In this new video, I talk about the ideas that inspired me to create my signature amaretti cookies. Order your tin of Mammaretti for the holidays in the Food & Fate store.
Looking for gift ideas this Valentine’s Day? Give your valentine a break from the typical chocolates and flowers. This year, send Mammaretti by Maria Filice.
These tasty almond cookies come in a gorgeous tin with a personalized card and are made without gluten or dairy. Order at foodandfate.com by February 1st for February 14th shipping!
A little of this and that for a perfect fall salad. Try adding roasted butternut squash and roasted garlic to a classic steak salad or any green salad. The perfect kiss of sweetness without adding artificial flavoring. Drizzle the arugula, cherry tomatoes, butternut squash, shaving of red onion with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Add the grilled steak (you can substitute with grilled chicken, fish or tofu).
If you serving for guests, add a platter of your favorite cheeses, fresh crust bread, apples, grapes and roasted nuts to a lovely brunch, lunch or dinner!
I want to share this wonderful new review of my Mammaretti cookies, by the Shizuoka Gourmet. You can order your own tin of Mammaretti here.
a presto,
Maria
“Mammaretti” (Traditional Amaretti) by Maria Filice!
I have had the pleasure to know Maria Filice (a first-generation Canadian-American Italian) for quite some time and even had to the honor to read and write a review on her first book, Breaking Bread In L’Aquila by Maria Filice, a book that I actually offered to one of my favorite Italian Restaurants in Shizuoka City, Japan, a City famed all over Japan for its superior gastronomy!
Just the other day I had another great surprise when I received the above beautiful box all the way from the US from Maria who kindly asked me to taste the contents and give my impressions!
A very elegant and yet so homey box for a great present!
Although I am French, our gastronomy have shared so much with Italy since the Renaissance that the two have become difficult to differentiate. We also share a great love for almonds and cakes, pastries and biscuits created with them as almonds are not only so beautiful in taste but also because they are a valuable ingredient in food, particularly in winter, and even maybe more crucial, almonds are an indispensable source of vitamins and fibers!
True artisanal gastronomy at its best!
These Amaretti called “Mammaretti” for all her mother’s love are Maria’s latest creation in line with the beautiful recipes already introduced in her Breaking Bread In L’Aquila book.
Being fully aware of my own bias, I asked no less than nine friends (in only two days), all Japanese but truly cognizant of Italian gastronomy, to taste them and share their impressions!
Just the right size !
Japanese people in general do not really appreciate really sweet cakes or confectioneries, and my friends’ first reaction was to compliment on the great balance of the biscuits with the perfect sweetness and the truly intricate taste of the almonds inside them.
“So simple and so sophisticated!” was the overwhelming comment.
Not only adults but two 9 year old children tasted them (the children asked for more, of course!).
The children greatly appreciated the softness of the Mammaretti and its recognizable taste.
On the other hand, adults were also truly impressed and agreed this would make the perfect biscuit to eat at any time of the day, but more particularly with a rich coffee or even a light green tea! Bear in mind that the Japanese eat biscuits all day long!
As for me, these Mammaretti were simply a great discovery to cherish at all times.
This is genuine artisanal gastronomy and a direct visit to forgotten tastes and their lands!
I’m convinced that Maria puts a lot of love remembering her mother all the time when she prepares her little beauties!
A personal recommendation?
Do try them with a small glass of Amaretto Almond Liqueur!
“Mammaretti”, a little treasure to keep within hand’s reach all the time!
