In the morning, when I open the front door I’m greeted with the harsh scream of the Buzzard, shortly followed by the caw of the Crows it’s trying to harass, this drama is mellowed by the gentle song of the Thrush and the coo of Wood Pigeons, watching the unfolding masquerade from a safe distance….
Tag: country life
A Slow Autumn – rediscovering lost mindfulness.
Is there anything more cosy than settling down in front of a log fire, candles lit, glass of something delicious in your hand? I don’t think there is. If the past few months have taught me anything, it’s been to slow down and enjoy the life I have. During lockdown this process was enforced and…
The Pheasant Philosopher’s Christmas Diaries: a change from turkey…my partridge (or pheasant) in a pear tree
Many people are becoming much more experimental in the kitchen and, where once, turkey or goose took centre stage, now there are many different options for the Christmas table. Aside from a good joint of beef, leg of lamb or meltingly soft slow-cooked pork shoulder many people look to game – especially in smaller households,…
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 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: Day 2, The Butcher’s Order
Today I’m turning my attention to planning my Christmas butchery order. Last year I chose one of Holt-Wilson’s Monmouthshire Turkeys and I was extremely impressed with the bird – it served far more mouths (with leftovers) than recommended, and was firm and flavoursome – not gamey, but rich and a real treat! I do feel…
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.
Moroccan Spiced Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb
I adore the combination of flavours in North African cooking, the rich tagines, delicate sweet pastries, mounds of minted, olive oil rich couscous, bulgar wheat salads gleaming with jewel-like pomegranate seeds – and now, with autumn on the way i’d like to share one of my favourite, albeit possibly inauthentic, recipes combining local Welsh Lamb…
Late Summer Blackberry and Almond Cake
I adore autumn, I love the foods, the smells, the weather…everything! For me the appearance of blackberries, plums, hips and haws all signify the beginning of a season of abundance, a season which I feel completely at one with. This morning I took a basket and followed the little lane outside the farmhouse until I…
Seasoned with Slow from The Pheasant Philosopher 