Elizabeth Romer lives in the village or Arezzo, in Tuscany, during the cold winter months. She and her husband also live a rustic life in an Italian country farmhouse, but it is cut off by snow in the winter. She tells us about the culinary history of the region, historical cooks, their recipes gathered from editions of their original cooking books, and versions cooked by Beppina, whose account of life in Arezzo the author came across in a dusty shop. The result is a wonderful account of the produce, traditions and recipes, all given in detail. From Baroque times to the present day, the reader will feel they are walking through the market and gardens of Arezzo, sampling wines, cheeses and country produce that could be taken home to cook delicious meals with.