Books in the River Cottage Handbook series

Chickens are a fantastic addition to a garden or outdoors space - you don't have to live in the back of beyond to have a few clucking around and giving you fresh eggs. They come in all shapes and sizes: some are layers, some are just born to strut. Mark Diacono begins at the basics, showing how you can raise chickens from eggs, and look after them once they start laying their own.The first part of Chicken & Eggs explains how to think ahead about what kind of chickens you want and how many to get, whether you are going for a breed that lays eggs regularly, or that you might eventually use for eating, or that simply looks decorative. You can choose from Orpingtons, Derbyshire redcaps, Muffed Old English Game, Leghorns and many more. Mark then goes on to show how you can breed chickens, encourage them to lay, work out what kind of eggs you have (are they destined for the eggcup, or will they hatch into baby chicks?), and take care of them day to day, as well as how you can go about getting the birds on the table. The final part of the book is a recipe section that goes far beyond the roast, with lots of delicious ideas for fresh eggs or home-reared chicken. With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, this is an essential guide for anyone who can't stop thinking about chicks.

In the tenth River Cottage Handbook, NikkiDuffy shows how to grow and cook with herbs

In the ninth River Cottage Handbook, Mark Diacono explains how to nurture and grow your own garden fruit

Fermentation, a masterpiece by the renowned author Rachel de Thample, is a must-read for anyone interested in the art and science of food preservation. Published in 2020 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, this book delves into the world of fermentation, exploring its history, science, and practical applications. De Thample's engaging writing style makes this complex topic accessible to everyone, from beginners to experts. The author's passion for the subject shines through every page, making the book as enjoyable as it is informative. Fermentation is a unique blend of storytelling and science, making it a standout in its genre. It's more than just a book; it's an invitation to explore a fascinating world that's been the cornerstone of human civilization for thousands of years. Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Fermentation is a testament to Rachel de Thample's ability to make complex topics engaging and accessible to all readers.

An illustrated guide to fishing along British coastline. It covers the basics, such as when and where to go fishing, and then profiles the sea fish that you are likely to catch, also covering their conservation status, season, habitat and method of catching.

Hedgerows, moors, meadows and woods - these hold a veritable feast for the forager. This book reveals how to spot the free and delicious ingredients to be found in the British countryside, and then how to prepare and cook them. It includes over 40 species such as: bilberries, blackberries, cloudberries, common mallow, dandelions, and hedge garlic.

In the fifth of the River Cottage Handbook series, John Wright reveals the rich pickings to be had on the seashore - and the team at River Cottage explain how to cook them to perfection.

In the second of the River Cottage Handbook series, Pam Corbin explains how to turn Britain's seasonal gluts of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs into delicious preserves to enjoy all year around

Explains the ins and outs of collecting, including relevant UK laws, conservation notes, practical tips and identification techniques. This book includes 72 species we are most likely to come across during forays in Britain's forests and clearings. It also contains more than 30 simple mushroom recipes with colour photographs.

Keeping a herd of pigs brings a lot of enjoyment - they are curious, intelligent and (often) lovable animals, with plenty of character. When the time comes, they can provide you with a fine carcass that can be turned into all manner of tasty things. The River Cottage ethos is all about knowing the story behind what's on the plate, and as Gill Meller explains in this accessible and comprehensive guide, by rearing and butchering your own pigs you'll be able to create a full range of delicious pork products in the most sustainable, economical and hands-on way possible.Pigs & Pork gives expert advice on choosing whether to keep your own pigs, on sourcing them and setting up their home, and on feeding and caring for them. Gill also explains how you can arrange for the pigs' eventual slaughter, and how to find a good butcher or carry out your own butchery at home and identify the different cuts of meat. And even if you are buying your pork from the butcher, there is plenty to inspire. In the mouth-watering recipe section you will find the ultimate roast pork, farmhouse pâtés, pork scratchings, brawn, sausages, rillettes, pork pies, Scotch eggs and black pudding, as well as instructions for how to home-cure your own bacon, ham and salami. And of course, there are guidelines for setting up a proper hog roast to cater for large numbers, River Cottage-style - simply the perfect fare for an outside gathering.Whether you are just after the secret to sensational crackling, or you want to go the whole hog and set up your own sty, this book will guide you on the road to pork heaven.

Nothing beats a really good cheese. These days you can buy great dairy products locally, made using high-quality ingredients and with a unique flavour of their own. The next step is to try your hand at making yoghurt, labneh, mozzarella and even delicious matured cheeses yourself. The River Cottage ethos is all about knowing the whole story behind what you put on the table; and as Steven Lamb explains in this thorough, accessible guide, the key ingredient is milk. He shows you exactly what to do to take it from its liquid form to a wide range of dairy products, from clotted cream to a washed-rind cheese. There are also plenty of gorgeous recipes that make the most of cheese and other dairy goods - as you'd hope, they involve such pleasures as dunking carbs into a pot of melty cheese; biting down on a delicate cheese wafer; or whipping up the best ever cheesecake. With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and plenty of helpful photographs, this book is the indispensable guide to crafting and enjoying cheese and other dairy products.

Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards 2015 | Highly CommendedCuring and smoking your own food is a bit of a lost art in Britain these days. While our European neighbours have continued to use these methods on their meat, fish and cheese for centuries, we seem to have lost the habit. But with the right guidance, anyone can preserve fresh produce, whether living on a country farm or in an urban flat - it doesn't have to take up a huge amount of space. The River Cottage ethos is all about knowing the whole story behind what you put on the table; and as Steven Lamb explains in this thorough, accessible guide, it's easy to take good-quality ingredients and turn them into something sensational. Curing & Smoking begins with a detailed breakdown of any kit you might need (from sharp knives to sausage stuffers, for the gadget-loving cook) and an explanation of the preservation process - this includes a section showing which products and cuts are most suitable for different methods of curing and smoking. The second part of the book is organised by preservation method, with an introduction to each one, and comprehensive guidance on how to do it. And for each method, there are, of course, many delicious recipes! These include chorizo Scotch eggs, salt beef, hot smoked mackerel, home-made gravadlax . and your own dry-cured streaky bacon sizzling in the breakfast frying-pan.With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and full-colour photographs as well as illustrations, this book is the go-to guide for anyone who wants to smoke, brine or air-dry their way to a happier kitchen. There is also a directory that tells you where to purchase the best-quality equipment from for all your smoking and curing needs at home.

In the fourth River Cottage handbook, Mark Diacono tells us everything we need to know to create our own productive, organic garden, no matter where we live