An American Celebration with PBS’s Mary Ann Esposito – Lee, NH

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with special guest Mary Ann Esposito who will talk about Thomas Jefferson’s love of Italian food and how he incorporated an iconic Italian dish into a classic American dish. Book signing of Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook will follow at 11:30. For this event the book is discounted from $40.00 to $30.00 (Cash, check or credit card)

Mary Ann Esposito is the author of 14 books on the art of regional Italian cooking. She has taught millions of fans how to cook delicious, authentic dishes on her PBS show Ciao Italia! Through Ciao Italia and appearances on programs including The Today Show, the Food Network, Discovery Channel, Fox, RAI International, The Victory Garden, and many others, she has been able to share traditional Italian cooking, history and culture with audiences around the world. Mary Ann has also worked beside world-renowned chefs like Julia Childs and Jacques Pepin.

As part of Mary Ann’s presentation, there will be an historic bake-off challenge. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson—who developed a love of macaroni dishes during his time in France and had his enslaved chef, James Hemings, trained in French cuisine—participants are invited to recreate the classic “macaroni pie,” a layered dish of pasta, butter, and cheese that became an early American favorite. Bring your prepared dish to be judged by Bedrock Gardens staff and board members for a chance to win a one-year Gardens membership in this flavorful celebration of history and community.

To enter the contest, REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE by selecting the free ticket option entitled Macaroni Pie. Enter your information and you will receive an email that includes a link to download a pdf of Mary Ann’s version of the recipe from our website.

No pre-registration is needed to attend unless you are registering for the macaroni pie contest; events are included with admission. Member admission is free; non-members can purchase a General Admission ticket on Eventbrite or at the Visitor’s Kiosk for $15. Children 12 and under are free.