Lidia Bastianich: Salad recipe for kids

Italian chef Lidia Bastianich is a famed TV personality, cookbook author and restaurateur -- and now she's written a second children's book, "Nonna's Birthday Surprise" (R.P. Kids, $16.95), aimed at getting kids to embrace seasonally available foods. Here's a recipe you can find in her new book:

In a large bowl, toss bread, tomatoes, onion and shredded basil leaves until well mixed. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad, and toss to mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Decorate with sprigs of fresh basil.

Pull basil leaves off the stems and shred them; grind pepper; toss the ingredients in the large bowl, and mix; and measure the oil and vinegar to dress the salad.