Panfulls of partridges and the onset of winter

Half a dozen seared partridges resting on a bed of red cabbage
 and cider, waiting to be slow roasted.

From the beginning of October in England the game season starts. Firstly partridge (see above) and then the pheasants. Suddenly our household becomes tired of chicken, salads and Mediterranean fare. Now is the natural shift to casseroles, brassicas and root vegetables. Gravy becomes a staple sauce and root vegetables marry darker, more pungent meats.

Winter heat: spicy vinegar and a blazing woodburner

Just the other day, I had some white wine vinegar that I was using for another recipe. I was inspired to use the rest for some flavoured vinegar. It helps if you obsessively collect small glass bottles like me, but if you ever buy mini bottles of white wine, these receptacles are perfect for the cause. Simply pour in the vinegar and add sliced chillies and bay leaves. They make such pretty gifts and are the perfect accompaniment to a winter salad.

A row of pretty vinegar bottles, punctuated with chilli slices and bay leaves

A winter sunrise. A 7am view over Briston, Thurning, Wood Dalling and, in the very far distance, Heydon and Salle.

This time of year inspires indoor living, baking and crafts. At weekends I rarely feel inspired to depart the warmth of the kitchen. However weekday early mornings are stunningly ethereal; the perfect start to the working day.