Lidia Bastianich, loved by millions of Americans for her goodItalian cooking, gives us her most instructive and personalcookbook yet. Focusing on the Italian-American kitchen—the cooking sheencountered when she first came to America as a youngadolescent—she pays homage to this “cuisine of adaptation born ofnecessity.” But she transforms it subtly with her light,discriminating touch, using the authentic ingredients, notaccessible to the early immigrants, which are all so readilyavailable today. The aromatic flavors of fine Italian olive oil,imported Parmigiano-Reggiano and Gorgonzola dolce latte, freshbasil, oregano, and rosemary, sun-sweetened San Marzano tomatoes,prosciutto, and pancetta permeate the dishes she makes in herItalian-American kitchen today. And they will transform for youthis time-honored cuisine, as you cook with Lidia, learning fromher the many secret, sensuous touches that make her foodsuperlative. You’ll find recipes for Scampi alla Buonavia (the garlicky shrimp