Ep 12. Stack Those Cannoli

Lidia's Italy is a cooking show that features renowned chef Lidia Bastianich exploring the regions of Italy and their traditional cuisines. In season 2, episode 12, titled "Stack Those Cannoli," Lidia explores Sicilian cuisine and creates her own version of cannoli, a traditional Sicilian pastry.

The episode begins with Lidia visiting a local market in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The market is bustling with vendors selling fresh fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Lidia is fascinated by the variety of ingredients and the colorful atmosphere of the market. She speaks with some of the vendors, learning about their produce and purchasing ingredients for her cannoli recipe.

Back in the kitchen, Lidia begins by making the cannoli shell dough. She shares her family recipe and explains the importance of using the right ingredients and techniques, such as rolling the dough thinly and frying it until crispy. Lidia then demonstrates how to make the filling for the cannoli, which includes ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings. She shares tips and tricks for achieving the perfect creamy texture and flavor.

After making the cannoli shells and filling, Lidia assembles them into a delicious, towering dessert. She shows different ways to decorate the cannoli and explains how to create different flavors by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or candied fruit. Throughout the episode, Lidia shares stories about her family and traditions, connecting the food with its cultural roots.

In addition to making cannoli, Lidia also prepares other dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients of Sicilian cuisine. She makes a pasta dish with sardines and fennel, a citrus salad, and roasted eggplant. She also shares tips for pairing Sicilian wines with different dishes.

The episode concludes with Lidia sharing her finished cannoli with her friends and family, who rave about its delicious flavor and texture. Lidia reflects on the importance of preserving traditional Italian cooking methods and ingredients, and how they connect us to our past and cultural heritage.

Overall, "Stack Those Cannoli" is an informative and entertaining episode of Lidia's Italy that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Sicilian cuisine. Lidia's expert guidance and personal stories make the cooking process accessible and enjoyable for viewers, while also showcasing the beauty and diversity of Italian culture.