Offering a cookbook and quite a bit more, chef Teresa Lust interweaves portraits of the people who served as her culinary guides with cultural and natural history in this charming exploration of authentic Italian cuisine. Here is an introduction to acquacotta, a rustic soup that nourished generations of shepherds and cowhands, while in the town of Camerano, an 80-year-old woman reveals the art of hand-rolling pasta with a three-foot rolling pin. Forget about pizza; the real-deal Italian recipes include Chestnut Tortelli, Spaghetti with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes, Bruschetta with Figs and Gorgonzola, and Piedmontese Hot Spiced Wine.