In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, and now Bangkok, the aroma of freshly baked Neapolitan cherry pies wafts through the air, carrying with it the sweet scent of hope and compassion. This is the essence of "Baking for a Cause", a heartwarming charity initiative founded by Italian chef and entrepreneur, Ermanno Lelli known for his Segreto Private Dining, CasaPasta and TiramisuLab.
A Legacy of Love and Giving
Ermanno's passion for helping others isn't just a personal calling—it's a family tradition that spans over a century. His great-grandmother was a beacon of hope for street children and young girls at the turn of the 20th century, setting the stage for generations of Lellis to follow in her footsteps.
"My great-grandmother's spirit of giving has always been a guiding light for our family," Ermanno shares, his eyes twinkling with pride. "She taught us that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life."
A Slice of Inspiration
The idea for "Baking for a Cause" was born in an unexpected place—a hospital room. Ermanno recalls the pivotal moment:
"I was visiting a friend's daughter, bringing along one of our family's cherished cherry pies. As I walked through the pediatric ward, I noticed a young patient from an orphanage, sitting alone. The look in her eyes... it stirred something in me. I knew then that I had to do something for all the children like her."
That single moment of connection sparked a movement that would touch thousands of lives.
Sweet Success in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, "Baking for a Cause" has become a beacon of hope for underprivileged children. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Ermanno and his team have baked and distributed thousands of Signature Family Recipe Neapolitan Cherry Pies, known in Italian as "pizza crema ed amarene."
The impact has been profound:
Over 5,000 children have experienced the joy of receiving a homemade pie
200+ volunteers have joined the cause, creating a community of givers
10 local orphanages and special schools have partnered with the initiative
Marriott International with its Ritz-Carlton has been a proud supporter
"The smiles on the children's faces when they taste our pies—it's priceless," says Maria, a long-time volunteer. "It's not just about the food; it's about showing them that someone cares."
Rising to New Heights in Bangkok
Buoyed by the success in Hong Kong, "Baking for a Cause" is now setting its sights on Bangkok. In partnership with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, Ermanno and his team are embarking on their most ambitious project yet:
Goal: Bake pies for 10,000 children in Bangkok
The expansion brings new challenges, from sourcing local ingredients to navigating different regulations. But Ermanno remains undaunted. "Every challenge is an opportunity to involve more people, to spread more joy," he says with determination.
The fundamental help of the “Bangkok Help Community Foundation” will join forces with Ermanno’s baking for a cause, to reach new goals and many more smiles. The Bangkok Community Help Foundation is an organization dedicated to assisting underprivileged communities in Bangkok. Through various programs and initiatives, the foundation aims to support those in need and improve their quality of life.
The Heart of It All: Nonna's Neapolitan Cherry Pie
At the core of "Baking for a Cause" is a recipe that has been passed down through generations of the Lelli family. The Neapolitan Cherry Pie, or "pizza crema ed amarene," is more than just a dessert—it's a piece of history, a symbol of love, and now, a vehicle for change.
BisNonna (great Grandma) Luisa Gentile's Neapolitan Cherry Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pastry cream
2 cups pitted cherries
Instructions:
Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat eggs with vanilla and add to the flour mixture. Knead until dough forms.
Press 2/3 of the dough into a 9-inch pie dish.
Spread pastry cream over the base and top with cherries.
Crumble remaining dough over the top.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
"This recipe carries the love of generations," Ermanno says softly. "When we bake these pies, we're not just feeding bodies—we're nourishing souls."
Join the Cause: Be a Baker of Joy!
The story of "Baking for a Cause" is still being written, and you can be a part of it. Whether you're in Hong Kong, Bangkok, or anywhere in the world, your support can help spread joy to children who need it most.
[Volunteer Now]
Together, we can bake a brighter future, one pie at a time.
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