Monthly Archives: June 2021

Small plates of sunshine, we’ve got the ingredients and the recipes for amazing antipasti this summer. 

Italy’s less fussy answer to French hors d’oeuvres, antipasti are the original appetisers, and these simply delicious simple dishes arguably work even more effectively than Mediterranean counterparts such as Spanish tapas or Turkish mezze by relying on the vibrant complement one or two fresh and preserved ingredients. 

The term antipasto, first coined in the 16th century, refers to the first course of a traditional Italian meal and literally means ‘before the pasta’. Confected to stimulate the taste buds without filling the stomach, these mouth-watering small plates featuring myriad combinations of cured meats and fish, fresh fruits and herbs, rich cheeses and marinated vegetables are so vibrant in flavour its no surprise that they’ve become popular as a meal in themselves, and for many far beyond the borders of Italy, there’s nothing quite like antipasti for evoking the pleasure of

A great cheeseboard deserves to be adorned with something a little more imaginative than apple and grapes… 

We all know there are some fantastic artisanal cheeses out there these days, and although they all have enough flavour to stand alone on a cheese board, when cleverly paired with the right accompaniment they can take a cheese platter from simply satisfying to instantly sublime. 

Today, whatever’s found on a cheese board that isn’t cheese needs to be more than casual fruity decoration, but ingredients of equal quality that provide truly exciting compliment and contrast. Finding more unusual accompaniments to adorn your cheese board can also be especially gratifying, when unlikely cheese pairings such as speciality honey and guava paste deliver diners an end of meal revelation. 

With all this in mind, Maws are glad to offer some of our favourite cheese pairings, combinations sure to surprise and delight diners and guests, proving you’ve put as much care into what’s going alongside

What you choose to serve can have a dramatic effect on warm summer days

In weather like this it certainly doesn’t hurt to take a few dietary tips from our neighbours in warmer countries bordering Mediterranean, not to mention the advice of some nutritionists who’ve recently compiled a ‘does and don’ts’ list of what to enjoy and what to avoid on your plate when things get hot. 

According to experts, tucking into watermelon, turmeric and reducing the carbohydrates and protein in your diet are all sure-fire ways to create dishes that help customers beat the heat. 

Many also believe that a spicy chilli is an excellent choice in hot weather explaining that the capsaicin found in the food sends a signal to your brain that your body is overheated. As a result, you will sweat more to cool your body down. 

Working Up A Sweat 

Spicy and chilli may seem counter-intuitive, but the part it plays at the heart of cuisine on the searing sub-continent proves otherwise. Opt for traditional tandoori dishes,