Ep 4. My Family's Milk and Cheese

Lidia's Kitchen season 8 episode 4, titled "My Family's Milk and Cheese," showcases Lidia Bastianich's love for dairy products and the unique Italian-style cheeses and dishes that she has grown up with. The episode is packed with recipes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of cheese lovers, and there are plenty of tips and suggestions for viewers who want to explore the wide world of dairy products.

The episode begins with Lidia exploring the history of cheesemaking in Italy, and how recipes and techniques have been passed down through generations of families. Lidia shares some of her own family's traditions, including the use of a whey culture passed down from her mother-in-law, and the importance of using raw milk for making cheese.

With this rich background in mind, Lidia goes on to demonstrate a number of delicious cheese recipes that can easily be made at home. The first recipe she prepares is a simple, yet flavorful ricotta cheese, which can be used in a variety of dishes, from lasagna to cannoli. Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh, whole milk to achieve a smooth texture, and recommends adding salt and lemon juice to taste.

Next, Lidia turns to a family favorite: stracchino cheese. She shows viewers how to prepare the cheese from scratch, using whole milk and a secret ingredient that makes the cheese extra-creamy. She also shares several ideas for using the cheese in recipes, including spreading it on toasted bread and adding fresh herbs, or using it as a topping for pasta or pizza.

For viewers who want to try their hand at a more complex cheese recipe, Lidia demonstrates how to make provolone cheese. This cheese requires several hours of preparation, but the result is a tangy, semi-hard cheese that can be used in all sorts of ways. Lidia explains in detail how to mix and knead the cheese, and how to store it so that it develops its distinctive flavor.

Throughout the episode, Lidia also shares some of her favorite dairy-based dishes, such as baked pasta with ricotta and sausage, and an eggplant and cheese casserole. She shows how to incorporate fresh cheese into salads and appetizers, such as a simple caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, and bruschetta with an herb-infused ricotta topping.

The final segment of the episode focuses on desserts, with Lidia demonstrating how to make a classic Italian cheesecake, as well as a sweet ricotta and fruit tart. She explains how to use ricotta cheese as a filling for sweet treats, and shares tips for using a variety of cheeses in dessert recipes.

Overall, "My Family's Milk and Cheese" is a must-see episode for anyone who loves cheese and wants to explore the rich history and variety of Italian dairy products. With Lidia's expert guidance and easy-to-follow recipes, viewers will be inspired to try making their own fresh cheeses and incorporating dairy-based dishes into their everyday cooking.