As she explores this utterly delectable and distinctive cuisine, Lidia shows us that every kitchen is different, every Italian community distinct, and little clues are buried in each dish: the Sicilian-style semolina bread and briny olives in New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwiches, the Neapolitan crust of New York pizza, and mushrooms (abundant in the United States, but scarce in Italy) stuffed with breadcrumbs, just as peppers or tomatoes are. Lidia shows us how this cuisine is an original American creation and gives recognition where it is long overdue to the many industrious Italians across the country who have honored the traditions of their homeland in a delicious new style.
And of course, there are Lidia’s irresistible recipes, including
· Baltimore Crab Cakes
· Pittsburgh’s Primanti’s Sandwiches
· Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
· Eggplant Parmigiana from the Bronx
· Gloucester Baked Halibut
· Chicken Trombino from Philadelphia
· authentic Italian American Meatloaf, and Spaghetti and Meatballs
· Prickly Pear Granita from California
· and, of course, a handful of cheesecakes and cookies that you’d recognize in any classic Italian bakery
This is a loving exploration of a fascinating cuisine—as only Lidia could give us.
Author
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
LIDIA MATTICCHIO BASTIANICH is the author of seventeen previous books and is the Emmy Award–winning host of PBS’s Lidia’s Kitchen and Lidia Celebrates America. Lidia owns Becco and several other acclaimed restaurants.
Learn More about Lidia Matticchio BastianichAuthor
Tanya Bastianich Manuali
TANYA BASTIANICH MANUALI is integrally involved in the production of Lidia’s Public Television series as an owner and executive producer of Tavola Productions, and is active daily in the family restaurant business. She oversees the production and expansion of LIDIA’S food line alongside her husband, Corrado, and has coauthored several cookbooks with her mother, and one with her brother, Joe.
Learn More about Tanya Bastianich Manuali