Lisa

With an impressive background of education, years of living in Italy and a sparkling personality, Lisa Caponigri has quickly become a well-respected cookbook author as well as a sought after personality on television shows. With exclusive knowledge of real, authentic Italian food and the Italian lifestyle that can only be acquired from years of living in Italy, Lisa’s elegance, sophistication and approachable style have expanded her presence beyond her cookbook to her new brand of food products “Lisa’s Italian Kitchen.”
Authentic Italian Food
Lisa discovered the delights of all things Italian at a young age. Born into an Italian American family in South Bend, Indiana, Lisa traveled to her ancestral homeland with her family on extended trips for her father’s research. The daughter of an internationally acclaimed Italian philosopher, Lisa was raised biculturally and was fluent in three languages by high school. Her passion for authentic Italian food began when she was very young, spending hours in the kitchen with her Sicilian grandmother. Lisa learned so many things from her Nana about Italy, family, and of course, authentic Italian food.
Career
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Romance Languages and Art, Lisa went on to receive her Juris Doctor from ND Law School. For many years she pursued her career in the legal, corporate and academic sectors culminating as an executive for a multinational corporation in Florence, Italy, and a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame. Through all of these years, there were two passions that remained constant in Lisa’s life: raising her three children and her love of authentic Italian food.
Cookbooks
Lisa’s passion for authentic country rustic Italian food and her love of cooking and eating with her family led her to write her highly acclaimed cookbook “Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner?” The only cookbook organized according to 52 complete five-course menus, each menu displays Lisa’s knowledge of the regionality and seasonality of authentic Italian food, as well as the flawless simplicity of rustic Italian cooking. Read More
Now she’s back with another 52 dinners in “This is Sunday Dinner” but with a fresh new seasonal approach that reflects the cuisines of Piemonte (winter), Campania (spring), Sicily (summer), and Tuscany (fall). Throughout, Caponigri showcases Italy’s varied and abundant produce, from summery artichokes, apricots, figs, and the famous San Marzano tomato to hearty roasted meats and rich risottos to ward off the cold. The entire book brims with Lisa’s energy, her reminiscences of living in Italy, anecdotes about her family, and all the advice needed to get a spectacular Sunday dinner on the table—every Sunday of the year.” Read More
Product Lines
With the success of her cookbook, “Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner?”, Lisa quickly became a popular and sought after personality both on television and at events. After appearing on numerous cooking shows, Lisa debuted on HSN in 2013 launching her product line “Lisa’s Italian Kitchen.” From frozen Real Italian Lasagne to her jarred signature Three Meat Neapolitan Red Sauce, Lisa brings Italy and authentic Italian food to your door. Currently appearing on QVC, Lisa’s Italian Kitchen line has expanded to include pastas, sauces, chicken and steak entrees, and debuting in 2017, antipasti and desserts. As stated on all of Lisa’s products, “Lisa brings Italy to your door!” Read More
Giving Back
Lisa dedicates her time to a variety of charitable events by donating cookbooks, giving of her time, and participating in Signature Chef Auctions where individuals and corporations bid on amazing culinary experiences hosted by Lisa. All proceeds for these events go to the charity selected. Lisa’s primary focus is raising awareness of Autism, a disease which effects 1 out of 68 children in the United States.