Elisa Costantini was born in Poggio Valle, Italy. The daughter of farmers, she learned to cook at a very young age using simple, fresh ingredients. She wrote this book as a legacy for her children and grandchildren, and to help home cooks make wonderful meals for loved ones. For more than 35 years, Elisa has used her expert cooking skills to provide for children with special needs at Divine Providence Village in Springfield, PA. She lives in Collegeville, PA.