Christmas at River Cottage

by Lucy Brazier, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Christmas at River Cottage encapsulates the very best that the season has to offer, guiding you from the autumn equinox, through advent and Christmas, and merrily into the new year with inspiration, traditions and indispensable recipes for every festive occasion.

These are recipes that have been honed over the years and are rooted in the River Cottage foundations of tradition, seasonality and sustainability. As well as the ultimate versions of all the classics, there are a whole host of new ideas for showstopping centrepieces, sparkling cocktails, prep-ahead canapes, edible gifts, livening up leftovers, as well as some of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's festive favourites. And accompanying all of this are tips from Lucy and Hugh on planning ahead, making natural decorations, effortlessly feeding a crowd and orchestrating the great Christmas Dinner so you'll also be able to find the magic along the way.

Genres: Christmas, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, British Literature, Food

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2021

Reviews

[Jude Grindvoll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice concept but the patronising tone throughout should have been weeded out by a straight-talking editor before publication. What should have been a joyful subject essentially became a lacklustre lecture for the already converted.

[Delia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from my mum for Christmas 2022. At times dense and very location specific (I live in NZ, this recipe book is blissfully set for Devon/Dorset/Cornwall in the UK), it hunkers in for the handmade and the simple. I enjoyed flicking through it and hope that I will be able to enact at least a few of the recipes and crafts. A lovely and gratefully received gift.

[J. Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular cookbook. Everything you need for the entire holiday season. Charming prose, gorgeous design and photos, mouth-watering recipes. It’s perfect. Would make a marvelous gift.

[Nick Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to me a few Christmases ago, I have tried out loads of recipes from it, all fab. Always a huge fan of River Cottage recipe books.

The other little hints and tips about limiting plastic waste at Christmas and Yuletide preparations are worth trying.

I love this book!

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Someone who's watched the River Cottage Christmas Specials over the years on Channel 4, This is a nice read, lovely picture’s in it. It has some lovely recipes in it. It takes you from the end of British summer time, the autumn equinox right through to new year. You follow recipes, read how to make your own decorations from the wild, the great put doors. I can’t wait to have a proper read. It will create the feeling of the seasons l feel. I can see this being a favourite that comes out every year. I would recommend.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lovely pre-christmas read... narratives that encompass stories and extremely useful how-tos for everything from wreaths to drinks. I did a pre-read before Christmas then found it to be a fabulous reference/resource throughout the holiday (including this week as I work out what to do with leftovers, etc. HIGHLY recommend the mulled wine recipe!

[Christine55416 · Rating 2 out of 5]

uk's hippy version of Martha Stewart ;-)

[Ditte · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wants to do a little too much.
There is some interesting passages, but they don't get fully fleshed out which is a shame.

[Houseofteasandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that you need to create the right ambience in order to really enjoy. Wrapped up in blankets with a crackling fire nearby, a mug of hot chocolate and the scent of pine and spices suspended in the air. Get comfortable and enjoy this lovely winter read that brings you back to living seasonally.

This book begins around the autumn equinox leading you through to the New Year. This book includes tips on how to decorate your home in a sustainable way. And has delicious recipes using produce that is in season. River cottage traditions weave through this delightful book along with fun crafts to make. This book draws on stepping back from a commercial Christmas to one that is filled with the beauty of natures bounty.