The success or failure of Italian food is reliant upon the ingredients being used in recipes, something that may inspire those giving Christmas hampers this year.

Speaking to the Vancouver Sun, Toronto restauranteur Mark McEwan said that such cookery is "very pure. It's either right or wrong."

The chef explained Italian cuisine is "about ingredients and precise technique" and suggested food from the country is "approachable" and can be eaten every day.

Mr McEwan, who runs four restaurants and a food emporium, appears as a judge on Top Chef Canada and writes cookbooks, stated: "Italian cooking is light on fat, has a little bit of carb with the pasta but you never overindulge."

His latest title is based around Italian cuisine and he described how he loves the passion shown by Italians for food.

French wine could be included in Christmas hampers to accompany Italian ingredients after Circle of Wine Writers chairman Stuart Walton declared that weather conditions mean this year's vintage from the country looks set to be "exciting and exceptional".