Winter warmers

Herbalist and author Bevin Cohen explains how to nurture wider home-grown medicinal and culinary loveliness in an extract from his new book, Herbs in Every Season

Bold recipes with zing inspired by a chef’s time spent living in Mexico City

New drinks and tipples to try

COOK’S TIP If you don’t like hazelnuts, swap ...

Once one of Britain’s most fashionable delicacies, the medlar fell from favour in the 20th century. Fabled and sweetly flavourful, it deserves to make a return to our gardens and kitchens, says Jane Steward

■ Serves 8 ■ 20 mins plus 1 hr chilling ■ Cook 5 mins 50g frozen mixed berries4 tbsp golden caster sugar4 tbsp crème de cassisabout 250g madeira cake, sliced250g mascarpone500g fresh custard2 tsp vani