When she released Breaking Bread in L’Aquila in 2010, Maria Filice infused her cookbook with her family’s old-country, old-school values, emphasizing the importance of fresh, local ingredients and encouraging her readers to follow her rule-breaking cooking philosophy: “a little of this and a little of that.” 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 encouraged her to make them available for purchase. And so it was that Mammaretti was born.

What better gift to honor her mother than to announce on October 1st, her mother’s birthday, that Maria is launching her own line of cookies? Mammaretti by Maria Filice, dedicated to Amelia Filice, will be available for the 2013 holiday season. These artisanal bite-sized almond cookies, a popular treat among Italians, are gluten- and lactose-free.

In addition to being perfect for hosts who are conscious of their guests’ dietary needs, holiday gifts, or for parties, these cookies are also a great way to give back during the holiday season. 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 (click here to see pictures), 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.

To receive your cookies in time for Christmas, place your order by November 22nd and your decorative tins of Mammaretti by Maria Filice will be shipped by December 15th. This is a firm production date as each batch is hand-made with care; last-minute orders will not be accepted. US orders only.

Critical Acclaim for Mammaretti by Maria Filice

“Maria Filice’s Mammaretti cookies are to die for—light, sweet, and chock-full of delicious almondy goodness. They are the perfect accompaniment for a rich cup of coffee, after dinner, or maybe even with breakfast. I can’t stop eating these little delights!”

—Tim Penner
(Retired) President of Procter & Gamble Canada

“I first met Maria when she joined me on ‘Sonstein Sunday’ to talk about her book Breaking Bread in L’Aquila and the money she raised to help earthquake victims in Italy. As a gift, she brought up her amaretti. My co-workers could not stop eating or raving! And we get food gifts all the time. Maria’s amaretti are heaven on earth. Magical. Watch it, they’re addictive.”

—Shelli Sonstein
Q104.3 NYC

“Mammaretti by Maria Filice is one of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted. And I’ve tasted a lot of them. Once you eat one, you just can’t stop!”

—Marcel Cocit
Private Chef/Caterer/TV Personality

“I am so grateful to have Maria as a neighbor, she is the quintessential Italian cook. These Mammaretti cookies are chock-full of everything great Italian food has to offer: character, love, and flavor. These are by far my favorite cookies ever (sorry mamma…)”

—Marco Canora
Chef/Partner, Hearth Restaurant, New York City

“When I tried Maria Piccone’s Mammaretti cookies, I knew that I was hooked. A perfect indulgence without the feeling of guilt! Sweet, light, and the perfect size to enjoy without feeling like you have overdone it. My wife and I live in LA, and we get to try all kinds of fantastic foods in this city. However, I know we will be placing an order for Maria’s Mammaretti cookies to share with our friends over the holidays.”

—Les Hine
Chief Strategy Officer, Pharmavite LLC