Lidia's Favorite Recipes: 100 Foolproof Italian Dishes, from Basic Sauces to Irresistible Entrees: A Cookbook / Bastianich, Lidia Matticchio

An Introduction to Lidia's Favorite Recipes by Lidia Bastianich

I have written seven cookbooks thus far, and I'm so happy to have earned a place in your cookbook library. I'm sure that, as you read and cooked your way through each book, you found recipes that became your favorites. Some might be reliable recipes that are easy to cook, and others are probably more difficult recipes that are worth the effort, but my hope is that all of them are dishes that your family loves and that became part of your own traditions. As readers tell me about their experiences around the table, it's become clear that if I collected those favorite recipes and compiled them all accessibly in one book, it might be just the Lidia cookbook you are looking for. And here it is, just for you: Lidia's Favorite Recipes.

These recipes include not only your favorites, but mine as well, like My Mother's Chicken and Potatoes. It is a recipe that has remained a family favorite for the last four generations and I'm sure it had its family roots well before that. It has been slightly altered through the generations, but the deliciousness of this comfort food remains. There are also recipes that represent the flavors and story of my childhood, such as Polenta, and Swiss Chard Potatoes.

There are recipes from some of my unforgettable trips, which will have you traveling through the regions of Italy—making Scaloppine Saltimbocca will transport you straight to Rome; Ziti with Broccoli Rabe and Sausages will take you to Puglia, in the heel of Italy; and Risotto con Porcini and Veal Ossobuco will make you feel like you're in Milan. Then there are recipes that speak of the Italian American story, which can be found in the fl avors of my Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Clams, Zucchini Roll- Ups, and many more. And as I put this book together, I added some of my new favorites, which I know you will try and love.

Family is very important to me, and I love to cook for my family and friends, so I included the simple and flavorful Italian dishes that you will love to prepare for your family and friends, like Minestrone, Meatloaf with Ricotta, and Sausage and Peppers. These recipes all make family-size quantities, and can also be divided and stored in the freezer for unexpected company, last-minute family visits, or even "I have no time to cook" nights. What's important is that these are all easy and delicious, and the warm, familiar flavors will bring your family straight to the table. Today more than ever we want and need to gather around the table with our family and friends to escape our daily distractions, and what better way than with food that luscious, nutritious, and cooked with love.

For most of these recipes, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find. This is especially true if you cook by the seasons—and, after all, that is the best way to cook. Today all of us care about eating consciously, sustainably, and responsibly to keep our environment safe for future generations. Cooking and eating seasonal and local food, and not wasting a bit of it, is something all of us can do to make a difference while enjoying meals we love. A favorite dish is timeless, no matter your budget or season, and I think you'll find that these favorite dishes of mine will remain your favorites as well.

Continue cooking, and tutti a tavola a mangiare,

Lidia Bastianich