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 Hibernating in My Kitchen | February 2013

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Dear Friends,

 

For the shortest month of the year, February can sure feel like a long one! Everyone has their favorite ways to stay cozy, warm, and content while they hibernate and wait for spring, and I'm sure you can guess mine.

 

The other seasons have me split between enjoying the outdoors and keeping up with everything back inside, but in the winter I finally have time to set up camp in my kitchen and work on great new recipes.

I've included some of my favorite cheesy recipes below, so I encourage you to join me in heating February up with some comfort food!   

 

    Warmly,

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A Year of Italian Culture in the United States

 

anno cultura Get ready! This year Italy is working to engage Americans in a conversation about today's Italy--its brilliance and its excellence--and its vision for the future. This series of events will celebrate Italian culture and identity in art, music, architecture, cinema, literature, science , design, fashion, and food! Learn more here.  

 


 

Warm up this February with these decadent cheesy dishes!  

  

  
baked stuffed shells Baked Stuffed Shells
 

The whole family loves this recipe, and it is a great dish to make when you have lots of guests coming for dinner. Once you've stuffed the shells and set them in the baking dish, the rest is easy. The delicious aroma will fill the house while your guests are having drinks, and the shells will arrive bubbling hot to the table. Let's face it, everyone loves baked pasta.

 

 

Risotto con Porcini 

 

This is one of my daughter's favorite dishes and was one of mine when I was young. In those days, it was prepared when everyone in the family was at home at the same time, because risotto must be served the moment it's ready and can't be held for latecomers. Any meaty mushrooms may be substituted for porcini.

 

 

 

These are a favorite appetizer in Italy and the US, and at my house, for sure. Kids love them, particularly when the  hidden treasure at the center is savory prosciutto and oozing cheese. Arborio rice is recommended in the recipe, but this dish can be made with brown rice as well; just make sure you cook it long enough, and you will need a bit more stock.

  

 

 

Italian cheese cake is one of the easiest Italian desserts to make, and yes, you can add raisins, orange, or pine nuts, but I recall my grandmother's simple version made from goat's milk ricotta with minimal sugar--it was delicious. In America, the cream cheese version with a much smoother consistency is common, but an most Italians prefer this crumbly ricotta version. 

 

 

Visit Lidiasitaly.com for tips, recipes, photos, and more! 

 

  



grana 
A tip for using Grana Padano 

Sometimes when shredding softer cheeses like mozzarella or fontina, their consistency causes them to stick together and become more difficult to handle, especially if you're trying to evenly distribute it over dishes like lasagna or pizza. To avoid this, mix some finely grated Grana Padano cheese into your softer cheese to loosen it up, and then proceed with the sprinkling. Watch the tip here: 

  

Lidia's Video Tips: Shredded Cheese


 

Sure, it's not the main ingredient, but I think this recipe showcases Grana Padano's flavors beautifully. Get the recipe! 

   



nonna's birthday surprise
on shelves March 26th! 

 

It's Nonna Mima's birthday, and Nonna Lidia and her grandkids are determined to throw her a surprise feast! While planning the evening's menu, Nonna Lidia shares her memories of growing up on the farm during each season of the year, gardening her own fruits and vegetables, and being surrounded by animals of all kinds. After a trip to the farmers' market, Lidia and the kids prepare a pasta primavera, perfect for a family celebration!

 

 





restaurant events

Pasta Making with Felidia's Chef Nicotra  

pasta
Thursday, February 28th at 6:30 pm

Who doesn't love a big bowl of pasta during these cold winter months? Join us at Felidia on February 28th and learn how you can make your favorite pasta right in your own home. Executive Chef Fortunato Nicotra will teach you the in's and out's of making the freshest most delicious pasta outside of Italy. You will also enjoy a 5-course pasta tasting paired with Lidia's award winning Bastianich Wines.
 

Lidia Presents: Philharmonic Taste

An Austrian Tasting for Ears and Palate at Del Posto  


What is the taste of Schubert? And which movement by Brahms pairs with Chardonnay? Del Posto Restaurant is proud to present a unique evening of music and wine. Join world-renowned Chef Lidia Bastianich and Andreas Grossbauer, first violin player at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, as they host an evening dedicated to the ear, the nose and the palate. The night features a classic seven course menu, paired not only with wines from Austria's best vineyards, but also with music chosen to reflect the personality and character of the evening's fare. This truly once in a lifetime opportunity is made possible by the generous donation of the Austrian Trade Commission and the Austrian Wine Marketing Board.

Monday, March 4th 2013 7PM - 11PM Tickets are $425 per person (all inclusive) 

 

Black Truffles Black Truffle Night at Felidia   


Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30 pm

March is black truffle month at Felidia, and on March 6th Felidia will be hosting a very special dinner featuring black truffles and sparkling wine. Executive Chef Fortunato has created a magnificent menu where each dish will feature black truffles as the star ingredient! Bring your family and enjoy a night filled with lobster, razor clams, and poached guinea hen. Top it all off with a bite of black truffle tiramisu!

 

del posto Del Posto is excited and proud to announce their new classes and events series.  We have offerings in a variety of areas, covering topics and styles any guest could enjoy. Vini Del Posto wine dinners will explore Del Posto's extensive cellar and offer guests a chance to interact one on one with a sommelier. The EDUdining series will feature classes and demos in a wealth of topics, from The Art of Making Fresh Pasta to a study of the regions of Italy. And finally, Del Posto presents Celebrazione Del Cibo, a celebration of food, feast and the Italian table.

 

Tickets for all events can be purchased here.

 





for canadian viewers

TLNLidia Returns to Weeknights!
Weeknights 9 - 10 pm
Sundays 2 - 6 pm
Enjoy a full hour with North America's Queen of Italian Cooking as Lidia Bastianich returns to weeknights. Don't miss Lidia's Italy in America at 9:00 pm and Lidia's Italy at 9:30 pm. 



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