Photos by Joann Pai @sliceofpai

Letters from Tuscany is a doorway into my kitchen and my life in Tuscany—a place where the rhythms of the seasons weave seamlessly with timeless traditions.

I’m Giulia Scarpaleggia, a Tuscan food writer, cookbook author, and cooking instructor. In 2009, I founded my blog JulsKitchen.com to collect and share my family recipes and stories, both in Italian and in English. In 2019, Saveur magazine named it the best food culture blog. I am passionate about seasonal, nourishing, uncomplicated food

Together with my husband,

, I’ve made it my life’s work to share the magic of Italian food and culture through stories, recipes, and experiences.

We live in the Tuscan countryside with our daughter Livia and two rescued dogs, Noa and Teo. Our days are filled with cooking, hosting, and exploring the rich traditions of this beautiful region.

What you will find in Letters from Tuscany

📖 Genuine Stories: Join me in my everyday life in the countryside, with heartfelt tales of family and Tuscan traditions that warm the soul.
🍅 Seasonal Recipes: From Italian classics to simple, quick ideas perfect for any day of the week.
🗺️ Travel Tips: Culinary explorations to discover the lesser-known, authentic, and flavor-packed corners of Tuscany.
📚 Cultural Encounters: Conversations about cookbooks, interviews, and reflections on the world of food writing.

Why should I subscribe?

I’ve been sharing stories on my blog since 2009 and sending newsletters since 2012. Today, my focus is here on Substack, where we bring you our finest recipes and writing while nourishing a vibrant community of food enthusiasts—people who share a love for simple, seasonal food and the joy of cooking it, writing about it, and sharing it.

Manage your subscription

You can begin exploring Letters from Tuscany with some of our most beloved newsletters. Each one offers a glimpse into the stories, flavors, and reflections that define this space. Happy reading!

And why becoming a paid subscriber?

We’re trying to keep things as free as possible, but if this is a good moment for you, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support allows us to dedicate more time and energy to crafting authentic, rich, and inspired recipes, heartfelt stories, and well-researched travel guides, while fostering a vibrant and engaged community.

The paid newsletter is an intimate and welcoming space—a haven where I share the heart of our work with you.

In addition to the free newsletter, paid subscribers receive:

🍅 Exclusive recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients, Italian traditions, and our Tuscan life.
🎥 Monthly Live Talks and Cook Alongs, where we gather to cook and connect.
📚 Complete access to the entire newsletter archive, filled with hundreds of recipes and stories.

I’ll take you into our countryside life with daily glimpses, travel tips, and conversations about the cookbooks that inspire me. Every recipe and menu idea stems from our cooking classes, the seasons that guide our rhythm, and dinners with friends.

Bringing Tuscany to Your Table

I believe food is more than nourishment—it’s a way to connect with the people we love, the seasons we live through, and the places that shape us. Through Letters from Tuscany, I hope to inspire you to bring a touch of Italy into your own life, one recipe at a time.

At the monthly cost of a gelato with double whipped cream, or the annual cost of a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil, you can support our independent publication and help us continue creating and sharing content made with love and authenticity.

Subscribe to Letters from Tuscany

Stories and recipes from my Tuscan kitchen | Seasonal, nourishing, vegetable-forward food by Tuscan food writer and cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia.

People

Born and bred Tuscan food writer and cookbook author, cooking class instructor. I live in the Tuscan countryside with my family. Our sixth cookbook, Cucina Povera, is out now.
Photographer and Juls' Kitchen partner-in-crime. I live in the Tuscan countryside with my family. I love Street & Food photography, Lego, and day-trips. Our sixth cookbook, Cucina Povera, is available in bookstores and online..