Dear Lidia, second only to Judge Judy, you fill my heart (and TiVo) with joy everyday.

Readers, if you aren’t watching Lidia’s Italy on public television you’re missing out on one of the few, great food shows out there. We’re not talking Food Network glitz and glam with “cocktail time” or “tablescapes” or “yummo.” Even typing those phrases made me shutter.

Lidia is genuinely charming and adores food and family. My favorite episodes include guest spots with her mother, Nonna Mima. Describing their on camera appeal as “on-air chemistry” is simply too cold to portray a sincere mom-daughter relationship.

The show cuts back and forth between cooking segments in her kitchen and tours of Italy where she describes the regions, ingredients, wines, history and culture.

Lucky me… my awesome-town room mate bought me the “Lidia’s Family Table” cookbook for Christmas!

Lucky you… episodes are available online with added behind the scenes info! “Tutti a tavola a mangiare!”

What are your favorite food shows?