Ep 1. Childhood Cravings

In the first episode of its seventh season, "Lidia's Kitchen" explores the comfort and nostalgia of Childhood Cravings. Lidia Bastianich, famous chef and host, takes viewers on a culinary journey through dishes that represent her childhood memories.

The episode opens with Lidia reminiscing about her grandmother Rosa's cooking, who passed on a love and appreciation for food to a young Lidia. She then introduces the theme of the episode: making dishes that bring back memories of simpler times.

The first dish on the menu is Bucatini with Meatballs. Lidia explains how this classic pasta dish was a staple in her family and how her mother would break the meatballs into small pieces so that they could be evenly distributed throughout the dish. Lidia then shares her recipe for perfectly tender meatballs made with ground pork, beef, and veal.

Next up is Lidia's take on a traditional Italian dish, Spaghetti alle Vongole. She shares that this seafood pasta dish was one of her father's favorites, and that she would often join him in procuring fresh clams from the local market. With personal anecdotes and stories woven throughout the episode, this dish makes its way onto the table with a perfect balance of flavors.

Moving into the realm of sweets, Lidia shares her recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Cake, made with fresh zucchini from her garden. She reveals that she often sneaked spoonfuls of the chocolate batter as a child, and then shows how to make the cake from start to finish. The finished product looks absolutely delicious and satisfying, fulfilling the craving for something sweet.

Finally, Lidia makes her version of a classic Italian dessert, Zeppole di San Giuseppe. She explains how these fried doughnuts were typically enjoyed on the feast day of St. Joseph, one of her favorite holidays growing up. Lidia shows how to make the doughnuts and the creamy custard filling, finishing them off with a drizzle of sweet honey.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes how important it is to keep these traditional family dishes alive and to share them with future generations. She explains how cooking connects us with our past, our families, and our culture. With her infectious personality and joy for cooking, Lidia invites viewers to savor memories and Childhood Cravings with her in the kitchen.