Ep 11. Weekend Lunch

In the 11th episode of season 3 of Everyday Italian, titled Weekend Lunch, host Giada De Laurentiis explores some of her favorite Italian recipes for a leisurely weekend lunch. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the culinary delights of Italy, highlighting classic dishes and innovative twists on traditional favorites.

De Laurentiis begins the episode by demonstrating how to make a simple yet delicious tomato and mozzarella panini. She then moves on to a more complex dish, preparing an incredible porchetta with rosemary and garlic. The porchetta is a traditional Italian pork dish that is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Next up on the menu is a fresh and zesty arugula salad, featuring thinly sliced fennel, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is the perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of the porchetta.

No Italian meal would be complete without pasta, and De Laurentiis delivers with her mouthwatering recipe for spaghetti with clams and pancetta. This dish features spaghetti noodles tossed in a garlic- and white wine-infused clam sauce, topped with crispy pancetta and fresh parsley.

To finish off the meal in style, De Laurentiis prepares a classic Italian dessert – tiramisu. This sweet and creamy treat features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.

Throughout the episode, De Laurentiis shares her expert tips and tricks for making each dish perfectly, from ensuring the pork is seasoned evenly to coaxing the clams out of their shells without overcooking them. She also provides suggestions for wine pairings, recommending a crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the porchetta and a rich red wine to go with the spaghetti.

Overall, Weekend Lunch is a fantastic episode of Everyday Italian, showcasing some of the best Italian cuisine has to offer. De Laurentiis's passion for cooking is evident in every dish she prepares, and her warmth and charm make the episode a joy to watch. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to learn new recipes, this episode is sure to inspire you to try some of these classic Italian dishes for yourself.