Soup for the Soul

Nick talks about his growth as a chef while preparing a trio of comforting soups. Dishes include: Mussel Soup with Brandy and Saffron / Lentil Soup with Sausages / Butternut Squash Soup with Cannellini Beans and Ham.

Nick illuminates the art (and joy) of making handcrafted meatballs. Dishes include: Meatballs Ammugghiate (Mixed-Up Meatballs), Meatballs Agglassatu (Meatballs with Marsala and Onion Sauce) and Chicken Meatballs in Parmesan Cream Sauce.

Nick confesses his love for pasta and explains how the perfect sauce completes his most cherished meal. Dishes include: Ravioli in Wild Mushroom Sauce, Pasta Fagioli and Pasta with White Meat Sauce.

Chef Stellino explores his Sicilian childhood and recipes that translate to the modern day dinner table with-standing the test of time. Dishes include: Salsiccie e fagioli (sausage and beans) / orecchiette con broccoli e salsiccia (orecchiette pasta with broccoli and sausage) / insalata a la Siciliana (fennel, red cabbage, Belgian endive, red onion, oranges, olives, white balsamic vinegar)

Chef Stellino attempts to answer the question - which one is more delicious - incredible, salty bacon or aged, spiced pancetta? The answer still eludes him as he explores each versatile ingredient's unique flavor and texture contribution to a variety of recipes. Dishes include: Ragu' di gamberetti (shrimp, bacon, asparagus and red peppers) / shrimp amatriciana with pasta (from the town of Amatriciana, made with pancetta) / insalata del sogno (dream salad with pancetta, parmesan cheese, vinaigrette dressing) / watermelon salad with tomato and bacon.

Chef Stellino recalls the charming quirks of his family and how they have influenced his own outlook on food. His mother smelled the fruit; his uncle thought Brooklyn was named after broccoli; and how a one-pot dish and luxurious pudding brings everyone together. Dishes include: Pasta all' arrabbiata (pasta with a spicy tomato sauce) / salsicce brasate con broccoli e peperoni (braised sausages with broccoli and peppers) / banana cream pudding.

Chef Stellino explores the complexities and intricacies of Italy's most treasured fruit the tomato. He offers the blueberry as the fruit of choice for dessert. Dishes include: tomato salad (cherry tomatoes with mozzarella and onions) / tonno alla puttanesca (tuna steaks with a special tomato sauce) / blueberry crumble.

Chef Stellino explains the process of naming a dish after someone you love while he prepares some of his favorites. Dishes include: Maureen's farro salad (A twist on farro) / gambero al coccio (in shell shrimp cooked in wine) / Grandma's braciole (meat with a moist stuffing) / Aunt Buliti's strawberries (a special twist on a fresh fruit cup featuring strawberries and oranges with a very special sauce).

Chef Stellino recalls the joys of pastoral Italy and delivers rustic recipes as the perfect end to a day of outdoor adventures. Dishes include: Pollo alla cacciatore (chicken, pearled onions, rosemary) / pork chop alla Milanese (breaded fried pork chop "Milanese Style") / Macedonia di frutta (marinated fruit salad in liquor and sugar).

Chef Stellino has fun exploring the history, traditions and uses for one of the most unique ingredients central to Italian and Mediterranean cooking - the artichoke. Dishes include: Salsiccia brasate con carciofi (braised sausages with artichokes) / pasta con carciofi e prosciutto cotto (pasta with artichokes and cooked ham) / braised artichokes and peppers / fragole ubriache (tipsy strawberries)

Chef Stellino honors his father by creating irresistible, updated versions of the classic recipes that he loved - while transporting us all back in time. Dishes include: Mussels with garlic, ginger and sparkling wine. (A Stellino family favorite) / swordfish with peas and tomato sauce (A deliciously, simple way to prepare swordfish) / gelo di melone (watermelon pudding)

On this episode, Eggs Benedict "Stellino Style", poached eggs over chorizo hash with tequila sauce and chocolate chip pancakes.