Plus her #1 piece of advice for beginner home cooks in this exclusive interview.
Read on for the exclusive interview.
Bastianich:I think it was very interesting.
Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
The whole concept of having four different generations is a wonderful approach.
One of the contestants, Rebecca, made deep-fried pork chops with sour cream and mashed potatoes.
I mean, you dont get any more American than that!
EatingWell:What’s your No.
1 piece of advice to give any beginner home cook?
Recall what you have in your reserve and build upon that.
Find mentors or people who you appreciate and work alongside with themor follow them on television!
Bastianich:I certainly always go to pasta.
And make a simple sauce, whether it’s a vegetable sauce or a wonderful pesto.
There’s a Sicilian pesto with almonds, tomatoes and some basil and rosemary.
I bet people will really be amazed at how delicious but how easy it is.
Stay simple; pasta is a good way to go.
Bastianich:A good basic is my Spaghetti with Oil and Garlic recipe.
Cook the pasta, cook olive oil and sliced garlic until you get that golden.
Its a good base, you’re able to build that sauce any way you want.
Check out the full recipe below!
EatingWell:A spice that you think is underrated and should be in every spice cabinet?
Bastianich:Bay leaves.
Bastianich:I can’t tell you how many emails I get specifically from people like that.
Don’t be afraid, have self-confidence, start simple, follow the instructions.
Choose a recipe with fewer ingredients to begin withlike simple Spaghetti with Garlic and Oiland then build upon that.
Just be confident, because everybody can cook something, which is what I continue to tell everybody.
Stir the spaghettini into the boiling water.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook, shaking the skillet, until pale golden, about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the crushed hot red pepper.
Bring the sauce and pasta to a simmer, tossing to coat pasta with sauce.
Cook about 1 minute.
Remove the pot from the heat, and toss in the grated cheese if using.
Check the seasoning, adding salt and crushed red pepper if necessary.
Serve immediately in warm bowls.
