Thursday 12 November 2026
Free, fun food information and cookery resources for all: no subscription, no sign-up, no login. As Chef Col says, people deserve more than recipes. They deserve understanding. Know-how for every cook, novice or old hand. Good eating!
Today’s feature · In the Larder
Game divides into furred and feathered. How to judge quality (soft breast plumage, pointed quill feathers, a beak that breaks easily), plus venison, hare and rabbit, with English and French names, weights and portions.
More from the larder
Recipe of the day
Pastry
A moist, tender, gently spiced carrot cake made with oil and brown sugar, packed with grated carrot, toasted walnuts and orange zest, layered and topped with a tangy cream cheese…
Chef Col says hello8 seconds · sound on, captions on · press play
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More questions → The most-asked questions, browsed by topic
Stir-up Sunday Sun 22 Nov
The traditional day to make the Christmas pudding.
Pheasant season in season until 1 February
Pheasant shooting runs 1 October – 1 February.
Braised Pheasant with red wine · Pheasant in red wine · Hanging and plucking game
Oyster season in season until 30 April
The months with an 'R' in them.
St Andrew's Day Mon 30 Nov
Scotland's day.
A short weekly email with the week’s features, a few recipes and seasonal tips is on its way.
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Simple, good food for one person – and tales from Steve’s travels.
Cook BookHundreds of recipes with portion scaling, costs and shopping lists – plus cook books worth buying.
KnivesWhich knife for which job, what makes a good one and how to keep it sharp.
Pots & PansSaucepans, sauté pans, casseroles and Dutch ovens – choosing the right pan and metal.
Kitchen ToolsWhisks, spoons, forks, skewers and bakeware explained.
Know HowGlossary of cookery terms, methods of cookery, weights and measures and kitchen organisation.
Fish & SeafoodOur A–Z fish and seafood dictionary, with cuts and folds of fish.
Grapes & WineGrape varieties from Chardonnay to Zinfandel: where they grow and how they taste.
Eating OutWhere to eat, worldwide.
Friends of the site: Fine foods from Spain · Cook’s Thesaurus
