Mercedes GLA 220 CDI

The Mercedes GLA 220 CDI is yet another new offering in the compact crossover market. With more buyers wanting the benefits of four wheel drive without having an enormous car…

Best fruitcake recipe

Fruitcake is a sporting essential, and all the more so over the festive season. Whether you are tucking yours in a pocket for the peg, handing it out at the…

Potted spiced meat

Winter chutney is the perfect match for a feast of cold meats. Save it to enjoy with your Christmas day leftovers and you won’t tire of cold turkey and ham…

William and Son over-and-under

The William and Son over-and-under is our test gun. It’s a 12-bore with 30in barrels, a low-profile and hand-engraved action and weighs just over 7lb. It cleverly brings together modern…

Stoats and weasels. Winter coat

Stoats and weasels have an undeserved, bad reputation. From the weasels that plot to take over Toad Hall in Wind in the Willows to being accused of killing sleeping infants,…

Outbreeding

Outbreeding could be critical for gundog survival. As accustomed as we are to having springer spaniels, labradors and other such familiar gundogs around, we fail to realise that they are…

Crispy duck breast, walnut and prune salad

This crispy duck breast, walnut and prune salad with ginger dressing is a festive offering, but still light enough to enjoy as an easy lunch during December. Or, serve it…

Fig, chocolate and cognac cake

This fig, chocolate and cognac cake is perfect for the festive season. It keeps well up to four days and it is suitable for freezing, making it a great offering…

Damson jam

Damson jam is the best way to use up these tiny sour plums. Although too bitter to eat, they make great jam. With the British weather producing some of the…