Ep 23. What's Baking

Lidia's Kitchen season 6 episode 23, titled "What's Baking," showcases Lidia Bastianich's expertise in the kitchen as she prepares a variety of delicious, homemade baked treats. In this episode, Lidia starts by demonstrating a classic Italian dessert--a ricotta cheesecake. She uses a combination of ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs to create a smooth, creamy texture, and bakes it in a graham cracker crust. She also shares helpful tips such as using room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and placing a pan of hot water in the oven to create a moist baking environment.

Next, Lidia moves on to bread baking, making a rustic loaf of Italian bread. She highlights the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as a strong bread flour, to create the perfect texture and flavor. She kneads the dough by hand, explaining how to achieve the right consistency and adding a touch of salt and yeast to enhance the taste. Lidia then lets the dough rest, explaining how this step helps develop the gluten and improve the texture of the finished bread. She also uses a unique technique of scoring the bread before baking, which creates a beautiful design on the crust.

For her third recipe, Lidia prepares a sweet and savory tart, using fresh figs and prosciutto. She begins by making the dough from scratch, using a combination of flour, butter, and sugar, then rolls it out and assembles the tart. She arranges slices of fig and thinly sliced prosciutto on the top, creating a beautiful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer day.

Lidia finishes off the episode with a recipe for homemade lemon bars, using a combination of lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and flour to create a tangy and sweet filling. She demonstrates how to make the shortbread crust, using butter, flour, and sugar, and then presses it into a baking dish. Lidia pours the lemon filling on top and bakes it until the edges are golden brown. She then lets it cool, dusts it with powdered sugar, and slices it into bite-sized squares.

Throughout the episode, Lidia's warmth and love for cooking are evident as she shares personal stories and memories associated with each recipe. Her passion for using fresh, high-quality ingredients and her attention to detail in each step of the cooking process shines through, inspiring viewers to try these delicious recipes at home.

"What's Baking" is a must-see episode for anyone who loves to bake or is looking to improve their baking skills. Lidia's clear and easy-to-follow instructions, along with her warm and engaging approach, make this episode a joy to watch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you're sure to be inspired by Lidia's delicious creations and her passion for cooking.