Monday 2 November 2026
Free, fun food information and cookery resources for all: no subscription, no sign-up, no login. We love good food and wine and are passionate about sharing great recipes and know-how with all cooks, novice or old hand.
Today’s feature · In the larder
The dried unopened flower buds of an evergreen from the Spice Islands; the name comes from the French clou, a nail. Strong and pungent, they stud the Christmas gammon and onion for bread sauce, and go into mulled wine and Chinese five spice.
More from the larder
Recipe of the day
Smoothies & Juices
Sangria made with orange, lemon, orange juice and caster sugar.
Chef Col says hello8 seconds · sound on, captions on · press play
Hello, I’m Chef Col. Here are the cookery and wine questions everyone’s asking, answered.
Ask me a cookery or wine question
Got a question? Email Chef Col.
My advice, and the FSA's, is no. Chef Col’s answer →
More questions → The most-asked questions, browsed by topic
Bonfire Night Thu 5 Nov
Hot food for cold hands.
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.
Stir-up Sunday Sun 22 Nov
The traditional day to make the Christmas pudding.
A short weekly email with the week’s features, a few recipes and seasonal tips is on its way.
Newsletter coming soon
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
