Ep 2. Recipes on Repeat

Giada At Home season 9 episode 2, titled "Recipes on Repeat," sees Giada de Laurentiis sharing some of her go-to recipes that she has been making for years. The episode is all about finding comfort in the familiarity of our favorite dishes, and Giada is here to show us how to give old recipes a new twist.

The first recipe Giada shares is her family's favorite Sunday night dish, chicken cacciatore. Instead of using just chicken, Giada adds some ground beef to the mix for a heartier and more flavorful sauce. She also swaps out the traditional spaghetti for some rigatoni to better capture the rich sauce. Giada also makes a quick and easy side dish of sautéed bell peppers and onions to accompany the cacciatore. This is a meal that is sure to quickly become a favorite in your household too.

Next up, Giada shows us how to make a classic Italian-American dish, eggplant parmesan, with a twist. Instead of frying the eggplant, Giada roasts it in the oven for a healthier and easier method. She also uses panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for a lighter breading. Giada tops the eggplant with her homemade tomato sauce and lots of fresh mozzarella and basil. This is a dish that is perfect for a casual dinner party or a cozy night in.

For dessert, Giada gives us a recipe for her favorite chocolate cake. This is a recipe that Giada has been making for over 20 years and it never fails to impress. The cake is a simple one-bowl recipe that comes together quickly and easily. Giada then shows us how to make a rich chocolate ganache frosting to top the cake with. She also adds a surprise element by sprinkling sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet and salty flavor combination. Serve this cake at your next gathering and watch your guests swoon.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients. She uses San Marzano tomatoes in her tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella in her eggplant parmesan, and high-quality chocolate in her cake. These ingredients make all the difference in the final product and elevate these classic recipes to something truly special.

"Recipes on Repeat" is a reminder that sometimes the most comforting and delicious meals are the ones we've been making for years. With a few small tweaks and some fresh ingredients, these old favorites can feel brand new again. Giada de Laurentiis shows us how to make these classic dishes with love, care, and a touch of Italian flair.