By Tanji Patton

Columbus Day kicked off our love of all things Italian on Goodtaste.tv. Timeless recipes, how-to videos and more authentic eats from big names like Lidia Bastianich, including a sampling of the dishes she prepared for the Pope on his recent U.S. visit. I've worked with Lidia several times (once in MY kitchen), and I believe she is one of the most instructive chefs I've ever witnessed...a gifted teacher of Italian cuisine. And a huge thanks to Lidia for sending these recipes and beautiful images!

Up first for the Pope was a steamed Lobster Caprese Salad ,"Caprese di Astice e Burrata". Heirloom tomatoes, creamy housemade burrata and steamed Maine lobster...together at last. The following evening, Pope Francis was treated to a seasonal Pear and Pecorino Filled Ravioli. This delicate (and quite simple) ravioli is a lovely way to enjoy the affinity of pear and cheese. It's pear and fresh pecorino-filled ravioli, topped with aged pecorino with a healthy amount of crushed black pepper to finish it off. If you are in New York this month, you'll also find this Cacio E Pere at Lidia's Felidia restaurant in NYC right now. Love that cozy spot!

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Source: http://blog.chron.com/