Ep 9. Cozy Wintertime Kitchen

In Lidia's Kitchen season 2 episode 9, titled Cozy Wintertime Kitchen, the beloved Italian chef Lidia Bastianich shares her favorite recipes for warming up on a cold winter's day. The episode opens with Lidia preparing a pot of hearty beef and vegetable soup, a classic comfort food that is perfect for a chilly evening. As Lidia chops carrots, onions, and celery, she explains the importance of using fresh ingredients to create a rich, flavorful broth.

Next, Lidia moves on to a recipe for creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms and crispy pancetta. She demonstrates how to cook the polenta to perfection, whisking the hot cornmeal and water mixture until it is smooth and velvety. Lidia then adds grated parmesan cheese and butter to the polenta, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. She sautés mushrooms in olive oil with garlic and thyme, and simmers pancetta until it is crispy and golden brown. Lidia finishes the dish by spooning the mushroom mixture over the polenta and topping it with the pancetta.

The third recipe in the episode is for roasted pork loin with apple cider glaze. Lidia shows viewers how to marinate the pork in a mixture of apple cider, garlic, rosemary, and sage, then roast it in the oven until it is juicy and tender. She prepares a glaze by reducing apple cider, apple jelly, and a splash of red wine vinegar over high heat, until it thickens to a glossy consistency. Lidia brushes the glaze over the pork loin and returns it to the oven to caramelize.

For dessert, Lidia shares a recipe for her famous apple cake. This simple but delicious cake is made with fresh apples, lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon. Lidia explains the importance of slicing the apples very thin, so that they cook evenly and create a beautiful, layered effect in the cake. She also demonstrates how to make a simple whipped cream using heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Throughout the episode, Lidia offers tips and tricks for cooking and entertaining during the winter months. She emphasizes the importance of using seasonal ingredients, such as root vegetables, hearty greens, and citrus fruits, in order to create dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious. Lidia also shares her philosophy of hospitality, encouraging viewers to invite friends and family over for cozy winter dinners and to share the warmth of the season.

Overall, Lidia's Kitchen season 2 episode 9 is a heartwarming and inspiring ode to winter cooking. Whether viewers are looking to prepare a comforting bowl of soup, a fancy holiday roast, or a simple dessert, Lidia's recipes and advice are sure to delight and satisfy.