This right here is Lidia Bastianich. She is one of my most favorite things. I was first introduced to her years ago though her PBS show, Lidia's Italy. Honestly, it was love at first site. Her recipes are super simple and always look delicious. The epitome of Italian cooking and family. Love everything about her.

A few of her recipes I've cooked, tasted and loved: a marinara sauce, meatballs, sausage with fennel and anchovy green beans. If you want some tasty Italian food with simple, authentic ingredients, try her out. You probably won't be disappointed.

They sometimes say you should never meet your idols, I totally disagree when it comes to this lady. I saw her do a talk at a local college and she was everything I could have imagined. Life goal: cook a meal in person with Lidia. Just throwing that out there.