Lidia's Favorite Recipes: 100 Foolproof Italian Dishes, from Basic Sauces to Irresistible Entrees [Hardcover]

Lidia Matticchio Bastianich (Author), Tanya Bastianich Manuali (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 16, 2012

Lidia Bastianich—one of the most beloved chefs and authors in America—presents her most accessible and affordable cookbook to date, a gathering of the recipes that have become her go-to meals for her very own family. But these are not only Lidia’s personal favorites; this book is a love letter to her fans. Here, she is giving us the recipes for dishes that you have raved and written about over and over—the best, the most comforting, and the most delicious dishes in her repertoire.

     In Lidia’s Favorite Recipes, you’ll find a fresh take on more than 100 of Lidia’s signature and irresistibly reliable dishes, including:

·         Fried Mozzarella Skewers—Spiedini alla Romana
·         Escarole and White Bean Soup—Zuppa di Scarola e Cannellini
·         Ziti with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage—Ziti con Broccoli Rabe e Salsicce
·         Baked Stuffed Shells—Conchiglie Ripiene al Forno
·         Eggplant Parmigiana—Melanzane alla Parmigiana
·         Savory Seafood Stew—Zuppa di Pesce  
·         Chicken Cacciatore—Pollo alla Cacciatore        
·         Veal Ossobuco with Barley Risotto—Ossobuco di Vitello con Risotto d’Orzo
·         Cannoli Napoleon—Cannolo a Strati      
·         Limoncello Tiramisù—Tiramisù al Limoncello

From the classic sauces to the delicious desserts, these recipes have been revised and updated to be more concise and clear, but just as soul-satisfying as ever. With new information about the affordability, seasonality, and nutritional value of the ingredients, this book shows there is no question why these dishes are the easiest and most enjoyable to bring to the family table for your most memorable moments. Beautifully illustrated throughout with full-color photographs, Lidia’s Favorite Recipes will give both new cooks and longtime fans something extraordinary to celebrate. 

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Introduction to Lidia's Favorite Recipes by Lidia Bastianich

I have written seven cookbooks thus far, and I'm so happy to have earned a place in your cookbook library. I'm sure that, as you read and cooked your way through each book, you found recipes that became your favorites. Some might be reliable recipes that are easy to cook, and others are probably more difficult recipes that are worth the effort, but my hope is that all of them are dishes that your family loves and that became part of your own traditions. As readers tell me about their experiences around the table, it's become clear that if I collected those favorite recipes and compiled them all accessibly in one book, it might be just the Lidia cookbook you are looking for. And here it is, just for you: Lidia's Favorite Recipes.

These recipes include not only your favorites, but mine as well, like My Mother's Chicken and Potatoes. It is a recipe that has remained a family favorite for the last four generations and I'm sure it had its family roots well before that. It has been slightly altered through the generations, but the deliciousness of this comfort food remains. There are also recipes that represent the flavors and story of my childhood, such as Polenta, and Swiss Chard Potatoes.

There are recipes from some of my unforgettable trips, which will have you traveling through the regions of Italy—making Scaloppine Saltimbocca will transport you straight to Rome; Ziti with Broccoli Rabe and Sausages will take you to Puglia, in the heel of Italy; and Risotto con Porcini and Veal Ossobuco will make you feel like you're in Milan. Then there are recipes that speak of the Italian American story, which can be found in the fl avors of my Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Clams, Zucchini Roll- Ups, and many more. And as I put this book together, I added some of my new favorites, which I know you will try and love.

Family is very important to me, and I love to cook for my family and friends, so I included the simple and flavorful Italian dishes that you will love to prepare for your family and friends, like Minestrone, Meatloaf with Ricotta, and Sausage and Peppers. These recipes all make family-size quantities, and can also be divided and stored in the freezer for unexpected company, last-minute family visits, or even "I have no time to cook" nights. What's important is that these are all easy and delicious, and the warm, familiar flavors will bring your family straight to the table. Today more than ever we want and need to gather around the table with our family and friends to escape our daily distractions, and what better way than with food that luscious, nutritious, and cooked with love.

For most of these recipes, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find. This is especially true if you cook by the seasons—and, after all, that is the best way to cook. Today all of us care about eating consciously, sustainably, and responsibly to keep our environment safe for future generations. Cooking and eating seasonal and local food, and not wasting a bit of it, is something all of us can do to make a difference while enjoying meals we love. A favorite dish is timeless, no matter your budget or season, and I think you'll find that these favorite dishes of mine will remain your favorites as well.

Continue cooking, and tutti a tavola a mangiare,

Lidia Bastianich

From Booklist

A one-woman juggernaut of culinary and business acumen, Bastianich has attracted a national following, thanks to her public television shows, cookbooks, and restaurant empire. Beloved by audiences for her family-oriented, down-to-earth approach, she has become one of America’s leading champions of Italian cookery. She may possess erudite command of the history and preparation of hundreds of regional Italian foods, but she has never snobbishly rejected America’s attempts at Italian cooking, even when they deviate from classic European originals. Thus, she offers spaghetti and meatballs as well as an elaborate dish of veal shanks and barley risotto. Bastianich’s concise instructions call for readily available ingredients. So whether a cook wishes to whip up a quick supper of pasta with olive oil and garlic sauce or spend hours composing an elaborate stew of beef braised in the finest Italian red wine, Bastianich has a recipe at hand. --Mark Knoblauch

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Knopf (October 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307595668
• ISBN-13: 978-0307595669
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > Italian

More About the Author

Lidia Bastianich is one of the best-loved chefs on television, a best-selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Lidia has married her two passions in life - her family and food, to create multiple culinary endeavors alongside her two children, Joseph and Tanya.
 
Her cookbooks include Lidia's Favorite Recipes, Lidia's Italy in America, Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy and Lidia's Italy - all companion books to the award-winning television series, Lidia's Italy in America and Lidia's Italy as well as Lidia's Family Table, Lidia's Italian- American Kitchen, Lidia's Italian Table and La Cucina di Lidia. Lidia is the chef/owner of four acclaimed New York City restaurants - Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto, as well as Lidia's Pittsburgh and Lidia's Kansas City. She is also founder and president of Tavola Productions, an entertainment company that produces high-quality broadcast productions.
 
Along with her son, Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali, and Oscar Farinetti, the team opened Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in New York City. The partners have transformed a 42,500 square‐ foot space in the Flatiron District into New York City's premier culinary mecca. Lidia has taken her passion for education and enrichment through food, making culinary classes, at La Scuola di Eataly, a defining focus of Eataly.

Lidia's first children's book, Nonna Tell Me a Story: Lidia's Christmas Kitchen, was inspired by her five grandchildren. The second installation in the series, Lidia's Family Kitchen: Nonna's Birthday Surprise, is due out in the spring of 2013.

The fall of 2010 marked the debut of Lidia's Kitchen, an exclusive line of cookware and serving ware for QVC that combines the beauty of Italy with practical functionality. Designed in collaboration with her daughter Tanya, Lidia's Kitchen line includes high quality everyday items such as ceramic serving ware, stone bakeware, and utensils. These signature wares will give her fans another opportunity to bring a piece of Lidia to their everyday lives.
 
Along with her daughter Tanya, and son-in-law Corrado Manuali, Lidia launched Nonna Foods as a platform to distribute an array of both existing and new LIDIA'S food products. The line highlights a passion for all things pasta, with seven original varieties of homemade pasta sauce, and eight different cuts of pasta, sold nationally. Together with her son Joseph, Lidia also produces award-winning wines at Bastianich Vineyard in Friuli and La Mozza Vineyard in Maremma, Italy.
 
Lidia gives freely of her time and knowledge, and is active member of society who participates in community service activities and special events on behalf of several foundations and Public Television.

www.lidiasitaly.com
www.facebook.com/lidiabastianich
www.twitter.com/lidiabastianich

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "BRINGING ITALY RIGHT TO YOUR KITCHEN!" October 16, 2012

By Geraldine Ahearn TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

One of my favorite chefs for Italian cuisine is Lidia Bastianich, who I followed for many years as I was interested to compare her recipes with my dad's recipes from his Italian parents, who resided in Italy. Fascinated by her many appearances on television and the fact that I loved cooking Italian food, I knew I'd learn a great deal. After residing in Long Island, New York, 45 years as Lidia and her daughter do and knowing she owned at least 4 Italian restaurants in New York City which was only 1 hour from where I lived, I became more fascinated and inspired by her famous reputation and awesome books. Some of her favorite recipes have also become mine, with absolutely no regrets. This amazing cookbook offers several easy-to-prepare and enjoyable sauces, main dinners, and unforgettable desserts. Her work is easy-to-read and concise with new information on nutrition, stunning illustrations, revised and updated recipes, and much more. Her classic sauces have an aroma that will make you hungry instantly, and her famous recipes will provide treasured family moments. My favorite is Eggplant Parmigiana, and chicken cacciatore. The Savory seafood stew aims to please, and the Cannoli Napoleon is my all time favorite. Her mouth-watering recipes will bring compliments at family gatherings, and the desserts are simply delicious. In comparison to my dad's Italian recipes, Lidia Bastianich is a Winner, because I found both to be delightful. Highly Recommended to all cooks interested in Italian food, and the perfect gift for family and friends who love Italian cooking on any special occasion!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing October 21, 2012

By hotpink

Format:Hardcover

Ok.this book is golden. The recipes are a collection of everything you would possibly associate Italian cuisine to, and some with a twist. Most cookbooks contain a certain percentage of intriguing recipes as well as ones that make you just want to turn the page. Not this book, every single recipe stands out and begs to be made. Yes, some of the recipes are in her previous books, but it is so convenient to have all mouth watering recipes in one compilation. Truly a gem of a book. You will love it.

40 of 47 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Think twice before buying October 22, 2012

By Susan W. Shepard

Format:Hardcover

If you already own most of Lidia's ( quite wonderful)cookbooks beware-most of the recipes in this new book appear in those other books-hence the three stars and title. If you do not have any, or maybe just one, then do not hesitate to buy this cookbook.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Lidia Recipes November 23, 2012

By Lisa Palmo Moss

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

All of my favorite Lidia recipes are included in this book. It's easy to follow and fun to read. I have all of Lidia's books, and this is the one I refer to most.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lidia's Favorite Recipes: 100 Foolproof Italian Dishes November 20, 2012

By kokomo

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

We have found the cookbook to be excellent. The recipes are both traditional & new. We have made several favorite dishes from the book. They are just like when I was a little boy growing up in the Italian section of Brooklyn, NY. The dishes are a blend of favorite Scilian speciality that keept us happy during the holidays. Plus some new & unusal dishes created with native American food, vegetables & fruits. We are very happy with the book. And will be cooking for a long time with it. Annie & Mike, Brooklyn, NY & Athens, NY.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift! December 18, 2012

By Robin Harlan

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book!!!!! The recipes are amazing and I bought six of them to giv out to family and friends as Christmas gifts.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional November 26, 2012

By Kate

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I must confess to an addiction to cookbooks. Lidia's latest was delivered to my home with 2 other cookbooks. I perused them all, but Lidia's was in a class by itself. While I haven't prepared one of her recipes from this cookbook yet, I can honestly say there are very few I don't want to try. My problem is I can't decide which one to try first! Thanks Lidia!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A kind of "do-all" Italian cookbook by a real master December 18, 2012

By Joanna Daneman #1 HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

You could almost view this book as a basic text in Italian cooking but Italian cooking can be surprising in its simplicity. Often, only four or five ingredients go to make up a classic dish. It's the combination (broccoli rabe and sausage, spaghetti and pesto, spaghetti with oil and garlic) that works, but some combinations are unusual; tomato and apples in a sauce, but, why not? Tomatoes benefit from some sweetness and apples would work.

So there are basics in here like pasta and clam sauce or Lobster Fra Diavolo, but also some unusual things like the apple-tomato sauce, roasted pears and grapes, and octopus and potatoes. Lidia also includes some recipes you would not expect in an Italian cookbook; strudel, for one. In a way, this book reminds me of Julia Child's classic "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in its scope, and you could literally cook your way through this book.

The book covers the basics such as Italian-American meat sauce (which Lidia explains celebrates the generous amounts of meat available in the US compared to Italy), the basic greens-and-pasta, vegetables like artichokes and broccoli rabe, and the sausage-and-pasta and risottos we are familiar with. Then there are unusual or uncommon Italian recipes that are less familiar to Americans such as rice balls (a Sicilian speciality), a barley risotto which I'd only seen over in Europe, and many other regional dishes that are not as well-known here. The desserts are interesting; a limoncello tiramisu and almond-pine-nut cookies that I particularly like instead of the cliche amaretti or biscotti; something to serve simply with a cup of espresso to round out a meal.

In short, a good basic cookbook with additions for stepping out of the familiar, all explained by a master of cuisine.... Highly recommended for anyone who loves Italian food but wants to expand their repertoire as well as master the essentials. Read more ›