We Have Not Forgotten: April 6, 2016, Marks Seven Years Since the L’Aquila Earthquake

Breaking Bread in L’Aquila was published on April 6, 2010, on the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the Abruzzo region. Releasing the book on the earthquake’s anniversary was a message to the people of the region that “we have not forgotten.” Additionally, the author donated the book’s net proceeds to the restoration efforts and the assistance still desperately needed in L’Aquila.

As she promoted the book, Maria, a first-generation Canadian-American Italian, showcased the importance of hospitality. At each of her events, Maria made sure to provide plenty of her delicious signature amaretti cookies, a modified version of one of her mother’s recipes. The cookies were such a hit that her friends and family encouragedher to make them available for purchase. And so it was that Mammaretti was born.

Maria’s passion for food and entertaining is matched only by her passion for children. Just as a portion of the net profits of her cookbook went toward the construction of an elementary school playground in the earthquake-ravaged Abruzzo region of Italy, each purchase of Mammaretti by Maria Filice will contribute to the creation of playgrounds, providing children with safe places to be active and enjoy the outdoors.

Let’s show L’Aquila how much we care by working together and build another playground to show them that “we have not forgotten.”

Maria Filice is publisher of Telos Press, as well as publisher, author, and food stylist of Food & Fate and Breaking Bread in L’Aquila