Season 5 - Episode Guide

Giada De Laurentiis invites friends into her kitchen to create their own pasta shapes from scratch and enjoy a pasta party together. In Italy, many families invent their own pasta shapes, but the recipes often aren't written down and are lost over time. Before her friends arrive, Giada makes her family's favorite pastas -- Malloreddus and Pappardelle -- along with good-quality Italian homemade sauces and sides made simply and with inexpensive ingredients. Her guests feast on a menu of Malloreddus with Shrimp and Arugula, Pappardelle with Sausage Ragu and Grilled Endive with Citrus and Pancetta.

Giada De Laurentiis hosts her friends for an evening of cozy television-viewing, and she makes a hearty menu of small bites that are easy to eat in front of the TV. Giada provides blankets, pillows and an individual TV tray for each guest! The casual-but-delicious menu includes Tamari Spiced Nuts, Sweet and Crunchy Jicama Slaw, Sausage Hoagies and Chocolate Almond Butter Sandwich Cookies.

Before the big game, Giada De Laurentiis and her family and friends spend the day on the beach playing tag football and having an oceanside picnic. Giada serves an array of decadent picnic foods that not only feed a crowd but are perfect for game day. Her guests enjoy an easy, make-ahead meal of Pizza Paninis, Bittersweet Chopped Salad, Sweet Potato Hummus and, for dessert, Fennel and Orange Fudge.

Giada De Laurentiis invites friends over for a Valentine's Day-themed breakfast with chocolate in every dish. She treats them to a playful, laid-back morning with beanbag chairs, games and an indulgent, buffet-style breakfast menu. Giada makes Red Eye Benedict, Cocoa Nib Potato Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes and Sweet and Salty Chocolate Granola.

Giada De Laurentiis hosts an intimate dinner party on a boat in the marina. The sunset dinner cruise is complete with twinkling lights and a romantic and elegant menu. Giada makes Paccheri with Porcini and Pistachio, Pan-Seared Salmon with Artichokes and White Wine, Beet and Burrata Salad and a light and flavorful dessert of Roasted Strawberries with Vin Santo.

Sometimes no occasion is the best occasion! Giada De Laurentiis surprises her daughter, Jade, in the middle of the week with a special menu that includes all her favorite comfort foods. Jade finishes her homework in the kitchen while Giada puts the finishing touches on their meal of Meatball Salad, Creamy Parmesan Baked Shells, Green Bean "Fries" and Chewy Almond and Cherry Thumbprint Cookies.

Giada De Laurentiis hosts an elegant baby shower and brunch for her young Aunt Carolyna, who is like a little sister to Giada. The gorgeous and festive menu reflects the happy occasion with Roasted Caprese Salad, Orecchiette with Almond Pesto, Lemon Lavender Shrimp Cups, and finally, an indulgent dessert of Torta Caprese Bianca al Limone.

Giada De Laurentiis hosts a St. Patrick's Day party, offering her spin on traditional Irish dishes. Guests will feast on hearty Lamb and Red Wine Stew, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Savoy Cabbage, plus a Smoked Salmon "Crudo" with Creamy Cucumbers. For dessert, Giada serves a rich Chocolate Stout Torta made with real Guinness beer.

After Jade's big volleyball game, Giada De Laurentiis invites her daughter's teammates to celebrate at a fun-filled after party. It's a delicious but casual menu with all of Jade's favorites: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu, Charred Broccoli Crostini, Crispy Orzo and Peas and, for dessert, super-fun Gummy Worm Popsicles.

Giada De Laurentiis pulls off the ultimate surprise birthday party for a dear friend, featuring glittery decor and quiz-style party games. Guests enjoy delicious finger foods, including Lamb Chops with Mint and Pistachio Salsa Verde, Eggplant Parmesan Bites, and Fig and Salumi Crostini. Instead of a birthday cake, Giada serves up fun and festive PB and J Tiramisu.

Giada De Laurentiis serves a healthy, kid-friendly lunch for her daughter Jade and friends after a yoga and stretching class. The young guests are treated to Lemon and Oregano Pounded Chicken, Cheddar Stuffed Cauliflower with Basil Breadcrumbs, and Pesto Green Beans and Peas with Fusilli. For dessert, Chocolate and Orange Brown Rice Treats are a new spin on a childhood classic.

Giada De Laurentiis draws on the fresh flavors of spring as she celebrates Easter in Italian style with a fabulous family feast. The holiday menu includes Giada's Spicy Lamb Bolognese, Creamy Polenta with Spinach, and Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts. Finally, guests enjoy a delicious Strawberry Basil Coffee Cake decorated with real edible flowers.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Giada De Laurentiis shares a menu sourced completely from the garden and throws an eco-friendly party with all recycled products. Guests savor a vegetarian feast that includes Escarole and Olive Salad with Raspberry Dressing, Baked Coriander Sweet Potatoes, Beet Risotto with Gorgonzola and decadently rich Amaro Truffles for dessert.