Lidia's Kitchen

I love having people over for dinner…the food…the conversation…the wine…the laughter…the singing…there’s nothing better than the good times had around a good meal with good company. And a big pot of Beef Rollatini and my Spicy Crispy Roasted Cauliflower go a long way in serving a tableful of hungry guests. And to finish, a Rum Raisin Semifreddo. Please, join me, you’re always invited to my table!

There’s always room for one more chair at my table and room to play with a recipe. I put a twist on my aunt’s traditional recipe with my Manilla Clams Triestina. My grandmother Rosa inspired this Warm Escarole Salad with Cannellini Beans and Mackerel. Prosciutto and peas are a match made in heaven and dress my Chicken Scaloppine. Get comfortable in the kitchen with me, and pull up a chair!

There are some recipes that make my memories so tangible it's as if I am transported through time. Fuzi With Chicken RaguÌ was a traditional Sunday dish for my family. As a child my Grandpa would treat us to an Orange Spritz like the one I show you. For a sweet finish, I have fond memories of frying up the dough for these St. Joseph’s Zeppole. Feed the memories and cook to reminisce with me.

Every dish reminds me of a different time in my life, from childhood with memories of my Cuttlefish Salad with Potatoes and Olives. To motherhood with my Penne Rigate with Sausage, Mushrooms, and Ricotta one of Tanya’s favorites. And today as a grandmother cooking my family Chicken Rollatini with Provola and Artichokes. Each dish tastes like a different era, and I love to feed that connection!

Traditions live and grow with each generation. Old ones are carried on, while new ones are forged. I made Marinara as a child with my grandmother, and today with my grandchildren. Thanks to Olivia, this Kale Salad with Avocado has become a staple in our family table. My mother was the expert maker of these Farina Gnocchi, and now I pass my traditions on to all of you.

I treasure my childhood. I look back on those meals that shaped who I am today with gratitude. My grandfather always saved the fatty end of the prosciutto for his favorite Prosciutto and Onion Frittata. My brother and I loved to eat these Vegetable Polpette as kids. Coming from the North, we ate this Mushroom Ragù with Greens over Polenta a lot. Sharing my memories and flavors brings me such joy.

It’s second nature for me to cook with seafood and I want that for you too. Baked Sardines is my favorite way to enjoy a fish that was always abundant growing up. Fennel with Anchovies bruschetta reminds me of the sandwiches I ate as a child. Foraging at the beach would reward me with a plate of this Istrian Pasutice with Mixed Seafood. Take a chance, open your kitchen to the bounty of the sea!

I teach you that serving up pasta can open a world of possibilities. And share my recipes for two very different flavor-packed pasta dishes - Penne with Cauliflower & Green Olive Pesto and Fusilli with Salami & Roasted Peppers. I catch up with old friends, the Sofgline sisters, from Bologna, to talk all things fresh pasta. From the pasta shape to the sauce you can serve up pasta any way you like.

There are two strategies when it comes to hosting, either making the food in advance or putting on a show! Crespelle Manicotti with Spinach is a classic make-ahead baked pasta. Crespelle was a childhood staple, and serving them with a toppings bar can be a fun treat for your guests. The addition of shrimp to Spaghetti in Lemon Cream Sauce makes it showstopper to serve up a la minute. Be my guest!

I love artichoke season, and it’s worth the time to make these Artichokes Braised with Parsley & Prosciutto Cotto. I prefer my Chocolate Amaretti chewy with hazelnuts. Timballo with Sausage RaguÌ is an iconic dish that I made a bit simpler but it still gives a festive presentation that everyone will love. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. It’s the season of serving memories.

Over time I have adapted recipes to fit our lives today creating new delicious traditions. My family adores clams and this Tomato Soup with Fregola & Clams has become one of our favorite ways to enjoy them. The younger generation really enjoy this Avocado & Tomato Salad with Balsamic & Mozzarella. And my Rigatoni with Turkey Meatballs is a new take on the classic. It’s time to evolve.

Memories fuel my soul and cooking dishes that remind me of my mother will always bring me comfort. In my kitchen, my mother would shell the favas, along with a song and this mellow Cream of Fava Soup with Rice carries me there. My mother ate more panettone than I could imagine and this homemade Chocolate Cherry Panettone is unbeatable. Grandma Ermnia was the biggest fan of this Eggplant Rollatini!

Exercising your cooking skills is something you should do everyday. Butternut Squash and Cannellini Beans is an easy one pot wonder. I am a huge fan of freezing soup for easy weeknight meals. Let me share my tips on how to Revive Your Soup. You may be surprised, but a Roast Chicken is one of the easiest things to make for a quick, impressive meal. Nurture yourself, don’t forget to cook everyday.

This show is all about making your life easier. I remind you to think of recipes as roadmaps, that you can - and should - personalize. I share a Winter Minestrone that can use any kind of hearty green and a Matalota-Style Mixed Fish Stew that can change according to market availability. So go ahead and play with what you have to create something just for you!

I say it every time and I’ll say it again…there is nothing more important than gathering around a table. Onion & Potato Gratin is a great dish for a large group it goes into the oven with easy prep. The aroma of this Rosemary Chickpeas brings back so many childhood memories. Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Pickled Peperoncini comes together in one pan. It’s simple…cook, sit down together & enjoy.

Cooking is a journey and should be just as enjoyable as the feast. It may take some time & planning, but this Focaccia di Recco is filled with cheese and irresistible. Let’s explore all things olive oil with my grandson. I love risotto, so when I find a new way to enjoy it I am more than happy to share it, like this Barley Risotto with Cabbage & Sausage. Focus on the here and now in the kitchen.

I invite you into my kitchen with a seasonal specialty - Shaved Artichoke, Spinach & Mortadella Salad. Lidia reminds Ethan that mastering Spaghetti with Garlic & Oil can make for endless possibilities with little effort for big flavor. She makes her weeknight twist on a meatloaf - Skillet Ricotta Mini-Meat Loaves. Showstopping and easy go hand in hand with Lidia’s warm welcoming meal.

There are occasions where a recipe calls for more time, more hands, more fun in the kitchen together. Lorenzo and Julia always help with these crowd pleasing fried Panzerotti. In this recipe, Ricotta Soup, the ricotta becomes the dressing for freshly cooked pasta. It’s light and delicious. These Gnocchi with Sauce from Erice come together quickly with helping hands.

Italy boasts over 2,500 traditional varieties of cheese! And I introduce a few to you today. These crispy cheese bowls are fun to make and a playful way to serve a salad. Back in the 1970s, I came up with this Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni for my kids. Chicken wings are always welcome in my house. Even better…make them Cheesy Baked Chicken Wings! Find out what your favorite Italian cheese is with me!