Ep 24. Fruits and Sweets

In Lidia's Kitchen season 8 episode 24, titled "Fruits and Sweets," chef Lidia Bastianich explores the sweet side of Italian cuisine. With summertime in full swing, Lidia takes advantage of ripe and juicy fruit with a variety of desserts and snacks.

The episode kicks off with Lidia preparing a simple yet elegant dessert of cantaloupe with vanilla yogurt and honey. She then moves on to make a colorful fruit salad featuring peaches, plums, and apricots mixed with fresh mint and lemon. Lidia emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, in-season fruit to really let the flavors shine in these dishes.

Next up, Lidia demonstrates how to make a classic Italian fruit tart known as crostata di frutta. She uses a buttery pastry crust filled with a mixture of pastry cream and mascarpone cheese, then tops it with a medley of fresh berries and sliced kiwi. The end result is a stunning dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful.

Moving away from fruity desserts, Lidia also prepares a batch of traditional Italian cookies known as brutti ma buoni, which translates to "ugly but good" in English. These treats are made from egg whites, sugar, and chopped nuts, and have a crispy exterior with a chewy, almond-filled center.

Throughout the episode, Lidia also shares her tips and tricks for working with fruit, such as how to cut melons for maximum juiciness and how to easily separate peach flesh from its pit. She also emphasizes the importance of balancing sweetness with acidity, often using lemon juice or vinegar to brighten up a dish.

Overall, "Fruits and Sweets" is a sweet and refreshing episode that highlights the versatility of fruit in Italian cuisine. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy dessert or a decadent treat, Lidia's got you covered.