Thursday 5 November 2026
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Today’s feature · In the kitchen drawer
A simple slip knot for tying a joint with string so it keeps its shape while it roasts – make a loop, pass the string round the meat and through it, tighten, and lock it off. Step-by-step photos show how.
More in the drawer
Recipe of the day
Sauces
A quick creamy blue cheese sauce for steak: shallot, a splash of white wine, double cream and Stilton (or Gorgonzola, Roquefort or Maytag Blue), ready in 8 minutes.
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More questions → The most-asked questions, browsed by topic
Bonfire Night today
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
