As a wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as housekeeper and cook for those with special needs, Elisa Costantini has spent her life serving up delicious Italian meals.Leaving Italy at the age of twenty-three, she moved to Philadelphia with her husband and young daughter. Once there, she established herself in her neighborhood and community as a wonderful neighbor, parishioner, friend...and a terrific cook of homemade Italian specialties. In her debut cookbook, Costantini collects her tried-and-true recipes for Italian favorites in one place, sharing them with anyone who has an interest in making phenomenal meals for the people they love.She includes easy-to-follow recipes for all the Italian classics, including antipasto, pasta, breads, pizza, main dishes, and desserts.And unlike many fussy, complicated recipes that rely on specialized ingredients and techniques, Costantini's rustic, authentic recipes call for only fresh, simple ingredients available at local markets. Her clear writing allows even novice cooks to bring the old-world charm of the Italian countryside to their home dining room tables.