The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater: Read Along Thread

[Dillidilly]

Here we go people!

I thought we could start reading the Introduction from October 15th at a gentle pace to allow people to join the thread. Then all set for Chapter 1 on November 1st.

The Christmas Chronicles is currently just over £20 on Amazon. Maybe people could share all the options for those who are just joining us, who still want to get a copy.

I'm hoping this thread will be a lovely, gentle, uplifting transition into the Christmas period where we can share our thoughts, recipe attempts and inspiration from Nigel x

Has it got some / many / any veggie / vegan recipes? Sounds like a wonderful book

Picked up a copy from WHSmith last week (£9 not £6) and looking forward to reading along with this thread.

Such a good idea
I bought it on kindle a few years ago on 99p special offer but only dipped in and out
Will be looking forward to reading along

Thank you. This is a wonderful way to ease into Winter. The Chronicles await!

New Nigel book arrived yesterday as a gift for my mum. She went off with utter glee

Just ordered my copy!

@1940s I just had a quick flick through and there are a few vegan/veggie savoury dishes but also quite a bit of roasted meat, salmon etc.
I think most of the cakes and deserts are veggie and could be vegan.
There are some dishes with sausages that would easily adapt.
So definitely not a veggie book but the seasonal stuff would be a good read anyway? We have meat eaters and vegetarians in the house so could do a bit of both.

And we're off!

A leisurely read through of the INTRODUCTION to allow late book buying, candle choosing and fire lighting ahead of Chapter 1 on November 1st...

I'll be back later after I've dipped in to share my thoughts.
Thank you to everyone for making both my threads so gentle, uplifting, and friendly x

Am considering buying a fire

@herecomesthsun you know it makes sense lol!

I'm looking forward to this after work today, but before the girls get in from school.

I've got some festive wax melts at the ready, and the last of the Tassimo pods, and the notebook my friend gave me

@lucysmam that sounds perfect!

DD is off to work experience in an hour, dp is at work, so I'm going to read then. @1940s as ever with Nige, I'd say it's more of a writing about Christmas food and traditions book rather than recipes. But so very worth it. Chuckling at Nigel being on top of Mary Berry. I shall undoubtedly end up with him being Piggy in the Middle between Delia and Nigella.

Migraine today :(
So I'm saving the intro for later when (hopefully) I'll feel better

I might rope dh into some Xmas gift wrapping later 😀

I need to fit this in around the thing of beauty that is the Booths' book!

🎄🎄🎄And so, it begins!🎄🎄🎄

(DH is out for an evening walk. Candles have been lit, I’ve settled myself down on the sofa with a mug of coffee with a generous glug of rum, and Carols from Kings is playing in the background. Pure hygge!🥰🥰)

Enjoy everyone, and thank you @Dillidilly for this lovely thread.

I’m saving the read of the introduction until tomorrow or Sunday. Did start the fruit for the Christmas cake though. Smells amazing.

I haven't started reading yet... just getting in the mood

Can I join? My book arrived today and I finished up work early, got into my PJs and read the intro with a mug of chai latte....was delightful!

I thought so too @MissScarlettOhara. It was like reading winter, but from the comfort of my kitchen chair & none of the cold.

I've read the intro and just sat smiling to myself happily. It's my third year of reading it and it's just more and more lovely every time.

I've just finished the intro whilst having a bubble bath.

I loved it, I was expecting it to go from all lovely describing winter and his traditions then suddenly a really sad sentence

Think I'm going to have to do some sort of hygge ritual type thing everyday whilst I read it properly

I haven't dug mine out yet but last year I got some red Christmas tealights and got up every morning, made my cuppa and read it at the kitchen table with a tealight lit. Very calming.

Good evening!

I've been looking forward to this since... whenever you first suggested it, OP.

Friday nights are busy chez Jupp, but I've just read about a quarter of the introduction. I'm in bed, listening to winter harp music, which is perfect. The harp has a a crisp, crackling quality to it - like ice.

It's my first time reading this book: what a delight. I feel exactly the same about winter.

His writing reminds me of Laurie Lee.

Happy sigh.

I have now found my copy, plus my Christmas tealights, ready to read tomorrow.