Dear Friends,


What a year 2020 has been so far! None of us could have anticipated the twists and turns that would lead us to such a difficult and worrying time for our planet. But it’s here, and now we’re tasked with making the best of our situations.


Here at Agriturismo Alla Madonna del Piatto in the hills above Assisi, Italy, we’re in lockdown quarantine while focusing on staying physically well and preparing for the future. The 2020 season will sadly be a complete financial loss for my family. We know we’re not alone.


There will come a time when we will celebrate together again, because we Italians love life. And here in my beautiful ancient home, surrounded by the company of my wonderful husband Ruurd, our daughter Tea, our dog Google and cat Betty, we’re working on a plan to do just that!

(Please read on to find out about your reward for helping)





As many of you know, our B&B and cooking school have been showcased in, among other publications, the Seattle Times, National Geographic and Lonely Planet as well as on BBC TV. I published my first cookbook “ A Kitchen with a View” in 2015, which sold out on Amazon. Three of my recipes from that book were published in the New York Times.





I’m using the time in lockdown to complete my second cookbook. This book focuses on the Italians’ love of celebration. Could there be better timing?! We’ll be so ready to celebrate when this crisis has passed (and it WILL pass!!). The book will include my treasured celebratory recipes and memories as well as beautiful photos taken by my dear Ruurd.


In a normal year, it would be no problem for us to front the costs of production and shipping. But this year is anything but normal, so we’ve come up with an idea that would help us celebrate the book directly with you right now, before it's even published!





For a contribution of at least €55 ($US 60 / household) you’ll receive a one hour private online culinary consultation or cooking class and a Kindle copy of the book when it is published! We will schedule the class to be convenient for you. I’ll make a virtual visit to your kitchen (like a kitchen fairy - an Italian one!!) and guide you through all the steps of a recipe you select. If you prefer we can focus on a specific topic like recipes tailored for children or the dos and don’ts of making fresh pasta or pizza.





If you donate at least €100 (US$ 110 / household) you will receive 2 sessions of 1 hour each of culinary consultation or cooking instruction and a Kindle copy of the book when it is published.



For at least € 190 (US$ 200 / household) you’ll receive a full 4 hours of my time divided into 4 sessions and a Kindle copy of the book when it is published. You’ll have the know how to prepare an entire celebratory feast!



For a donation of less than €55 (US $60) you’ll be invited to a 30 min group class via FB live. As many of us will be unable to leave our homes very often for the foreseeable future, I will demonstrate delicious dishes which can be made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.




I’m looking forward to seeing you soon in YOUR kitchen! Stay healthy and stay home - and let’s celebrate the future together!



Love,



Letizia