MARY ANN ESPOSITO: CIAO ITALIA

Authenticity, history and tradition are words that define Mary Ann Esposito and the signature cooking style that has made her one of Americas most loved television chefs. As the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series, "Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™," Mary Ann has brought those values to millions of Americans. This year, the series celebrates its milestone 23rd season, making it the longest-running cooking series in television history. For Mary Ann, the art of Italian cooking is a way of life. As a little girl growing up in Depew, New York, she watched her two Italian grandmothers create wonderful dishes. Both "nonnas," one Sicilian, and one Neapolitan, were Italian natives and professional cooks. This upbringing instilled in Mary Ann a deep appreciation for Italian food and culture, but it was a pivotal trip to Italy that made her ponder hosting a TV program to share her love. Thus, "Ciao Italia" was born. She has appeared on many television programs including "The Today Show," "Regis and Kelly Live," QVC, the Food Network, Discovery Channel, FOX, and radio, including Martha Stewart Radio, RAI Intnl., The Victory Garden, and Simply Ming, and many others, sharing the lessons she learned as a child with the world. Mary Ann has worked beside world-renowned chefs like Julia Child, Todd English, Daisy Martinez, Sara Moulton, Jacques Pepin, Martin Yan, and countless others who share the same passion for cooking. She is the recipient of many honors and awards, and has written 12 cookbooks. Her most recent is "Ciao Italia Family Classics," in October, 2011. Website: http://www.ciaoitalia.com/

Mary Ann Esposito