Looking for a great gift for a lover Italian food? Look no further than these great books.

The Tante Marie's Cooking School Cookbook : More Than 250 Recipes for the Passionate Home Cook
Mary S. Risley has been full-time cooking school in San Francisco since 1979. She brings to this book a credible voice without being cutesy. This is the cookbook for the person who really wants to know how to cook. It is filled with valuable information and delicious recipes. If you know someone serious about Italian food, this is the one book to give them.

Biscotti
Say cappuccino and most Americans immediately associate it with biscotti. This slim volume of biscotti recipes is a deceptive--while small in size, it is packed with fantastic recipes. It provides a wide range of textures and tastes--from very sweet to mildly sweet, from very crisp to chewy. This book is pleasing to the eye as well. Every time I give this as a hostess gift I receive rave reviews.

Panini Bruschetta Crostini: Sandwiches, Italian Style
Mmmmmm, the fast food of Italian cuisine. Few things make a better lunch than a fresh panini and glass of white wine. Few things make a better summer dinner than bruschetta made with fresh vegetables. Forget the heavy sandwiches of the USA. These are fresh and light sandwiches and canapés, with wonderful flavors. A must for any kitchen! The recipes offer a full range of flavors and ingredients, from simple to elegant.

The Slow Mediterranean Kitchen : Recipes for the Passionate Cook
Paula Wolfert's book may seem the opposite of Panini, Bruschetta, Crostini, but in truth it's not. Wolfert's book is about the sensual joy of cooking. It's about taking your time and enjoying the process of cooking, then taking time to savor the experience of eating. As with Panini, Bruschetta, Crostini, the recipes are simple, but elegant, and joyful to prepare. Many allow you to blend and marry wonderful flavors and then let the dish almost cook itself. The recipes are not all classical Italian, but allow the cook to explore cooking traditions not often associated with Italy. Did you know that the Greeks colonized Sicily? The Moors of Spain did as well. This rich history allows the Italian cook to venture into little known territory. Wolfert's book is an excellent gift for those who enjoy the culture of food.

Savoring Tuscany : Recipes and Reflections on Tuscan Cooking
For centuries, Tuscany has lured travelers drawn to its artistic richness, its romantic hill towns reached by cypress-lined roads, its stunning coastline, and its unforgettable cuisine. Savoring Tuscany takes readers on a journey in search of the authentic Tuscan table. Along the way, you'll experience Tuscan culture and history, and learn about some of the people, dishes, and ingredients that have made it one of the world's culinary capitals.