January Newsletter | Hugh's new TV programme and all the latest news from River Cottage

Recipes, events and news from River Cottage

View this email in your browser Happy New Year! I like January. It's a proper winter month – I bank on a few crisp blue days where frosty stillness gives way to blazing winter sunshine. It's a relief after the holiday noise (so often accompanied by wind and rain) of December, and a novelty before the extended chill of February. In recent years January has also been Veganuary, encouraging people to adopt a plant-based diet for the month. After that, some may decide to take the full vegan plunge, though I imagine most will return to their omnivorous ways.  But it would be good to think that Veganuary triggers some sort of shift in all who take part - to at least a plant-forward approach to eating. Several years ago I went veggie for 4 months whilst I was writing my cookbook 'Veg Every Day'. I never intended to give up meat in the long term, but the experience hugely expanded my veg repertoire and recalibrated my cooking and eating forever. I still eat meat – with no less relish, but much less often than I used to.  I feel good about that – in body and soul.  This month our River Cottage Kitchens in Axminster, Winchester and Bristol launch a new menu that puts seasonal veg front and centre – and not just for January. We will still offer the very best locally sourced organic meat and sustainable fish. But I don't think I need to spell out the reasons why it's a good idea to be less reliant on meat and animal-based products in the future. To help that to happen, we've made it our priority to show you just how delicious plant-led eating can be.  I hope you will pop along and let me know what you think.  A little note for your diary. My new BBC One series Easy Ways To Live Well begins on 22 January. I have teamed up with the brilliant Steph McGovern to investigate simple and sometimes surprising ideas that we can use in everyday life to dramatically improve our diet, our fitness and our health. Please tune in if you can, you won't regret it! As Hugh mentioned above, he will be back on our TV screens later this month joined by BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern. In the show, Hugh and Steph, assisted by Dr Zoe Williams will explore the latest scientific research to tackle the nation's biggest health concerns, including stress, gut health and screen time. BBC One - Weds 22 January,  8pm  Food to Inspire Change sums up everything River Cottage stands for. Since the early days of Hugh's programmes, his commitment to sustainable eating has underpinned all that we do at River Cottage. This month, we will be shining a spotlight on ways we can all eat more sustainably including taking up the Veganuary challenge.  FIND OUT MORE If your New Year's resolution is to pursue your passions or take time out then one of our retreats may be just the thing you need. This July, we will be hosting a series of retreats focusing on GARDENING, DRAWING, NUTRITION and WELLNESS. FIND OUT MORE Renowned food writer and self-taught chef, Melissa Hemsley will be heading back to River Cottage HQ on the 13th March to celebrate the launch of her new cookbook 'Eat Green with Melissa Hemsley'. This five-course feast will showcase the global influences of Melissa's cooking, inspired by her love of India, Sri-Lanka, the Philippines and Thailand as well as countries closer to home.   FIND OUT MORE New year = new skills! If you missed them last month, head to our YouTube channel for our series of knife skills videos. And if you would like some new knives to improve your skills, then our friends at Sabatier are offering River Cottage customers a 15% discount. To redeem your discount, just visit sabatierknivesuk.co.uk and use the code RIVER15 when ordering. WATCH NOW If you're suffering from the January blues, why not book a trip to River Cottage and have something to look forward to? And you can feel even cheerier knowing you've saved up to 20%. There is a great choice of courses and dining events included in the sale, so whatever you are interested in there'll be something you'll enjoy.  SHOP THE SALE January can be a lean month but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to good food. Take advantage of the great £12.95 lunch menu at all River Cottage Kitchens and enjoy two courses of seasonal delights at a purse-friendly price. READ THE SAMPLE MENU Panelle are traditional Italian street food snacks made from chickpea flour. Often served between slices of bread or focaccia as a sandwich. It is a firm favourite of Head Chef Dom and a regular fixture on our menus,  it also happens to be gluten-free and vegan. GET THE RECIPE Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2020 River Cottage, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in on our website or joined one of our mailing lists.