Cooking advice from Lidia Bastianich

EYB Members love Lidia Matticchio Bastianich’s many cookbooks. In addition to writing several books, Bastianich has been a regular contributor to the PBS cooking show lineup since 1998, including her most recent series, ‘Lidia’s Italy’. Viewers of her program often ask her what is the one thing they can do to improve their cooking. Since teaching people to become better home cooks is one of her biggest passions, Bastianich is happy to answer this question. She recently shared 7 tips for becoming a better home cook.

Number one on her list: respecting the seasons. Fruits and vegetables purchased from local producers in season have the best flavor, are more affordable, and can offer better nutrition. Another important principle that she adheres to is adding flavor at the end of the cooking process. “We all love the flavor of butter and olive oil in our foods, and we usually begin the cooking process with them. But to maximize that flavor, save most of the butter or oil to add at the end of the cooking process since heat dissipates flavor,” she says.

Keeping an eye on temperature is also key, as the level of heat often affects the final texture of the dish. Bastianich, like many chefs, extols the virtues of a good cooking thermometer. The article provides a few other tidbits, offered with Bastianich’s signature saying: “Tutti a tavola a mangiare: Everyone to the table to eat!”