We’ve arranged this book by monthly chapters. We hope that every month (at least) you’ll dip into it for ideas of where to go, what to do and, most importantly, what to cook. Each month is divided into four parts:
At the start of each chapter, we suggest an outdoor experience – either in your garden or the Great British countryside – that captures the essence of the month. Wherever you live, get out and about to see how the world around us is hard-wired to the seasons.
Here you’ll find out about some of our superstar seasonal ingredients. These are the real flag-bearers for each month of the year and might only be around for a few weeks, so look out for them in your local shops, markets or hedgerows.
Dates to note in your diary for the month. Some are long-forgotten, others have evolved into the festivities we know and love today. Each one is a small but important marker in the seasonal cycle.
Lastly, Russell’s mouth-watering recipes to help you make the most of the month’s best produce. Cook, eat and drink as you explore each season.