Think “Chocolate Alternative”

Can you guess what this is?

I just took this photo the other day in a little shop in Astoria, Queens called Dave & Tony’s Salumeria.
Think that it can be used as an alternative for chocolate!

CAVATELLI WITH BREADCRUMBS, PANCETTA AND CAULIFLOWER
Cavatelli con Pancetta e Cavolfiore
 Makes 6 servings
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What you’ll need:
Salt
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Three ¼-inch slices pancetta (about 8 ounces), cut into 1 x ¼ x ¼-inch sticks (about 1 ½ cups)
1 pound dried cavatelli, cavatappi or shells
2 medium onions, diced ½ inch (about 2 cups)
½ head cauliflower, stalks removed, [...]

Are you looking for a delicious, summery dessert to compliment your dinner?
Well, try my Caramelized Tomatoes- sweet, juicy, and suprisingly indulgent. Don’t think tomatoes will make a good dessert? I’ll bet you’re wrong!
Try this simple summer delight and let me know what you think. Here’s what you will need to get started.

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1 pint vanilla ice [...]

Can’t get enough of Lidia?   Well, Lidia’s on the radio now!
Listen to “Lidia’s Food Bytes” by clicking on the microphone.
Lidia talks tomatoes, berries, corn, and gives her 10 commandments to the perfect pasta, as well as many other fun, educational and interesting “bytes” of food knowledge. Hope you enjoy!
Tune in and listen to Lidia’s 10-part [...]

You all guessed correctly- what a great job! The photo I took is of fiori di zucca, or squash blossoms that I grow in my garden. In the summer months, they are delicious just simply battered, stuffed and fried, or in this creamy risotto. This recipe is sure to please your entire family. Buon appet

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Risotto [...]

Can you guess what this is?
I took this picture in my garden. Think edible flower………
Check back on Monday for a recipe using this ___________!

Tune in on Thursday, May 28th to Telemundo, and watch Lidia on the popular show “Operacion Chef.”
Don’t miss out on this exciting episode!
In New York, tune into Channel 47 and at 11:30am and in Puerto Rico at 12:30pm.

Nonna Lidia spent a morning with seventeen kindergarten students at Buckley Country Day School, a private, independent, co-educational elementary school on Long Island, pre-school through grade 8. Everyone had such fun smelling herbs and learning how to make gnocchi.  The children really got their hands into the project, and became [...]

 
Great job to everyone who guessed that the picture is of nettles!
 
Nettles, often called “stinging” nettles, are plants thats leaves are covered with tiny, almost invisible, stinging hairs. Always use gloves when picking and cleaning nettles. Once they are cooked, they no longer sting, and are absolutely delicious- especially when used in pesto. Chef Billy [...]

 
Can you guess what this is?
Think that it “stings.” It’s also a favorite _______ that I like to use in dishes at all my restaurants come springtime.
Check back next week for a delicious recipe using this ?