Cookery: shoot day menu

Cold weather and comfort food warm the cockles, says Philippa Davis, offering a trio of recipes that are ideal for sustaining guns and guests on shoot days

The best part of creeping into autumn and having shorter days and cooler nights is that it gives us the perfect excuse to start cooking comfort food unashamedly. Cakes, pies and spiced sweet treats are all practically dietary requirements. This sort of fare is ideal on shoot days, helping to keep morale high, the cold away and sustain guns for the later drives. So, this month I give you an excellent selection of hearty recipes to try that will warm you up on the chilliest days.

The spiced squash bread can be eaten at any time of day, as a snack at elevenses or it makes a great accompaniment to a bowl of autumnal soup. The apple and carrot cake is satisfyingly rich and sweet so perfect for your shoot tea in the afternoon.

My pheasant pie laced with madeira is rich and creamy, and this recipe shows you an excellent cooking method to ensure the meat stays moist and tender.