Gourmand gift guide 2008

The Essentials Collection by Donatella Arpaia ($4.99–$22)

Though restaurateur Donatella Arpaia may have gone Greek in recent collaborations with chef Michael Psilakis (Mia Dona, Anthos, Kefi), she stays true to her Italian roots with her upscale line of artisanal products sure to please diehard Italophiles in the cucina. To wit, the Essential Passata di Pomodoro ($4.99) is a replication of the traditional San Marzano tomato sauce she made during summers spent on her mother's farm in Apulia; her hand-crafted almond cookies ($10) are a family recipe frequent diners of Ama will recognize; and the Fruttato extra virgin olive oil ($22) was a staple of her childhood diet—so much so that Arpaia didn't taste butter until she was 18 years old.

Available at Mia Dona (206 E. 58th St., 212-750-8170)

Buy online at www.donatellastyle.com