Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Waitrose launch new Delicatezze range

Briton’s mealtimes are becoming increasingly influenced by the informal dining of the Mediterranean. This tradition of relaxed meals made up of dishes to share has inspired the launch of Waitrose Delicatezze.

Waitrose Delicatezze is a feast of flavours, colours and textures from sunny Mediterranean countries. Egyptian-influenced Carrot and Beetroot Falafels appear alongside Italian-style marinated Seafood Salad and Adriatic Anchovies with Braised Fennel.

Other signature recipes include crisp pastries typical of the Lebanese and Greek traditions such as Leek and Feta Sambousek and Lamb and Spinach Pyramids. Another key dish from the Delicatezze range from Waitrose is Pissaladiere, a Provencal pizza, which is made with a crisp puff pastry topped with sautéed onions then hand garnished with green olives and white anchovy fillets.

Shoppers can also delve into delicious Delicatezze dips, such as the new Vibrant Beetroot and Tahini Dip which is sweetened with pomegranate molasses and horseradish cream, or the Roasted Butternut and Sweet Potato Dip with sweet caramelised onion, nutty tahini and cumin. Both of these Eastern European style summer recipes are traditionally enjoyed with warmed pitta.

Using the best ingredients, the new range from Waitrose are ideal mix and match summer cooking dishes for picnics, a long lazy lunch or an impromptu dinner with friends.

Waitrose Delicatezze Buyer, David Stone said, "Spain rustles up tapas, Italy digs into antipasti and the Eastern Mediterranean tucks into mezze. Each region has its own delicious recipes but all are served and enjoyed as a relaxed meal. Delicatezze brings together these delicious cuisines but with all the hard work already done."

Chef Silvena Rowe, who helped to create many of the recipes in the range, was inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean food of her Bulgarian and Turkish heritage, explained, "It is all about flavour and ingredients, and robust, honest, hearty food to share with friends and family."

She continued, "Traditionally, pastries are sprinkled with sesame or caraway seeds. We’ve put them in the pastry which adds to the flavour. I also wanted the Delicatezze falafels to be less dense than the traditional ones, so we’ve added lots more vegetables, which makes them really light and vibrant in flavour."

Waitrose Delicatezze is made up of over 30 delicious appetisers which have been created to be enjoyed hot or cold.

Note to editors:
Further high resolution images of the range are available to download at www.waitrose.com/press

For more info contact:
Karla Graves
Press Officer (Consumer)
Waitrose Ltd
Doncastle Road
Southern Industrial Area
Berks
RG12 8YA
01344 82 5204
www.waitrose.com