* One of my readers e-mailed me looking for this article I'd written a few years ago. It got lost when I was in web site limbo earlier this year, so I promised to put it back up again here. Hope you all don't mind. I'm a big Giada fan, so love any chance I can take to talk about her.
I spent my Saturday afternoon this past weekend at a cooking demonstration with Giada De Laurentiis. I love to cook, love to watch the Food Network and read cookbooks like they are novels. And one of my recent favorites has been Giada and her show “Everyday Italian.”
So when my girlfriend told me that a nearby gourmet cooking store/school was hosting a limited engagement with Giada, we jumped. And barely made it in. This is a treat I rarely give myself, so I went all the way and payed the near $70 to be up and close with Giada, get a signed copy of her new cookbook - and maybe photos if we’re lucky.
We arrived for the event an hour early - and snagged the last 2 seats in the front row. We were seated at the counter, I could have reached out and touched her if I wanted to. But, as I didn’t really want to be labeled some sort of stalker, I restrained myself and just smiled, participated and ate the heavenly food that was sent my way.
Giada was fantastic. Humble, real, movie-star gorgeous yet approachable. She talked of her family, her childhood in Rome and Los Angeles, her training as a chef and her life as a tv celebrity chef. All of this while demonstrating four of the recipes from her new book. Oh yes, and fielding questions from the audience and asking for general statistics on a few of us so she could get to know who her audience was better.
The appetizer was proscuitto-wrapped roasted asparagus. Mmmmm, the salty proscuitto flavor melded with the sweet, smoky roasted asparagus. This is actually a dish I’ve tried before, after watching her make it on her show, to rave reviews from my family and friends. An easy, impressive one of casual or formal get-togethers.
Next came the Lemon Spaghetti. Yes, lemon. Sounded a big strange to me, but I like it. The pasta tossed with a light dressing of olive oil, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, parmesan and fresh basil made for a light, suprisingly tangy and refreshing dish.
The main course was chicken cacciatore. I’ve liked this dish in restaurants, but been intimidated to try it before. The beauty of many of her recipes, plus the tips she gives, makes dishes like these easier to approach. And so I made the cacciatore this weekend, serving it over orzo made with chicken broth and fresh thyme. Officer Jake gave it the thumbs-up and my kids even ate a few bites.
The finale was grilled pineapple with a Nutella topping. This is not something I would have ever tried at home. But, there it was fresh, free and made by a celebrity, so I tasted it and fell in love. I’ve never had Nutella before, it just didn’t appeal. And I still don’t think I’d eat it in a sandwich, like Giada says she’s fond of. But the smoky, sweet grilled fresh pineapple rings topped with the Nutella mixed with cream, a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkling of hazelnuts was divine. And a perfect summer bbq ending.
I really enjoyed this experience, and not just because I was star-struck. Her easy, no-fuss style of cooking appeals to me, her recipes are realistic ones I’d actually use in our daily lives and her style impressive. I’m excited to see who the next chef will be to visit. And hope to have another experience like this again soon.








Recent Comments