February Competition

The winners will be drawn from every reviewer who has submitted a company review during February 2009. In order to add a business and post a review, you'll need to register first by clicking here. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. Once registered you can logon and find the company you wish to review, then simply add your review. If you can't find the company you want to review listed yet, you can add it yourself once you are registered. GOOD LUCK!

The Prize

In this first of an exciting new series that focuses on specific aspects of rural living and eating, mushroom expert John Wright explains how to identify and collect (or avoid) the mushrooms and toadstools we are most likely to encounter in the UK with diagrams, detailed profiles and handy tips.

Starting with a brief introduction to mushroom biology and taxonomy, John explains the ins and outs of collecting, including relevant UK laws, conservation notes, practical tips and identification techniques, complete with diagrams and line drawings.

He also introduces the River Cottage Magic Seven Challenge, a great first test that will inspire everyone to put their wellies on. Then he describes and distinguishes more than sixty of the species we are most likely to come across during forays in Britain's forests and clearings: old friends the Chanterelle and Cep, as well as a whole colourful host of more unfamiliar names - edible species including the Velvet Shank, the Horn of Plenty, the Amethyst Deceiver, the Giant Puffball and the Chicken in the Woods, and poisonous types such as the Sickener, the Death Cap and the Destroying Angel.

The handbook is completed by more than thirty simple and delicious mushroom recipes from the River Cottage team. Small enough to fit in a waterproof pocket, with colour photographs throughout, a standout translucent jacket and an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, 'The River Cottage Mushroom Handbook' is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide destined to be an indispensable household reference.
 
Handbook No. 2 : Preserves   
Preserving is a centuries-old way to make the most out of every season, stretching the more bountiful months into the sparser ones - and what's more, it is fun, rewarding and easy to learn.

Explaining the history, science and basic processes of preserving, our preserving expert Pam Corbin will guide you through a world of jams, jellies, butters, curds, pickles, chutneys, cordials, liqueurs, vinegars and sauces, which can be made from local produce throughout the year.
 
She includes 75 recipes, covering everything from traditional favourites such as raspberry jam, lemon curd, quince cheese and sloe gin, to fresh new combinations such as apple butter, cucumber pickle, marrow rum, elderberry chutney and nettle pesto.

The signed handbook includes seasonable tables, regional maps, flow charts of all the preserving processes and full-colour photographs throughout, and is completed by a directory of equipment and useful addresses.
 
Handbook No. 3 : Bread  
In the third of the "River Cottage Handbook" series, our chef Dan Stevens explains the ins and outs of baking, aiming to inspire you to abandon ready-sliced loaves for a world of delicious breads baked at home.

Starting with a brief history of breads and bread culture, Dan examines the key ingredients in baking (flour, yeast, salt, water and fat), explains the science behind the seemingly alchemic processes, and advises on the right kit to get started. He then demonstrates how to make yeast and non-yeast breads, as well as enriched doughs and home-started sourdough, and includes 60 recipes, covering everything from the simple white loaf and familiar classics such as ciabatta, naan, pancakes and pizza bread, to fresh new challenges like potato bread.

You can purchase these books here>