Food and Drink

5 scrumptious strawberry recipes for those with Wimbledon withdrawal symptoms

A British summer without strawberries would be unthinkable.

Curious Questions: How, and why, do people eat stinging nettles?

Every summer, people from around the world gather at a pub in Devon for the World Nettle Eating Championship. But why? And how? Ian Morton takes a look, and delves into the strange history of this viciously-stinging yet ubiquitous plant.

Tom Parker-Bowles' guide to tomatoes — and the recipe that 'is probably the most useful item in any store cupboard'

How to make Royal Ascot's carrot cake

Royal Ascot is closed to fans this year, but you can at least have a taste of what racegoers would have enjoyed.

Curious Questions: Why are we suckers for comfort food?

Shepherd’s pie, steak-and-kidney pudding, treacle sponge... these staples on the national menu are like old friends, lifting spirits in times of need. Flora Watkins dives into the best of British comfort food.

Recipe: How to make The Ivy's Shepherd's pie, perhaps the ultimate comfort food

Shepherd’s pie has long been one of the most-requested items on the menu at The Ivy. Flora Watkins shares the recipe.

Raymond Blanc's perfect picnic: 'I'm a Frenchman through and through'

This picnic is ideal for Royal Ascot.

How to make rack of lamb with harissa, asparagus and garlic-and-almond sourdough crumbs

Now's the time to enjoy British-grown asparagus.

How to make perfect asparagus risotto, with the vegetable that's 'one of the true joys of English spring and summer'

Asparagus is a delight even when simply steamed and eaten hot with lashings of melted butter, but it's even more of a joy when dotted through a fresh-tasting risotto, says Tom Parker Bowles.

How to make a triple-layer Victorian cake with peaches, cream and maple syrup

If you're going to make a cake, make it a good one. Make it this one.

The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Cheese by the wheel-load, ducklings by post and sticky ginger pudding

There's a corner of the internet where the only rule is that things must be lovely — and you just found it. Victoria Marston will be your guide.

Six authentic wartime recipes to celebrate VE Day, from Lord Woolton's pie to 'Surprise Potato Balls'

Curious Questions: Who first used corks in wine — and how did they get them out again before the invention of the corkscrew?

There's nothing quite like the noise of uncorking a bottle of wine. Despite the inroads made by screwcaps, the majority of us still prefer the ritual of opening a bottle with a corkscrew. But how did we first start doing that in the first place? Martin Fone investigates.

A drink for all seasons: Jaffa Cake Gin (yes, really) and what might be the world's first 'crunchy' wine

How to make perfect scotch eggs, for the ideal back garden picnic

This recipe from top caterers Doggart & Squash will help you make that type of delicious, fresh scotch egg which you get at lovely events, but will never, ever find at a supermarket.

'You can't furlough a cow': Farmers urge with public to buy direct to keep them in business during lockdown

Enterprising farmers have been setting up websites and even selling their wares via vending machines to keep things moving as much of the world has ground to a halt. Carla Passino reports.

Rosie and Jim: 'I have baked myself out of my jeans'

Have our correspondents reached the peak? More like the trough.

A 'serious fish pie recipe' with some fabulous extra surprises for extra texture and taste

Fish pie is always a winner, but the chefs of Fortnum & Mason have a few extra touches which elevate this recipe still further.

A drink for all seasons: nine crowd-pleasing, well-priced wines from around the world

From Rioja alternatives to fruit-packed bottles, discover an eclectic selection of interesting, reasonably priced wines with our latest list.