Lidia's Italy in America : More Than 175 lovely, Lusty Recipes and Their Stories from all Parts of Italian America Today

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. "In this companion book to her upcoming public television series, Lidia takes us on a road trip into the heart of Italian American cooking today. As she explores the multifaceted approach to this utterly delectable and distinctive cuisine, we come to see that every kitchen and every Italian community is different. Clues are buried in each dish: the Sicilian-style semolina bread and briny olives in New Orleans muffaletta sandwiches, the Neapolitan crust of New York pizza, and the smoky provola that tops braised chicken breasts in Philadelphia. She talks with creative cooks all over the country--farmers, housewives, butchers, fishermen, and food entrepreneurs--about the ingredients they use, their kitchen secrets, and of course, their favorite recipes: from Rhode Island Clams Casino and Baltimore Crab Cakes to Bronx Eggplant Parmesan and Boston Cream Cakes. And she 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. A loving exploration of a fascinating cuisine--as only Lidia could give us"--Provided by publisher