From crisp apples to earthy wild mushrooms and full-flavoured game, autumn and winter offer up some sumptuous seasonal delights. We dig out a selection of comforting recipes from the Country Life Archive that are guaranteed to warm things up as the nights draw in.
Sam and Sam Clark's chestnut and chorizo soup
Elizabeth David's gnocchi Verdi Guy Watson and Jane Baxter's warm pheasant salad with pomegranate and walnuts Julia Child's casserole-roasted chicken
Nigel Slater's peppers with pork and rosemary
Mark Hix's scrambled Burford Browns with woodland mushrooms
Thomasina Miers' chargrilled Jerusalem artichokes with Cashel Blue
Guy Grieve and Thomasina Miers' mixed game spit-roast feast
Valentine Warner's autumn macaroni
Mark Hix's Sunday roast masterclass Simon Hopkinson's spinach and ricotta pancakes and chicken Savoyarde
Mary Berry's apple dessert cake
Thomasina Miers' winter hazelnut meringue cake with chestnut-brandy cream
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A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National ParkOld House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
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The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West SussexAlthough the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
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A Continental winter warmer: creamy onion soup with caramelised-onion toastSo long the bridesmaid, onions finally get their moment in the spotlight with this delicious and comforting winter soup.
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Perfect roast goose recipe from Mark HixCooking the perfect Christmas goose, with delicious gravy, is a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas. Mark Hix explains how it's done.
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How to make Toad in the hole, the ultimate British comfort foodTry Melanie Johnson's recipe for toad in the hole – the ultimate British comfort food – with a twist thanks to the addition of bacon and leeks.
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The ultimate Boxing Day bacon sandwich – with a surprise ingredientSImon Hopkinson shares his recipe for a bacon sandwich with a perfect Christmassy twist.
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The step-by-step, stress-free plan for cooking Christmas lunch, by Tom AikensTom Aikens shares his recipes and advice for the perfect Christmas lunch: turkey, cranberry, roast potatoes and all the trimmings
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Recipe: Simon Hopkinson's Gravadlax, a delightful Swedish cured-salmon dishNothing packs the same aromatic punch as a home-cured salmon flavoured with dill fronds and schnapps – and if you have too much, try poaching the leftovers. Poaching instructions before the recipe.
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A delicious shepherd's pie recipe to take away the winter chillShepherd's pie is a true British classic which always hits the spot – this delicious take on the dish comes from chef Christian Turner.
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How to make a delicious Irish stew without potatoesAn Irish stew without potatoes might sound like a contradiction, but this lamb-neck and pearl-barley recipe gives the classic winter dish a rich twist.
