Lidia’s Italy In America

In the mood to bake? These Italian-inspired cakes from chef Lidia Matticchio Bastianich are a delicious take on Boston cream doughnuts. The Italian-American chef, restaurant owner and TV host has come out with her eighth cookbook, Lidia’s Italy in America (2011 Knopf). Co-written with her daughter, the book shows us how traditional Italian dishes have evolved, redefining what we know as Italian food while always paying tribute to Italy. Lidia traveled across the U.S. to gather up the best of Italian cuisine, from the muffuletta sandwiches of New Orleans to the Neapolitan crust of New York pizza. Here, try these cakes that are part Sicilian cassatas and part Boston creams.

Try another recipe from Lidia’s Favorite Recipes (2012 Knopf).