly with coffee or tea. Giada demonstrates how to make the dough and shape it into long, thin loaves. After baking, she cuts the loaves into slices and dips them into melted chocolate, creating a decadent treat.

The fifth recipe is a personal favorite of Giada's: "Espresso Cookies." These cookies are made with instant espresso powder, which gives them a rich, caffeinated flavor. Giada also incorporates dark brown sugar, which adds a subtle molasses flavor and creates a moist texture. After baking, the cookies are rolled in confectioner's sugar, completing their mouthwatering look.

Next are "Triple Chocolate Biscotti," a variation on the traditional biscotti recipe. Giada uses cocoa powder and both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips to create a cookie that is both rich and indulgent. As with the other biscotti recipe, she shapes the dough into logs and bakes them twice, resulting in a crunchy texture that holds up well for dunking.

Lastly, Giada demonstrates how to make "Cinnamon Sugar Cookies." These cookies are simple to make but are full of warmth and flavor. Giada mixes sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, and then uses it to top the cookie dough before baking. The result is a deliciously fragrant, lightly spiced cookie.

As the cookies finish baking, Giada's guests arrive, each with their own cookie creations. The group gathers around the table to exchange and sample each other's cookies. There are smiles all around as everyone enjoys the variety of flavors and textures that the cookies bring to the party.

In "Italian Cookie Swap," Giada shows how easy it is to create a diverse and delectable spread of cookies for the holiday season. Each recipe highlights the distinct flavors and ingredients of Italian cuisine, and together they create a delicious, beautiful display of cookies that are perfect for sharing and swapping with loved ones.