Ep 6. Family Favorites

In episode 6 of season 2 of Lidia's Kitchen, host Lidia Bastianich explores the significance of family in Italian cuisine, showcasing some of her favorite family recipes. The episode begins with Lidia reminiscing about her own childhood and the dishes her grandmother used to make. She emphasizes the importance of passing down recipes from one generation to the next and creating meaningful culinary traditions within families.

Lidia starts off by preparing a simple yet delicious Classic Tomato Sauce, a staple in many Italian households. She uses fresh San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil to create a rich and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Next, she moves on to a classic Italian appetizer, Bruschetta with Tomato and Onion. This dish is made with toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, chopped onions, garlic, and basil, and is the perfect way to start any meal.

For the main course, Lidia prepares a hearty and comforting Chicken Cacciatore. This dish is a true family favorite and features chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and garlic. Lidia explains that Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian and that this dish was traditionally made with wild game. However, chicken is a more readily available option that still yields delicious results.

To accompany the Chicken Cacciatore, Lidia makes a flavorful Spinach and Potato Side Dish. This dish features boiled potatoes and sautéed spinach mixed with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It's a great way to incorporate some vegetables into a meal and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

For dessert, Lidia prepares a classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. This creamy dessert features layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur, along with a rich custard made with mascarpone cheese and whipped cream. Lidia adds her own twist by adding fresh berries to the top of the dessert, creating a beautiful and delicious finish to the meal.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares her own personal anecdotes about cooking with her family and the importance of passing down recipes. She also provides helpful tips on how to make each dish, including how to properly prepare the chicken for the Cacciatore and how to make sure the Tiramisu sets properly.

Overall, this episode of Lidia's Kitchen is a celebration of family and food. The recipes featured are classic Italian dishes that are sure to become family favorites in any household. Lidia's passion for cooking and sharing her heritage shines through, making this episode a joy to watch for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.