Lidia's Italy in America: A Cookbook

by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Tanya Bastianich Manuali

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 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.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Italy, Food and Drink

359 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is an American chef, businesswoman and restaurateur.

Specializing in Italian and Croatian cuisine, she has been a regular contributor to the PBS cooking show lineup since 1998. In 2007, she launched her third TV series, Lidia's Italy. She also owns four Italian restaurants in the U.S. in partnership with her son, the winemaster and restaurateur, Joseph Bastianich: Felidia (founded with her ex-husband, Felice) and Becco in Manhattan; Lidia's Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Lidia's Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri.

Reviews

[William Mego · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm extremely critical of cookbooks, finding little other than avarice in them. I usually feel that the author has written a quick sell, duping people into paying money for reheated leftovers of other cookbooks.

When I began this book, I went in highly skeptical, even though I actually hold Lidia Bastianich in high regard based upon her excellent show, and the celebration of both authentic Italian cookery as well as the recognition that while Italian-American cookery isn't the same thing, it's of equal stature, if not of age. This book is an excellent resource, even the pasta section by itself is worth it. Will you find bizarre, cutting edge recipes? No, that's not the point. Will you find recipes carted directly off the boat by grandma? No, it's not trying to do that, although she will make frequent references to how these recipes evolved from the originals, and explain what small changes you could make to make it the traditional Italian one.

If you've ever made an "authentic" Italian recipe, only to realize it really wasn't what you were hoping for, you probably wanted the version in this book. Highly Recommended.

[Bdalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out because of the Almond Pine Nut Cookie recipe. My sister-in-law introduced me to this awesome cookies and they are truly mouth-watering. We made the Cioppino for a Christmas Eve gathering and I am making the Caponata tonight. I love the travelogue nature of the book, the lovely photographs, and the fact that many of the recipes recall my first mother-in-law's wonderful cooking. I would love to be able to cook like her, and this book makes it seem possible. There is a list of Italian American clubs in the back of the book and a list of Lidia's cooking show episodes. This book would make a perfect gift for someone who loves her TV show or who wants to learn more about Italian American cooking.

[Alan Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolute favorite cookbooks, this is not regional Italian cooking; it is Italian-American cooking with some travelogue and immigrant history tossed in. The recipes are easy to make at home, and absolutely delicious. Many of these dishes are along the lines of what you'll find in really good Italian restaurants across America, and in Italian-American homes on Sundays and holidays. Lidia's books are just as good as her TV shows, maybe even better; and this one is superb.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of the recipes in this collection were staples of my childhood growing up in Northern New Jersey. This is authentic Italian American fare. I also enjoyed the historical and geographical notes included with the recipes. I am a collector of Italian-American cookbooks, I will be adding this one to my collection. Thank you Lidia!

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like her other books, wonderfully tasty, easy to follow instructions of recipes.
Definately a must-have book for fans of Italian food.

[Nupur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the companion cookbook to the PBS series. I loved the essays on Little Italys all over the US. There are many Italian American recipes worth trying.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on Italian American cooking.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before this I had never picked up one of Lida's books. I had seen her pop up on PBS and would watch her from time to time but wouldn't consider myself a fan. If this book is an example of her other cookbooks, I am now a fan because I love a book that has extensive notes on why the recipe was chosen and how it came into being.

Of course as much as I enjoyed this book, which has a nice mention of Providence, RI in it, I feel as if I appreciate it even more after listening to her memoir at the same time. I'll look forward to hearing what the library's Cookbook Book Club thinks about this one!

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories with recipes

I enjoyed reading the Italian American history behind the recipes and places Lidia visited. Can’t wait to try some of these recipes.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it is possible to read a cookbook, then I have done it. This cookbook is of particular interest to me because it's half recipes and half travelogue of iconic Italian American restaurants. I, ahem, have turned the latter into a Foursquare list. As for the former—the recipes—I've bookmarked so many. You'll be surprised what dishes from your childhood are nouveau inventions by Italian immigrants.

[Natashya KitchenPuppies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lidia explores Italian-American food and culture. An intimate look at the Italian immigrant experience, and the delicious food culture they have built in the U.S.
See my full review here:
http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies....

[Claudia Majetich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first cookbook I've read on my Kindle. Cookbooks are hard to read on Kindles and I'm don't know how to save the one recipe I'd like to have. LB does provide some interesting commentary on Italian neighborhoods across the US, although I'm not very fond of her writing style.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cookbook! I made homemade pizza dough that was awesome and some other things that came out great.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Lidia.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion cookbook to the show there are interesting recipes from Italian enclaves across the US. Now we must take an eating tour of the featured places!

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Food! Excellent Cookbook!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this cookbook, there are recipes I look forward to making.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of enticing recipes for variations of the familiar and for new things too

[Judy Nappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite Lidia - excellent recipes!!