Lidia's Italy in America

From one of America's most beloved chefs and authors, a road trip into the heart of Italian American cooking today—from Chicago deep-dish pizza to the Bronx's eggplant parm—celebrating the communities that redefined what we know as Italian food.

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.Praise for Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

"Straightforward, honest, simple but sophisticated, and utterly delicious...these satisfying dishes will never fail to please your family or your friends." —Jacques Pépin 
 
"I have enjoyed the creative and soulful cooking at Felidia for more than three decades. Lidia was the first to really bring us authentic regional Italian food in New York. Her recipes in this book are rustic, delicious, and perfect for the home cook." —Daniel Boulud 
 
"For those who want to craft the kind of delizioso Italian delights one finds at the chef’s flagship New York restaurant, Felidia, [Lidia] Bastianich serves up more than 100 signature recipes she’s spent 38 years perfecting: Istrian-inflected dishes both sophisticated and homespun." —O, The Oprah Magazine 
 
"No one gets to the heart of Italian food like Lidia Bastianich." —Debbie Macomber,#1 New York Times best-selling author 

"One of America’s great Italian cooks." —Los Angeles Times

"Bastianich’s 16th cookbook and arguably one of her most user-friendly, streamlined to be 'as straightforward to cook as possible' and using a minimal number of pots and pans. . . . You’ll find a wide assortment of primi pasta and risotto cishes, which are the cornerstone of Italian cooking and perfectly suited for one-pot cooking: chicken eggplant parmesan, gemelli with pesto and tomato, chicken cacciatore and zucchini bread lasagna, to name a few. . . . Ever the teacher, Bastianich sprinkles tips and tricks throughout, and also offers substitution and serving suggestions." Pittsburgh Post-GazetteLidia Matticchio Bastianich is the author of seven previous books, five of which have been accompanied by nationally syndicated public television series. She is the owner of the New York City restaurant Felidia, among others, and she gives lectures on Italian cuisine throughout the country. She lives on Long Island, New York.

Tanya Bastianich Manuali received her Ph.D. in Renaissance art history from Oxford University. In 1996 she started Experienze Italiane, a travel company that arranges food, wine, and art tours to Italy. She also co-authors books with her mother, Lidia; manages Lidia's product line; and serves as the cultural and art consultant for the art series. She lives on Long Island.