Ep 21. Hazelnut Haven

Lidia's Italy season 2 episode 21, titled "Hazelnut Haven," takes viewers on a journey through the Piedmont region of Italy. Host Lidia Bastianich explores the deep cultural and culinary roots of this area, known for its rich hazelnut production.

The episode begins with Lidia meeting up with local experts to learn more about the hazelnut harvest. She visits a hazelnut grove where farmers explain the unique growing conditions and techniques that make Piedmont hazelnuts some of the best in the world. Lidia then takes viewers into a nearby factory where these nuts are roasted, packaged, and shipped to international markets.

But the true highlight of the episode comes when Lidia delves into the culinary traditions surrounding hazelnuts. She visits a quaint local bakery where hazelnut paste is used to fill traditional pastries like baci di dama. Lidia also visits a chocolatier who uses the local hazelnuts to make decadent chocolate truffles and ganache.

Of course, no exploration of Piedmont cuisine would be complete without pasta. Lidia joins a local chef who demonstrates how to make a traditional Piedmontese pasta dish featuring a rich hazelnut sauce. Using simple ingredients like butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the chef creates a silky sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.

Throughout the episode, Lidia's appreciation for the Piedmontese way of life shines through. She meets warm and welcoming locals, learns about their deep respect for food, and shares their pride in the region's hazelnut heritage. By the end of the episode, viewers will feel like they've been transported to a hazelnut haven in the heart of Italy.