Lidia's Kitchen Season 3 Episode 19 Focaccia

Lidia's Kitchen season 3 episode 19 revolves around the popular Italian bread known as Focaccia. The episode begins with Lidia Bastianich walking viewers through the process of making Focaccia dough from scratch. She stresses the importance of allowing the dough to rest before kneading it, which improves the texture and flavor of the bread.

As the dough rests, Lidia prepares various toppings for the Focaccia. She opts for a classic combination of rosemary, garlic, and sea salt, as well as a tomato and mozzarella-based topping. She also prepares a sweet Focaccia with cherries and ricotta.

Once the dough is ready, Lidia shows how to shape and stretch it before adding the toppings. She emphasizes the importance of not overloading the Focaccia with too many toppings, as it can disrupt the bread's texture and ability to rise.

Lidia bakes the Focaccia in a hot oven until it is golden brown and crispy, then slices it into portions to serve. She suggests serving it as a side dish with soups or salads, or as an appetizer with cheese and charcuterie.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares her personal tips and tricks for making the perfect Focaccia, including using a high-quality olive oil and not being afraid to experiment with different toppings. She also shares some of the cultural significance of the bread in Italy, where it is often eaten as a snack or street food.

Overall, the episode is a comprehensive guide to making Focaccia at home, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips from Lidia Bastianich herself. Whether you're a seasoned bread baker or a complete beginner, this episode is sure to inspire you to try your hand at making this delicious Italian classic.