Amore for Mother's Day
From: Stefania, Founder of Dilettoso
Growing up in Italy, the heart of our home was always the kitchen. My mother never needed a recipe—she cooked and baked with instinct, with love, with a touch of magic. Whenever I asked my mother how much of something to add, she would smile and say, “Un pochino”—a little bit. She had learned this from her mother, my Nonna and I watched as she carried on the tradition. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. She never measured, but somehow, everything she made was perfect. A little bit of flour until it felt just right. A little bit of honey, just enough to bring out the warmth. A little bit of Amore (love), because that’s what truly made every bite special.
I would watch her hands work, kneading dough, drizzling honey over pignolata, layering mascarpone into tiramisù. She taught me that baking wasn’t just about following steps—it was about feeling, about tradition, about creating something to share with the people you love. It’s about putting your heart into what you make.
It’s because of her that I fell in love with baking. These moments shaped me, and they shaped Dilettoso. When I create a baking mix, I think about those afternoons in our kitchen—the scent of warm vanilla, the soft laughter between mother and daughter, the joy of creating something to share.
Some of the desserts I loved making with my mother were:
Tiramisù
Layered with love, just like the memories we shared. To this day, I still make it the way she taught me.
Crostatina di frutta
A delicate tart filled with fresh fruit, reminding me of the simple beauty of Italian baking.
Pignolata
Sicilian honey-covered cookies, golden and sweet, made for special occasions but always tasting like home.
This Mother’s Day, I reflect on how much of her is in everything I do. The way she taught me to bake, the way she taught me to love—these are gifts that I carry with me always. And if you find yourself baking with someone you love this weekend, remember: it’s not just about the ingredients. It’s about the feeling, the instinct, the love you put into every bite.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who pass down love through food—this day is for you.
Buona festa della mamma! (Happy mother’s day)
Celebrate with something sweet.
With Amore,
Stefania
Founder of Dilettoso
-----------
Stefania Dilettoso, an Italian nutritionist with a passion for wholesome living, grew up immersed in the culinary traditions of her homeland. From an early age, she learned to honor food as both nourishment and an expression of love. Through her writing, Stefania shares the artistry, heritage, and soul of Italian cuisine, inspiring others to savor life's simple, flavorful pleasures.
