It’s been a while, but the filming of a new special–Rites of Passage–is underway! I’m working with Director/Filmmaker Robert Tate on a series of stories of four different rites of passage around the country. From a Greek Orthodox Baptism in Ohio to a Navajo House Blessing in Utah, I’ve been doing a lot of traveling [...]
Here are some photo from my latest shoot for Lidia Celebrates America. We’re filming at Stringfellow Orchards in Galveston, Texas for an upcoming episode all about different independence days. Sam and Anna were fantastic hosts and I’m excited to experience some Juneteenth festivities!
In the US, Father’s Day is in June, but Italian Father’s Day is on March 19th, which marks La Festa d i San Giuseppe. The Feast of Saint Joseph is celebrated with a table full of elaborate, delicious, and largely meatless foods. Here’s one of my favorite St. Joseph’s day recipes: Biscotti ai Fichi di [...]
Time to dust off your flag! In America, June 14th is the anniversary of the adoption of our country’s flag in 1777. In Italy we celebrate Festa del Tricolore on January 7th to commemorate the adoption of the Italian flag in 1797. If you’re an Italian-American, why not celebrate with both flags on the 14th? [...]
I’m sure you have all seen my niece Estelle’s wedding on Something Borrowed, Something Blue. The ceremony was beautiful and I certainly did my share of dancing at the party. Here are some photos you might not have seen yet; my favorite is the last one.
I love a good hamburger on Memorial Day weekend, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to stick to your usual menu. As an Italian-American chef with a foot in both worlds, let me tell you that there’s nothing wrong with going Italian at the grill on Memorial Day weekend! Here are two recipes I like to [...]
Known first for her sweet tooth and second for her opinions in our kitchen, Grandma Erminia is the star on Mother’s Day. She raised not only my brother and me but was also there for my children and for all of the grandchildren. Back in Istria, Grandma was a teacher by trade, and anyone who [...]
These traditional cookies are as easy as it gets, and everybody loves them. The citrus flavoring gives them an inviting aroma that I find hard to resist, but the cookies themselves aren’t too sweet, which makes it easy to come back for more! If you’ve been to an Italian wedding, confirmation, or baptism, you’ve probably [...]
In the dialect of the Lucani (as natives of Basilicata are known) maritare means “to wed” and I have always thought that this wonderful soup was so named because it was customarily served at wedding celebrations. While doing some research recently, I came upon another explanation; it’s called “minestra maritata” because it weds vegetables (in [...]
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"Tutti a Tavola A Mangiare" or "Everyone to the Table to Eat!" Lidia Bastianich is an award winning television host of Lidia's Italy. She is a celebrated chef, cookbook author and shares recipes, tips and videos on her own site, Lidiasitaly.com.
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