**A prep-ahead seasonal starter that will ensure your next country house party goes with a bang, says Philippa Davis** This Mexican-inspired dish of fried flour tortillas stuffed with cooked pheasant, cheese, herbs and spice can be prepped in advance …Continue reading »

**Perfect for a cold, dark, wintry day says Philippa Davis** These meaty, savoury pancakes are perfect if you are craving comfort food on a cold, dark, wintry day. Serves 2. …Continue reading »

**It takes more than a bit of rain or snow to put off most keen sportsmen or women but, when the weather really starts to bite, we must put our dogs first, says David Tomlinson** ONE of the great attractions of fieldsports is that, generally speaking, they are not affected too much by the weather. …Continue reading »

**Fat is a fitness issue. If your gundogs are less than lean and lively it may be time to reassess their feeding regime and make a New Year's resolution or two advises Janet Menzies** Overweight gundogs are slow and plodding when, at four or five years old, they should be in their prime. Overweight …Continue reading »

**Billiard table seen better days? Read on.** A reader writes: We have a tired and battered billiard table which we would like to have re-baized and restored …Continue reading »

**You may have lost the battle to keep that cute puppy in the kennel but that doesn’t mean he can’t be transformed into a good, albeit part-time, gundog, as David Tomlinson explains** No doubt most people start with the best of intentions. The decision is made to get a proper gundog, one …Continue reading »

**This creamy, boozy, cheesy gratin makes the perfect festive side dish writes Philippa Davis** Brussels sprout gratin with sherry, nutmeg and cheese This dish can be made up and baked straight away or assembled …Continue reading »

Prepare to deck the halls for Christmas with these decorating ideas. **It's time to deck the halls. Follow these country Christmas interior design ideas and complete with a roaring log fire, twinkling Christmas tree and generous stack of mince pies** Christmas is the time of year to bring the outside in. Fragrant pine trees are decorated with twinkling fairy lights …Continue reading »

**Dethrone the turkey and return to tradition this Christmas with a collection of recipes that restore British game to its rightful place on the festive table writes Tom Godber-Ford Moore** If the history books are to be believed, we have Henry VIII to ‘thank’ for first adding turkey to the …Continue reading »

**You can prep the partridge and make the sauce up to a day before it is needed and finish off/reheat just before serving says Philippa Davis. Serves 8.** Nearly impossible to say after a glass or two but always utterly delicious to eat, this crispy pretzel parmesan partridge …Continue reading »

**Rosie Macdonald describes how to keep that blaze of colour going** Q: At about this time every year I buy poinsettias to give as Christmas presents. Do they come in colours …Continue reading »

**From Christmas card to winter garden, the robin signifies the festive season like no other bird, yet there is much about the species that might surprise, writes David Tomlinson** Everybody knows and loves the robin, but despite being our most familiar bird it retains a degree of mystery. Most …Continue reading »

**Our lists cover it all. Whether you want to buy a Christmas pudding, a Christmas cake, a hamper, a pair of socks or some suitable wine.** Online shopping can be such a bonus. However you do have to know what you’re looking for and have the …Continue reading »

**A pot roast pheasant recipe can be delicious. Fennel is not to everyone's taste, but it melts into a buttery stickiness when cooked in this way. Serves four.** Pot roast pheasant can be delicious. Fennel is not to everyone's taste, but it melts into a buttery stickiness when cooked in this recipe. Try it.

**With a sprinkle of festive spice, a generous addition of fruit and a splash of booze, this seasonal fruit cake makes the perfect treat any time of day says Philippa Davis** If you would like to use an English brandy instead I highly recommend the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, which also …Continue reading »

**Nothing encapsulates the jollity of the festive period quite like Christmas crackers: the silly hats, often sillier jokes and the keepsakes hidden inside. Here we round-up the most luxurious, stylish and fun.** The best Christmas crackers Nothing encapsulates the jollity of the festive period quite like Christmas crackers: the silly hats, often …Continue reading »

**This terrine serves as a fabulous make-ahead starter or lunch and is a great addition to the fridge for unexpected guests or decadent snacking writes Philippa Davis. Serves 8.** Recipe for pigeon and cranberry terrine with cointreau and hazelnuts Ingredients 80g dried cranberries 50ml Cointreau 4 tbsp olive oil …Continue reading »

**We recommend the best clothes brush to clean a hunt coat to keep it clean even in the muddiest of conditions** I am struggling to find a clothes-brush to clean my hunt coat, which is often very muddy (although last winter was much kinder than most). Do you know a company that can provide an appropriate clothes-brush? JCC, Hants

**Bring one of the following along to a Christmas house party and your host and hostess will sing with thankful joy. Gold, frankincense and myrrh not included.** Arriving with gifts is a given when you’re invited to stay at Christmas. Gifts for the man of the house, …Continue reading »

**Jonathan Ray rounds up some perfect wine-related presents** As the fridge and cupboards fill with yuletide fare ensure your cellar is ready for the Christmas celebrations.

**Everything looks better after a glass of port but why do we only seem to reach for this life-enhancing fortified wine during the festive season, asks Jonathan Ray** Six of the best ports chosen by Jonathan Ray Croft Pink Port (£12.75 per 50cl) The Whisky Exchange No, don’t …Continue reading »

Three Christmas stockings made from Shaker-style fabric, using ribbons, buttons, felt squares. L, Dec 94, p110-113. **A really appreciated and valuable gift need not be costly. Here The Field rounds up the best Christmas presents under £50** Sometimes the most appreciated, useful or just plain fun gifts are not the most expensive. If you’re looking for inspiration, …Continue reading »

Those who hunt love and respect animals and come from all walks of life **Sir Roger Scruton’s passion for following hounds profoundly influenced his writings on rural matters and the connection between people and the land, writes Colin Brazier** It was at Labour’s annual party conference a quarter of a century ago that the mask slipped. With an election …Continue reading »

**Knowing how to carve meat well is an essential skill, but one fewer and fewer people possess. Whether you are attempting a festive turkey or a simple roast pheasant for Sunday lunch, it is essential that there is someone confident enough to stand up at the table. And carving was once part of the code of chivalry - the skill has a noble and ancient history. Johnny Scott guides the way.** At a time when the main food source was derived from anything that swam, ran or flew, the art of …Continue reading »

Do the best shoot lunches still involve white tablecloths when dining outside? **What makes the perfect shoot lunch? The best shoot lunch will keep visiting guns coming back for more. Robert Gibbons reveals the ideal shoot menu.** The best shoot lunch can be hearty or meagre, on the hill or in the hut, stewed in port or …Continue reading »