Lidia's Kitchen

Food Series / 1 Season

Season eight of LIDIA'S KITCHEN: REFLECTING AND RECONNECTING features stories that shaped Lidia Bastianich as a person and as a chef. Throughout the 26-part series, Lidia shares anecdotes and recipes from her childhood, when times were sometimes challenging, but happy and fulfilling.

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You’re Invited

S12 E1201 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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!

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Pull up a Chair

S12 E1202 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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!

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Cook to Reminisce

S12 E1203 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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.

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Feed the Connection

S12 E1204 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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!

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Make Traditions

S12 E1205 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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.

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Growing up Lidia

S12 E1206 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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.

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Take a Chance

S12 E1207 / 26m 46s / TV-G

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!

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