Mary Contini grew up in East Lothian above her family's Italian cafe. She is the bestselling author of numerous books about Italian life and cooking, including Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia, Valvona & Crolla: A Year at an Italian Table and The Italian Sausage Bible. She is a Director of Valvona & Crolla, the renowned Edinburgh delicatessen, restaurant and cookery school.
Pru Irvine is a food writer, author and journalist with a passionate interest in children's welfare rights. She has lead numerous cookery courses for children and until recently ran her own award-winning confectionary business.