Though some children grow up dreaming of one day donning a cape and mask or wielding a fire hose, Emma Cerulli regularly imagined herself in front of a hot stove tending cauldrons of bubbling concoctions. After her life's journey eventually led her to culinary school, Emma enthustiastically dove into a seductive parallel universe of art, aroma, and flavors. While inviting others to embark on a culinary odyssey that encourages a new perspective on cooking, Cerulli explores the history, myths, and legends of food through beloved recipes, personal anecdotes, and stories of old Roman love, starving pilgrimages, and ancient travel routes. Cerulli's simple and enticing recipes include new takes on traditional classics, mash-ups of cultures, and just great food like smoky eggplant dip; Russian carrot salad with walnuts and currants; pistachio and herb crusted pork loin; and miniature cannoli cones with orange cream.