Over the past few years, I have accumulated a huge amount of kitchen equipment. Aside from all the pieces brought for styling shoots, there is a core of ten or so items which I couldn’t be without, items which are used every day and make working in the kitchen much more pleasurable. Christmas is always…
Category: Foodie thoughts from home
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: top tipples
Stocking the drinks cabinet is a chore we must all undertake at this time of the year, whatever your personal preference, relatives and friends’ preferences must also be taken into account and that bottle of Creme de Menthe hidden at the back of the under-sink cupboard surely cannot last another year. Interestingly, some…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: the fruity side of Christmas.
Proudly displayed on my wall, above my desk, is a bill of sale dated November 3rd 1845. It relates to the sale of fruit, preserves and pickles and is signed by my great-great-great Grandfather, who, along with his wife were the proprietors of a ‘Foreign and British, fruit, oil, Italian and fish sauce warehouse’ in…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Variations on the Mince Pie
Every year, I do my utmost to avoid Mince Pies until, at least, the second week of December. The description ‘warm mince pie’ always sounds far better than the factory produced supermarket offerings which frequent gatherings, events and parties at Christmas. I believe that making your own is simple, far more satisfying and, it will…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Down Memory Lane
Growing up in the 1980s there were so many things which ‘made’ Christmas. One of the main questions being, were your family ‘Team Quality Street’ or ‘Team Roses’? My parents were firmly ‘Team Roses’, whilst my paternal Grandmother was ‘Team Quality Street’.Of course, this was in the day when a tin of chocolates was really…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: The eternal quest for the best Hot Chocolate!
One of the annual traditions in our household is putting up the Christmas decorations on the first weekend in December – this is accompanied by lots of steaming hot chocolate and, of course, homemade gingerbread biscuits. I fully admit that I am a bit of a Hot Chocolate perfectionist. So often, when I order the…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Easy Entertaining.
I am extremely proud of my Welsh heritage and although there aren’t many exclusively ‘Welsh’ traditions, we do have some excellent recipes to satisfy the hungriest of guests over the Christmas period. Feeding a party is quite a challenge, but sometimes, especially in the colder weather it’s nice to offer guests something a little more…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Stories of Stilton
There are certain things that I order every Christmas, which admittedly, are rather indulgent; whole cheeses, specialist drinks, charcuterie and chocolate. These are the items which make the Christmas period extra special, impresses guests and, in their own way creates family traditions – without exception I always seek out a really good Stilton, but I…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: Stir Up Sunday
Discover the origins of The Christmas Pudding and Stir Up Sunday – why not try making your own this year with my easy-to follow-recipe.
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries
Christmas really does seem to start earlier and earlier every year, even more so for food writers. This year I’d like to share with you how I personally prepare for the festive season. Starting on Stir Up Sunday, the day traditionally set aside for preparing the Christmas Pudding, I’ll be offering recipes, tips and ideas…
Seasoned with Slow from The Pheasant Philosopher 