The origin of the paper advent calendar is credited to German publisher Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s. He was inspired by his mother sewing 24 biscuits into the lid of a box, one of which he was allowed to eat every day of Advent. In the last decade or…
Tarragon pheasant, mushroom and leek cobbler with yoghurt and cheese scones Ingredients 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp salted butter 8 skinless pheasant breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks 4 medium leeks, sliced into 2cm-thick circles 350g chestnut mushrooms, chopped into bite-sized pieces 2 tbsp plain flour 20g tarragon leaves, finely…
Dear Freddie, I am delighted to hear you have an invitation to a rough day just before Christmas.Some of my happiest shooting memories have been of rough days over dogs in December, when the air is cold and crisp, the trees are gaunt and leafless, the hedgerows are bare of…
Whether anglers or simply Field-loving folk, we’re all aware that the rivers of the UK are in a state that ranges from poor to dire and that barely any are classed as satisfactory. But what are the signs of an unhealthy river and how do we diagnose the problems? My…
Slow-cooked venison in barbecue sauce with winter coleslaw Ingredients 4 tbsp olive oil 1.6kg bone-in venison haunch 2 large red onions, peeled and sliced 4 bay leaves 20g coriander, roughly chopped 2 tbsp dried oregano 2 tbsp smoked paprika 1 heaped tbsp dark-brown sugar 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp…
Perhaps it’s unsurprising that we start in the boot room: if anyone knows what your home says about you, it’s Phil Spencer. And this one is a peach, crammed with photographs, fishing rods and reminders of great days in the field. There’s a giant board filled with game cards; an…
Cranberry and sloe gin chocolate truffles These truffles are one of my favourite festive treats, not just as a gift to give but also for myself. They are surprisingly simple to make but the results are utterly decadent. If by some terrible miscalculation (or overindulgence) I have run out of…
This test gun is not our usual fare, being an intriguing Edwin Chamberlain back-action, seven-pin sidelock ejector side-by-side made circa 1900 (somewhere between 1896 and 1904 from the proof marks). It comes to these pages courtesy of veteran dealer Victor Chapman of Marks Tey, Essex. The featured gun has 30in…
When you have Christmas visitors a hamper is ideal. You can dip into their depths for a treat or use them to take the strain out of having guests. Luxury hampers suit both cheese and wine buffs as well as those with a sweet tooth. Stuck for gifts? Take a…
Venison-shank ragu with tomatoes and rosemary With fresh, sweet tomatoes, fragrant rosemary and a generous amount of red wine, this venison ragu makes a truly delightful feast. Serves 4. Ingredients 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 1.5kg venison shanks or 800g stewing venison 1 red onion, peeled and finely diced 1 large…
