Florence, Italy is the city of masters: master chefs, master artists, master scientists, master visionaries. Giada De Laurentiis learns the art of cannoli-making from a southern Italian pastry maker living in Florence, then heads to her home away from home to create a unique cannoli filling with Chocolate Amaretto, as well as a few other masterful desserts like Baci Ice Cream Sandwiches and Aperol Spritz Slushies.
In L.A., there are numerous Italian/Asian fusion restaurants with dishes that reflect the dynamic flavors of the east and the west. In this episode, Giada De Laurentiis explores the Japanese/Italian food culture in L.A. and makes three dishes that reflect a blend of styles and flavors like Blistered Shishito Pepper With Olive and Basil Salt, Asian Mushroom Risotto and Far East Spaghetti.
In the Mentor Challenge, the Finalists are tasked with creating and presenting an enticing pizza with kicked-up flavors for Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay, and guest judges Duff Goldman and Darin Harris, CEO of CiCi's Pizza. In the Star Challenge, Bobby and guest David Alan Grier randomly assign each Finalist several criteria for their dishes, which they'll present in a demo for a crowd filled with fans of food and comedy. Susie Fogelson and Bob Tuschman assist Giada and Bobby in eliminating the least successful Finalist.
Giada De Laurentiis challenges the four remaining chefs to embrace not just Thanksgiving Day but the whole week by creating their version of Friendsgiving dinner. The chefs are also paired up to compete as a team using an nontraditional Thanksgiving protein. In the dinner round, the chefs compete solo, making a dinner that incorporates a protein, veggie, starch and sweet from Giada's Black Friday table. Judges Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall and Christian Petroni decide which chef heads home while the others move on to the finale.
Kick up the heat and try this new take on traditional macaroni and cheese. Giada De Laurentiis bakes her own spicy variation, with Italian cheeses, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and a dash of red pepper.
Wow your friends with this version of classic quiche from Giada De Laurentiis. This savory pancetta and parmesan torte is one of the easiest main dishes imaginable, and delicious enough to serve to company.