PrintCook the Book: Lidia's Italy
This week's Cook the Book feature is Lidia's Italy by Lidia Bastianich, famed restaurateur, Public Television personality and—as of last week—Papal chef. In her latest culinary compendium, Lidia takes home cooks on a whirlwind gastronomic tour of ten different places in Italy, from northern Piemont and central Rome, to southern Puglia and the island of Sicily.
These are the regions that Lidia loves best, and the ones that have most informed her own cooking. As she writes in her introduction: "Now I ask you to come with me to some of my favorite places in Italy. I want to introduce you to my friends and to some of the very fine food artisans who are keeping the Italian culinary tradition alive. I want you to meet some of the special people who make up the heartbeat of the cities in Italy, to experience the way they enjoy life, to see how they shop, and how the cook with these traditional products."
Win 'Lidia's Italy'
The 140 recipes are homey and diverse, from traditional pasta and fish dishes (think tomato ragu and brodetto), to innovative antipastos and desserts (roast peppers stuffed with tuna and anchovy, babàs with limoncello). We'll be excerpting one every day this week as part of our ongoing Cook the Book feature. In addition, we're giving away copies to five lucky readers. To enter for a chance to win, simply tell us in the comments section below: when you're cooking to impress, what dish do you prepare?
Comments are closed: 354 Comments:
Pasta with crushed san marzanos, capers, crushed red pepper and poached tuna.
Kerosena at 2:30PM on 04/28/08
if it's a special occasion, like christmas, it's always a standing rib roast. that always gets oohs and ahhs.
surprisingly, though, if i roast a chicken and serve that to my friends who don't cook, they go nuts. who knew? behold the power of a simple roasted chicken.
french tart at 2:34PM on 04/28/08
For dinner I like to impress with marinated flat iron steaks with sauteed mushrooms and onions, scalloped potatoes and/or broccoli or cauliflower gratin. Or Shrimp Fra Diavolo with garlic bread and stuffed mushrooms.
For dessert a good old cherry pie, NY Style Cheesecake, or rhubarb galette always get rave reviews!
bobcatsteph3 at 2:36PM on 04/28/08
short ribs
bluebird at 2:37PM on 04/28/08
beer braised short ribs or a rack of lamb. my in-laws, for some reason, were really impressed that I made mapo tofu the last time they came over for dinner..
mrsbao at 2:40PM on 04/28/08
prime rib
rockandroll at 2:41PM on 04/28/08
Homemade ravioli with fresh ricotta and spinach filling in a light tomato sauce. Simple but sooo good.
charm city cupcake at 2:44PM on 04/28/08
Rack of lamb
arbela at 2:49PM on 04/28/08
Fried Oysters--when they are done right, they are very impressive.
Milly at 2:51PM on 04/28/08
Creme Brulee. Yes, it might be a cliche, but pulling out your very own blow torch is a sure fire way (hehe) to impress a dinner guest.
stareater at 2:51PM on 04/28/08
Mushroom risotto
ima foodie at 2:58PM on 04/28/08
Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Yum.
TableForOne at 2:59PM on 04/28/08
Beef wellington or standing rib roast with blue cheese potato and wild mushroom gratin. Followed by my famous frozen chocolate mousse.
Mizbee at 3:01PM on 04/28/08
i make a killer veggie lasagna. thanks!
mcc32 at 3:02PM on 04/28/08
Without a doubt a standing rib roast from the outdoor smoker, summer tomatoes, grilled corn and fresh grilled pineapple with scoop of french vanilla ice cream.
Colorado Jim at 3:03PM on 04/28/08
Pan Seared Scallops served atop a spring pea puree with a russet potato chip, roasted red pepper and american caviar on top of the scallop.
nelson5757 at 3:04PM on 04/28/08
Stuffed pork loin - stuffed with herbed cheese & carmelized onions then rubbed with crushed fennel seed, sea salt & crushed pepper corns - slow roasted on the grill over indirect heat. I usually serve that with some simple roasted potatoes & roasted carrots....people are always amazed at the flavors & I love how simple it is!
mepolo at 3:04PM on 04/28/08
Without a doubt a standing rib roast from the outdoor smoker, summer tomatoes, grilled corn and fresh grilled pineapple with scoop of french vanilla ice cream.
Colorado Jim at 3:05PM on 04/28/08
Tiramisu - most people are impressed by homemade desserts like this!
edinat at 3:09PM on 04/28/08
Toffee Cheesecake!
akoney at 3:15PM on 04/28/08
mushroom and leek strudel...not the most challenging dish, but an amazingly delicious vegetarian one that even carnivores will gush over
dimsumlikeithot at 3:15PM on 04/28/08
Brazilian seafood stew for a main dish, and sweet potato with smoked paprika for the side (not at the same meal though)
MayaBruck at 3:16PM on 04/28/08
Penne alla vodka. It's incredibly simple, but people are always impressed.
thebasilqueen at 3:16PM on 04/28/08
Short ribs in a red wine marinade, white wine risotto and roasted asparagus.
kdjmom3 at 3:17PM on 04/28/08
Chinese sponge cake!
chlamers at 3:20PM on 04/28/08
Rack of lamb. It's easy but elegant.
Coq au vin in fall/winter; easy for guests and entire house smells good.
I also like the roast chicken idea someone had earlier--great idea!
Longj at 3:21PM on 04/28/08
I always make a chocolate pot de creme that takes about 15 minutes (plus time to chill in the fridge) - it's super-easy and hard to mess up!
amwhiteh at 3:23PM on 04/28/08
Shrimp creole.
herrinfamily at 3:24PM on 04/28/08
A fabulous dessert.
karen r at 3:24PM on 04/28/08
Stuffed things make "oohs" and "aahs." So I do stuffed peppers, stuffed eggplant, stuffed pumpkins. I've also impressed people with stovetop paella and risottos.
For dessert - mini pie. People love getting their own pie!
KarynMC at 3:33PM on 04/28/08
this is very basic but a crusty loaf of bread baked that day usually gets big raves. not sure if that really counts as cooking to impress...
sloppy at 3:36PM on 04/28/08
Black and white creme brulee - a layer of chocolate and a layer of vanilla. It wows them every time.
Morgana at 3:37PM on 04/28/08
roasted chicken
carusoc at 3:40PM on 04/28/08
Beef Bourguignon and with polenta
jenberger at 3:44PM on 04/28/08
I make things that are simple and rustic, but with big flavor. Roasted chicken with rosemary. Orzo risotto. Sometimes I'll make shrimp scampi and cheese grit cakes (a favorite with my mom). Crostata with fresh fruit. Fresh bread. Anything that I can pull off while sleeping, but still make for curling toes during dinner time.
jenilowrance at 3:47PM on 04/28/08
Rugalach. It makes people forget I'm a poor, post-collegiate degenerate and rather a master baker with infinite patience.
LiveToEat at 3:55PM on 04/28/08
I like to make a rich cream of mushroom soup for a starter. It's from scratch based on a CIA recipe. My guests are always surprised and delighted it doesn't take like the stuff from a can!
mrsadm at 3:57PM on 04/28/08
homemade pizza
whynotthis at 3:58PM on 04/28/08
I like to roast individual Cornish Game Hens stuffed with wild rice. They make an excellent presentation.
fangirl at 3:58PM on 04/28/08
When I'm cooking to impress the main course varies by season. However the dessert is usually some seasonal ice cream with profiteroles. It's easy to make both components ahead of time and I usually end up freezing half the profiteroles for the next go round. Drizzled with a bit of chocolate sauce and served on a platter family style, everyone usually raves! Usually people start off taking just one or two but we always end up finishing the platter (three per person or so)!
Right now I've got a kick ass cane sugar sweetened chestnut ice cream that I need to finish off because strawberry season is coming! It's time to entertain again soon!
Otabenga at 3:58PM on 04/28/08
My impressive meal is a great zucchini soup, then a white lasagna with salad and a flourless chocolate cake for desert.
ljstubbs at 4:11PM on 04/28/08
Grilled Sirloin steak served with fresh juicy tomatoes topped with feta cheese and "frosted green beans with sesame seeds" from Silver Spoon cookbook. Desert changes with the season.
elaine nan at 4:14PM on 04/28/08
Hangtown Fry-a mixture of fried oysters, scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese. People can't get over the great taste of this unusual combination.
CarolHarrity at 4:19PM on 04/28/08
Homemade bread and just about any homemade dessert always impress. You could serve just about anything in the middle.
Fiksu at 4:27PM on 04/28/08
lobster spaghetti and French apple salad
toastworthy at 4:32PM on 04/28/08
cheese cake
mverno at 4:33PM on 04/28/08
I like to bake my own whole wheat bread. Also, a nice Lemon Pudding Cake.
emerald420 at 4:33PM on 04/28/08
Handmade pasta, because I can even impress myself if I get it right.
jsalern at 4:34PM on 04/28/08
Roast Duck, Stewed Red Cabbage and Czech Potato Dumplings;
Vanilla Ice Cream with homemade Claret Wine Sauce.
czken at 4:39PM on 04/28/08
usually a homemade fancy dessert
zekks at 4:42PM on 04/28/08
Eggplant parmesan, done like a lasagna
texas sheet cake, chocolate pan cake, whatever you call that people love it
monmon16 at 4:43PM on 04/28/08
vegetable lasagna
starsmom at 4:45PM on 04/28/08
When I'm cooking to impress I try to make something that isn't burnt.
patschraier at 4:50PM on 04/28/08
Chicken florentine with white wine on a bed of spinach...slightly spiced up.
Cannelini bean salad with ripe tomatoes and a good crusty bread for all the great sauce.
Dessert: goat-cheesecake with fruit or something soaked in rum.
DH says I should have written Guinness beef stew. :)
sadiepix at 4:54PM on 04/28/08
As a male college student, I can impress most of my friends my making a home made pizza dough that's 10x better than any dining hall or delivery pizza.
codasco at 4:55PM on 04/28/08
Creole chicken with rice
joanne117 at 4:55PM on 04/28/08
puttanesca
bandsaw at 5:03PM on 04/28/08
New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, not b/c it's terribly difficult but because out-of-towners usually haven't had it.
AsthmaMom at 5:03PM on 04/28/08
A fantastic butternut squash and ricotte lasagna with a brown sugar and sage butter sauce .....to die for !!!!!!!!
haagenfreak at 5:14PM on 04/28/08
2" Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with blue cheese butter sauce
phoney2 at 5:19PM on 04/28/08
ossa buca
ess12 at 5:27PM on 04/28/08
I make Chicken Curry with all the little dishes of toppings for everyone to choose from. Lidia's cool, and I'd love to have this book--thanks for the offer!
geekbearinggifts at 5:28PM on 04/28/08
Risotto - thanks to everyone else for some new ideas.
captunderp at 5:47PM on 04/28/08
I bake a macaroni and cheese from Martha Stewart's recipe. I figure if someone isn't impressed by 6 tablespoons of butter and 5 cups of cheese then they aren't worth impressing to begin with!
orinky at 5:49PM on 04/28/08
sushi or a mushroom lasagne
ricedream24 at 5:50PM on 04/28/08
Starter: Baked goat cheese with pesto and carmelized onions
Entree: Anything beef - filets, ribeye, rib roast. It's all impressive.
Dessert: Always my tiramisu. It's dead easy and it blows everyone away.
threedogkitchen at 5:52PM on 04/28/08
braised chicken w/ shallots
absorber at 5:53PM on 04/28/08
My husband is the cook in the house. He like to make Coq Au Vin when we have company coming.
sbbuckley at 5:53PM on 04/28/08
I roasted a smallish chicken with garlic cloves and butter. I use crushed peppercorns and oregano. I also roast asparagus and Yukon Gold potatoes in the oven while the chicken is resting.
eat_a_cookies at 6:04PM on 04/28/08
Roast Lamb
PoignantTuna at 6:06PM on 04/28/08
It's simple, but salmon on the grill is always a crowd-pleaser.
louiseb130 at 6:10PM on 04/28/08
A fantastic dessert. Cheesecakes are great. I make it earlier in the day and refrigerate and no one expects it when I bring it out!
bianca34dw at 6:12PM on 04/28/08
indian food. towering multi-layer cakes, delicate tarts.
emmab at 6:29PM on 04/28/08
roast chicken.
mistabelle at 6:40PM on 04/28/08
Pasta
bingsy at 6:46PM on 04/28/08
thomas keller's mushroom quiche. roasted strawberry cheesecake. great coq au vin or fabulous mac and cheese
pkpicque at 6:50PM on 04/28/08
A big Key Lime Pie.
Skipper50 at 6:50PM on 04/28/08
i'm not great at cooking, but i make a mean butternut squash ravioli with a brown butter and sage sauce.
desserts are my forte-- i'll make a vegan mousse (white chocolate peanut butter or dark chocolate) or decadent cake or chocolate covered strawberries. always something over the top and rich.
_diana at 6:52PM on 04/28/08
Timbale or scrapelle m'busso
bondolce at 6:54PM on 04/28/08
I bake my awesome snickerdoodles!
cochon at 6:54PM on 04/28/08
I often get asked for my sweet and sour meatballs so that is what I prepare before dinner.
sln123 at 6:57PM on 04/28/08
some sort of seafood or stuffed chicken, and a great dessert
woodenspoon at 7:08PM on 04/28/08
While the menu changes according to what's in season, I always insist on making homemade bread and homemade butter. Gets 'em every time!
misswills at 7:08PM on 04/28/08
Beef or chicken wellington...........
banquetbabe at 7:23PM on 04/28/08
roast lamb
fresh pasta with ricotta (both homemade) and herbs
home-grown tomatoes with sea salt and garden basil
homemade desserts (triple chocolate cake, strawberry-rhubarb pie, apple tort with almond brittle, buttermilk layer cakes with lemon curd)
in general: super simple, clean flavors with the freshest ingredients possible
esjacobs at 7:33PM on 04/28/08
risotto & home-made bread -- and a dessert that wouldn't transport well so that I could only make it for people eating chez moi.
bibliothecaire at 7:38PM on 04/28/08
I make a wonderful apple-bacon-and-tomato soup that pairs well with a hunk of crusty bread or a grilled cheese.
scaevola at 7:38PM on 04/28/08
Every time I've made roasted feta as an appetizer (recipe printed in 9/9/07 N.Y. Times), our guests devour it. I hardly know what it tastes like myself because they never give me a chance!
blgrimes at 8:02PM on 04/28/08
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Laura78 at 8:15PM on 04/28/08
It seems that a homemade dessert almost always impresses.
phillipjman at 8:20PM on 04/28/08
I prefer cooking comfort-style foods....
Ham and Split Pea Soup always gets seconds.
farmkat at 8:23PM on 04/28/08
My jazzed up pissaladière. It's to die for! :)
merav13 at 8:24PM on 04/28/08
Lasagne Bolognese from Cooks Illustrated
maialisa at 8:26PM on 04/28/08
These delicious little appetizer sandwiches made out of polenta (for the "bread"), filled with creamy spinach & mozzarella, and then breaded and lightly fried... enough to get the cheese melty. DELICOUS!
mh330 at 8:36PM on 04/28/08
Roasted tomato and goat cheese tarts, and brownies
PeanutButter at 8:36PM on 04/28/08
I cook fettucine alfredo from scratch. My hubby and I love to make our own noodles.
tmf315 at 8:43PM on 04/28/08
I cook this Brazilian dish- roasted pork loin with cream cheese sauce. It's not that fancy, but an unusual dish, which makes it special.
meredith at 8:59PM on 04/28/08
Standing rib roast - it's easy and elegant.
Aisling at 9:04PM on 04/28/08
The fact that I can cook anything at all tends to impress others fairly well! However, I just stick with fast dishes that tend to be full of flavor more often than not since it's all our schedules tends to allow.
As such, I usually toss out a gambas al pil pil to my family every so often. I saw it once over at Williams-Sonoma's website and it was an instant hit. That and it seemed like a big deal of a dish when it really only takes me about 8 minutes to whip up!
First Chair at 9:24PM on 04/28/08
chocolate biscuits
pcbdolphins at 9:28PM on 04/28/08
Something different every time, although in years past the default was lasagna. If it's a weeknight, beef burgundy in the crockpot works well, and if it's a weekend and clement out, some form of smoked barbecue is usually a winner. The most complex or fancy food we tend to serve guests is the dessert...
mngiggle at 9:41PM on 04/28/08
Always differant, but usually something that includes seafood, or stuffed pork tenderloin or a beef tenderloin of some sort of preparation.
ssommerville at 9:43PM on 04/28/08
I have been a fan of Lydia's cooking show for years. I impress with her receipe for breast of chicken with light lemon sauce from her Lydia's Italian-American Kitchen" cookbook. I get raves for this one.
tweed524 at 9:49PM on 04/28/08
When I'm cooking breakfast to impress, I make French toast - potato bread, cinnamon and vanilla extract in the batter, and Vermont maple syrup on top.
Dinner - Roast beef, baked potatoes done perfectly, and usually steamed broccoli. For dessert I like to make something warm with fruit - compote, maybe, or an easy cobbler, all served with homemade whipped cream.
AdamH at 10:04PM on 04/28/08
I usually roast a bird. When it's Thanksgiving, I'm always up for trying a new turkey recipe, whereas if its just a "regular" impressive dinner, then I'll roast a chicken.
Vincci at 10:06PM on 04/28/08
world's greatest lasagna
chromiumman at 10:10PM on 04/28/08
cheesecake
hedgehog at 10:12PM on 04/28/08
I like to cook a lot and enjoy cooking may different things. I love being able to make others happy by serving a good meal.
lisargold at 10:21PM on 04/28/08
Slow smoked brisket served with Cauliflower Gratin, Fresh Tomato/Basil Salad, and homemade bread.
cornbella at 10:22PM on 04/28/08
I either make chicken parmesan or chicken cacciatori for company. Both are pretty quick and easy and impress people because they taste so good.
lritz at 10:56PM on 04/28/08
I have a few on rotation - vegetable tarts are a standby, or homemade gnocchi, or summer rolls (for some strange reason, people are always impressed by those).
piccola at 11:15PM on 04/28/08
Lobster
linda at 11:18PM on 04/28/08
to impress, I cook something fresh from the garden or at least in season...and in such a way as to make that fresh flavor what is important. strawberries with fresh whipped cream or grilled peaches or fresh garden peas with just a touch of butter ... simple foods
javal at 11:20PM on 04/28/08
I make a great creamed spinach with toasted pine nuts
TxBubba at 11:21PM on 04/28/08
Usually some sort of roast; roasted pork loin is a favorite of mine, as is roast chicken.
Nicholas H at 11:24PM on 04/28/08
Homemade cavatelli with fresh baked bread and homemade tirimisu for dessert.
steadier571 at 11:59PM on 04/28/08
Grilled leg of lamb with a grilled veggie pasta
windjunkie at 12:01AM on 04/29/08
I make my special chicken with the red current sauce.
georgia35803 at 12:12AM on 04/29/08
Chicken saltimbocca, or shrimp and scallop risotto.
madball911 at 12:35AM on 04/29/08
homemade pasta with homemade sauce.
hrwalf at 12:36AM on 04/29/08
Fresh homemade bread impresses the hell out of almost everyone. If I don't have the time for bread, crepes are almost equally impressive, despite being so simple.
thatgrrl at 12:42AM on 04/29/08
grilled pizza
tripletdad53 at 12:53AM on 04/29/08
I try not to burn down the house! I'm better at baking than at cooking so I usually try to make a nice flavorful desert.
morabbiton at 1:04AM on 04/29/08
i like to show off seattle's beautiful local bounty-handmade pasta with spot prawns or crab, favas & ramp puree.
dmarina at 1:07AM on 04/29/08
I like to make Prime Rib Roast and Smashed Garlic Potatoes.
janetfaye at 1:07AM on 04/29/08
Prime Rib which only really cooks for 2 hours but sits in the oven for at least 8, gnocchi, yorkshire pudding, a veggie combo of zucchini, onions and mushrooms sauteed in butter and spices, flourless chocolate cake, espresso.
Hunnyoil at 1:36AM on 04/29/08
Everyone loves my Salmon with lemon, caper, butter sauce with penne on the side!
tiglesia at 1:41AM on 04/29/08
Osso Buco.
palatineboor at 3:22AM on 04/29/08
Prime rib, medium rare.
sw8t at 4:12AM on 04/29/08
Lasagne still impresses
JerzeeTomato at 5:11AM on 04/29/08
a delicious vodka penne pasta and acranberry dessert
Teri at 5:39AM on 04/29/08
I prepare a tequilia infused pork tenderloin with lime glaze.
agordon10 at 6:11AM on 04/29/08
Sourdough levain or pizza in my backyard wood-burning oven. (I think its the oven and not me that is most impressive here.)
dikaryon at 6:17AM on 04/29/08
I make a seafood strudel that is oh-so-elegant.
clc408 at 6:37AM on 04/29/08
Grilled portabella lasagna
Pork loin
Grilled steaks
Boursin and green onion smashed potatoes
Fresh sweet corn pudding
Lemon yogurt cake with fresh berries
Erinay77 at 6:48AM on 04/29/08
I fix amazing pork kabobs with couscous and a blue cheese, pear salad. Dessert varies, but is always decadent.
mcferret at 7:38AM on 04/29/08
Spice rubbed quail with wild rice. You should have seen the butcher's face when I asked if I could special order quail! That's what you get when you live in cosmopolitan Livonia.
clasek at 7:48AM on 04/29/08
I do mostly vegetarian cooking ... I've made gratins before that everyone loved and were quite beautiful.
Littlebluesiren at 8:12AM on 04/29/08
rib roast/ prime rib
nothing impresses people more than pulling an eight pound hunk of meat out of the oven and carving it up at the table
jd7979 at 8:37AM on 04/29/08
Chicken Kiev
grahamred at 8:40AM on 04/29/08
Lasagna
greenwolf at 8:41AM on 04/29/08
BBQ pulled pork
mnsteph at 8:45AM on 04/29/08
filet mignon
tsegada at 8:45AM on 04/29/08
I make my famous Spaghetti Sauce with meatballs and braciole.
cdziuba at 8:59AM on 04/29/08
when you're cooking to impress, what dish do you prepare?-
Grilled salmon, fresh salad, steamed broccoli, crusty bread, cheesecake
YUM!!!!
mama43 at 9:12AM on 04/29/08
I like super thin cut pork cutlets, breaded and fried. Then served with amoghio sauce on top. For the sides I like risotto with peas and some type of roasted vegetable (usually cauliflower asparagus).
msvandy at 9:25AM on 04/29/08
A humble tortilla de patatas, fresh salad, delicious bread, and a Spanish Red.
danwalk at 9:31AM on 04/29/08
Lamb shanks with couscous. Slays them every time.
Betsy B at 9:33AM on 04/29/08
An Indian buffet is the perfect meal to impress meat eaters who won't realize the meal is vegetarian. Bonus points for homemade naan.
Pierogi at 9:36AM on 04/29/08
Full Greek dinner, taramosalata, tzaziki, spanikoptia, dolemades with avgolemono sauce, mousaka, pastichio, fried kasseri, roasted leg of lamb, Greek salad with lemon vinegrette, oven garlic fries, baklava, galatiboureko, Greek coffee and of course super chilled Ouzo.
spanklin at 9:37AM on 04/29/08
My chicken tacos with rajas. Yum.
jlbrach at 9:59AM on 04/29/08
Grilled Shrimp for easy summer dinner on the patio and Lamb Stew for a more hearty winter fare.
trishden at 10:04AM on 04/29/08
home made pizza.
kylad at 10:11AM on 04/29/08
Living in NYC, a city where people eat out most nights, it's not difficult to impress people with almost ANY home cooked meal. I love to cook, especially for other people, and I've found the simpler, the better. About 5 years ago, I made up a recipe I called Mediterranean chicken, which is chicken breasts stuffed with a mix of feta, capers, green olives and a little lemon zest. Season the chicken with salt/pepper and a lemon slice, bake, and serve topped with chopped tomatoes, capers and olive oil, with couscous on the side. Yum!
capricornpig at 10:11AM on 04/29/08
A fruit pie.
doglover at 10:11AM on 04/29/08
I like to impress for breakfast or brunch; I make a baked egg with vegetables dish that I learned in Spain, Vidalia onion pie and home-made bread.
AsTheNight at 10:12AM on 04/29/08
A roast turkey outside of holiday season!
Peasantwench at 10:17AM on 04/29/08
I cook lasagna and salad with garlic bread.
poorkarla at 10:24AM on 04/29/08
tofu veggie lasagna
gervitsd at 10:27AM on 04/29/08
antipasto platter, lasagna, and for dessert, chocolate eclair cake.
dglitter at 10:36AM on 04/29/08
A homemade baked dessert always impresses.
JudyH at 10:47AM on 04/29/08
chicken breast tenders pounded flat, wrapped around mozzarella and fresh basil and fried in olive oil
leegwebb at 10:50AM on 04/29/08
I take a lot of time and put a lot of love into my lasagna, always trying new cheeses, meats and veggies. Thank you!
Tina12312 at 11:03AM on 04/29/08
an apple pie!
fshapiro at 11:07AM on 04/29/08
banana split cheesecake
tish123 at 11:31AM on 04/29/08
Crawfish Bisque (in Season) or smoked Duck and Oyster Gumbo. Dorie's Seriously Chocolate Cake for dessert.
NO_Pam at 11:37AM on 04/29/08
Lamb chops never fail to impress.
dove1960 at 11:42AM on 04/29/08
Grilled tilapia with lemon, herb, and butter sauce
toasterboy at 11:58AM on 04/29/08
My lasagna is always a hit!
JMCilento at 12:09PM on 04/29/08
Freshly made Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch, takes a long time to cook but is soooo yummy. Of course with freshly made pasta! Thanks for the great giveaway!
gunzie at 12:17PM on 04/29/08
boneless rib eye steaks on the grill with grilled sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus
rickyb at 12:23PM on 04/29/08
paella
misslilad at 12:24PM on 04/29/08
barbeque ribs
susan1215 at 12:37PM on 04/29/08
Crab risotta, scallops in saffron cream sauce, or crusty roasted potatoes.
Tactful_Cactus at 12:48PM on 04/29/08
garlic baked chicken with roasted yukon gold potatoes
mchow at 12:55PM on 04/29/08
braised short ribs
cupcup at 12:55PM on 04/29/08
White cake, fluffy frosting, covered with fresh strawberries.
Sunnyvale at 1:02PM on 04/29/08
beef wellington
thotfulspot at 1:10PM on 04/29/08
osso bucco!
sassysprite at 1:47PM on 04/29/08
Cranberry polenta tart from Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen. Tastes incredible and is very homey feeling.
apisoni at 1:57PM on 04/29/08
red wine risotto with peas, or homemade macaroni and cheese (Beecher's recipe 'world's best') with some form of good red meat! :o) Steak, roast, whatever my husband asks for! Oh, and if I'm REALLY trying to impress, I make Seattle's Canlis restaurant's "canlis salad". It's amazing!
annaliseree at 1:59PM on 04/29/08
The big thing if I'm serving for others is to buy as fresh as possible - no matter what the dish, people will always notice fresh ingredients, especially produce. I do like to include a risotto whenever it works and I'll usually make something involving homemade ice cream for dessert.
worldcupfever at 2:14PM on 04/29/08
seafood stuffed portabella mushrooms
jennstoi at 2:21PM on 04/29/08
I love to make lasagna for guest because I make it from scratch, except the noodles of course. I like to make garlic bread and salad. Wine always goes great with lasagna. I like white wine with anything and don't like too many reds. Us guys always get compliments for cooking good because most stereotypes think the kitchen is for women.
chezis32 at 2:22PM on 04/29/08
i cook a great steak on the barby with all the fixin's
jffryclough at 3:00PM on 04/29/08
I usually prepare Beef Bourguignon. I serve this with tossed salad greens and freshly baked bread. Dessert is usually something very "chocolately"
Boscompb at 3:14PM on 04/29/08
Chicken Marsala is the dish to impress! Luscious with baby bellas and linguini!
meredith13 at 3:20PM on 04/29/08
I have a fabulous tandoori leg of lamb recipe that I trot out a bit, though I make a mean braise too. Handmade bread always impresses folks, and I make a risotto that knocks most people's sock off. The best way to impress via produce is superb sourcing!
Ravara at 3:46PM on 04/29/08
Stuffed whole baked salmon gets raves every time. For Italian I go for lasagna with Italian sausage or fettuccine carbonara. I once made a simple banana pudding at a girls group my daughter was involved with. One teen looked at me with awe and said,"You can do that without instant pudding? I didn't know that was possible.'' You never know, sometimes when I've gone all out no one even notices. I guess it all evens out in the end.
peticook at 3:46PM on 04/29/08
Rack of lamb here, too.
iyamapotato at 3:46PM on 04/29/08
Of course the audience matters, but if I'm not sure it's always vegetarian today. Either Pasta with Raphael sauce or spaghetti puttanesca. Otherwise it's a go at the farmers' market. Either way dessert is ice cream with my famous peanut butter cookies. Always a hit. Enter me in the book drawing, please.
mrbillcoach at 4:19PM on 04/29/08
roast chicken with risotto.
EmilySC at 4:30PM on 04/29/08
So easy, but no one seems to know it: cupcakes.
oneperfectegg at 4:31PM on 04/29/08
Cake, all kinds of cake. Chocolate, Art Smith's Hummingbird, Carmel Apple, Boston Cream, lemon marscapone trifle (it's cakeish). I love cake and so does everyone else so I'm popular when I make it! very impressive!
rockymountainmarta at 4:52PM on 04/29/08
Lobster Ravioli with Rose sauce.
emf77 at 4:58PM on 04/29/08
I have several dishes I turn to when I want to impress my guests. One of my favorties is my homemade lasagna.
southerncooker at 5:05PM on 04/29/08
spinach ravioli with fresh marinara sauce (nobody has to know the ravioli was frozen)
musicalpandibear at 5:14PM on 04/29/08
Hello, Since I am a vegetarian, I also cook that way for entertaining. It is usually an Italian dish of some type! Home made lasagna with spinach and ricotta cheese, a special bread, fresh fruit and a wonderful salad! Thanks,Cindi
windycindy at 5:18PM on 04/29/08
A rich but simple bread pudding for dessert seems to do the trick!
beegoode at 5:19PM on 04/29/08
seafood gumbo!
bajjmayer at 5:21PM on 04/29/08
Garlic studded pot roast with pureed cauliflower/carmelized onions.
bessfour at 5:25PM on 04/29/08
I make my baked ziti with my own homemade tomato sauce, seasoned prime rib, mashed potatoes (heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper), and vegetables.
LIDARKSIDE at 6:30PM on 04/29/08
I make chicken parmigiana along with garlic bread and tossed salad. It's always a hit.
cherierj at 6:31PM on 04/29/08
I make my 3 layer Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. I bake a lot, but this is probably my best creation!
sharsd at 6:34PM on 04/29/08
I really like to make homemade pasta and something that maybe not everyone will have had before - wild boar ragu is my favorite.
I really hope I will this! I love Lidia and have been quite interested in getting some of her books ! :D
stormygirl at 7:31PM on 04/29/08
I make my Mother's spaghetti with meatballs and popat (a puffy bread-crumb,parmesan, and egg "dumpling" that is fried and then cooked in tomato sauce)
amylou61 at 9:00PM on 04/29/08
I stir up a big pot of Serbian pasulj soup and bake a plum crostata -- peasant fare, but so comforting and delicious!
svenia at 9:20PM on 04/29/08
Something braised.
beltie at 9:26PM on 04/29/08
Porterhouse on the Weber
bpolglaze at 9:32PM on 04/29/08
Roast chicken, lightly steamed veggies, and a GREAT dessert...
jessie at 9:49PM on 04/29/08
steak and pasta
allelect at 9:51PM on 04/29/08
Home-made ravioli with sage-butter, no doubt!
ngaloppo at 10:20PM on 04/29/08
Lasagna, home-made bread, and a huge salad.
dbcurrie at 11:22PM on 04/29/08
My risotto with baby shrimp, of course! It's a Lenten Friday favorite around here!
spitfyr323 at 8:22AM on 04/30/08
Depends on the favorites of the guest I'm treating and my budget. Could be lamb or prime rib, turkey or lobster, fried chicken or shrimp scampi.
I have this cookbook - it's awesome. If I'm lucky enough to win another, I know exactly who I'd gift it to.
These contests have made me realize how futile it is to buy lottery tickets. I haven't even won a piece of chocolate. I've seen a few names over and over. I guess they're like the multiple lottery winners. All in the stars.
PerkyMac at 8:35AM on 04/30/08
Anything with shrimp and perhaps lobster if the kitty is full that day!
Teeeveee at 8:49AM on 04/30/08
I do a great "chicken french" and have even expanded the idea into "tilapia french" -- people always love it.
jasminbaron at 9:17AM on 04/30/08
seafood risotto...tasty creaminess. =D
uninorth at 10:40AM on 04/30/08
Lobster/Shrimp Scampi! Thanks for a great offer!
rachelfox1981 at 12:26PM on 04/30/08