Recent Articles

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) The apples are ready and now I’m waiting for the ‘chock-a-chock chock’. No, it’s not some sort of sweet fireworks night treat for the kids but it is my recipe to attract a rather shy type of thrush to the garden. Last month I wrote about the autumn’s rusty tones ...

Not Cranleigh’s toll-house, but the one at Gaston Gate, which the Cranleigh gate would have resembled (courtesy of Michael Miller) The Toll-house and Toll-gate Roads around Cranleigh 200 years ago were little more than tracks, causing problems for would-be travellers or farmers needing to ...

CHICKPEAS & PUMPKIN SOUP - Starter (Serves 4) This heart warming soup includes some of the best vegetables in season for November, it is a real treat on a rainy night. Ingredients600g pumpkin100g chard1.5L of chicken stock or vegetable stock400g chickpeas (tin will do fine)100g of finely ...

The humble egg has been the subject of controversy for many years with our fears of high cholesterol, salmonella etc. being fuelled by various reports in the media. We have been warned for a long time to cut down on our intake of cholesterol and within the last 40 years the consumption of eggs ...

A satisfying low-fat soup that's packed with wholesome vegetables and filling chickpeas. Serve with slices of toasted cheese-topped baguette to dip in. Prep: 10-15 minsCook: 15-20 minsDifficulty: EasyServes: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 leek, chopped quite small2 carrots, chopped quite small1 garlic ...

Make these chocolates to give as gifts or for a fun weekend project. Split the ganache into a few bowls and add a couple of different flavourings if you like. Prep: 40 minsCook: 5 minsDifficulty: EasyServes: 30 truffles (easily halved) INGREDIENTS 300g white chocolate, chopped120ml double ...