Today La Cucina Italiana, Italy’s most authoritative monthly cooking magazine since 1929, launches #laricettacheunisce - #LCIchallenge, a new digital project aimed at uniting Italy and the U.S. at the table.
Each week we'll ask you to cook a specific Italian dish, an experience you can share with your family, friends, and loved ones so that we can all feel a bit closer during this uncertain time. Sharing the same dish from a distance is like sitting around a long virtual table, a temporary means of comfort until everyone can gather for a meal in person. It's not necessary to post the pic of your dish, we would ask you to share a collective photo of you at the table, when possible along with your family.
"Home cooking once again stands front and center in everyone's home,” says Maddalena Fossati, La Cucina Italiana’s Editor-In-Chief. “Video calls, looking out onto the balcony, chatting with neighbors from the landing—sharing recipes keeps people in touch. With this project, La Cucina Italiana aims to bring Italy and the United States together at the table."
"Cooking, even more so at the moment, is a way to take care of yourself and your loved ones,” adds Sabina Montevergine, La Cucina Italiana’s Web Editor. “The website and social channels have been accompanying our readers and followers as they adapt to new daily routines. This time dictated by necessity compels us to acquire new habits, such as getting up early to freshen the sourdough or organizing a virtual video aperitivo with friends."
To participate, simply take a picture of yourself at the table or with a plate in hand, or share a screenshot of a live connection with someone special. Challenge your friends, both near and far, to do the same and use the hashtag #laricettacheunisce and #LCIchallenge. Italian and international chefs, celebrities, architects, designers, and influencers will also participate in the digital initiative.
A traditional Italian recipe will be featured each week: carbonara, tiramisù, pizza, mozzarella in carrozza, and eggplant parmigiana. You cook and post, and we will publish our favorite reader photos on La Cucina Italiana USA’s website and social media channels.
The #laricettacheunisce / #LCIchallenge project is an extension of one of the many initiatives that La Cucina Italiana has implemented in Italy to help keep readers inspired during this difficult time. Download a free digital copy of the print magazine from the App Store or Google Play, and tune in to @ lacucinaitalianausa on Instagram Live at 12.30 pm EST daily to watch chef interviews conducted by Maddalena Fossati as part of the #ButtaLaPasta project.