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

@Dillidilly there is a trout in herb crust in there

It was 2006. Someone did a post on money saving expert back then about it!

Further derailing my own thread...

I've just asked Mr Dillidilly. He said it was called 30 minute something.

So I'm thinking it's this, published in 1996, which would fit in with my timeline. Plus the orange colour (just) on the front cover lol

He did a series of these
I'm sure I have them somewhere...

So, definitely 30 Minute Suppers.

Although now I'm doubting my memory of it being a free gift with SHE magazine!!! 🤣

He did one called real fast food
I'm not at home atm
I'll have a trawl when I get home

There’s also The Thirty Minute Cook.

@Opal8 my mystery book was definitely 30 Minute Supers.

On the other hand, the involvement of SHE magazine may have been a figment if my fevered imagination 🤣

Or even Suppers!

I got the book yesterday and had a look through it….it’s so beautiful.

I just can’t think about Christmas or Winter until after Halloween though so I’ll just have to catch up!

I can’t see me making most of the recipes but I love his use of language.

I'm late to the thread following stressful weekend with elderly parents. I was so looking forward to reading and joining in the chat on Friday.

I've caught up on the thread now and am going to start reading this evening with a candle burning and fluffy blanket on the sofa. Maybe a glass of wine...

I mentioned this on the previous thread but I was lucky enough to get my copy of the book on release at a signing event so also got to meet Nigel in person. He came across as so warm and genuine. I told him how much I adored his writing style and he reacted as if I was the first and only person to have told him this. He was so grateful, and then, after I spoke about how much I was looking forward to this particular book, being such a fan of winter anyway and just knowing how evocative his writing would be, he asked me to lean in so he could tell me a little secret, then whispered that he enjoyed writing this one more than any other book. Such a lovely, gentle, unassuming man.

I remember the first time I saw Nigel on tv. I was vaguely aware of his observer connections but hadn't paid much attention. I think I just had the tv still on after watching something else and this incredibly soft-spoken man with a clear passion for food and a kitchen to die for appeared on my screen. I was absolutely hooked and bought both Appetite and Toast that very weekend.

@Dillidilly is it this one you were thinking of? It's a little Penguin 60, so smaller than a regular paperback.

...sorry I was a bit late with that. Should have refreshed the thread haha

@RainbowZebraWarrior don't worry, it's my brain that needs refreshing lol!! We got there in the end

Finally found a copy in a different branch of WHSmith - and reduced even further now to £6! Bargain!

And I found a lovely scented Christmas candle that I'd forgotten about so I can burn that tonight when I start reading. Can't wait! I just have to hope the baby stays asleep so I don't get interrupted...

I had grand visions of hours of Chronicling and Poncing today, but as it turns out we’re going to be clearing out loads of rubble instead so it’ll be at least one trip to the skip...

Ah well there’ll be time for Christmas tonight.

These are the two I have

Thanks @Opal8...I finally tracked it down on Amazon. Its this one:

I've got cook book, Eat AND Advent on the way...all 2nd hand but still...😀

I've just curled up on the sofa under a blanket with a coffee and finished the introduction. I so, so wish I had a real fire! My parents have a woodburner and it's so cosy and homely. Oh well, lighting a candle will have to do.

Have just succumbed to Advent ...

[quote HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule]@FreezerBird I do that all the time!! .

I had a sneaky peek at the Advent book last night. Ohhhhh I want it. But I’m going to resist because I’ve already got my favourite book, A Scandinavian Christmas which will be in a similar vein. I’ll be cooking/baking out of it this year as usual and that’s actually plenty for me to be getting on with. But come 2022 I’ll be looking out for it and I’m sure I will splurge at some point![/quote]
Tell me more about a Scandinavian Christmas....
I am going to be Scandinavian when I regenerate, so I am.

Not Chronicles but Kitchen Diaries, I made Nigel's courgette and ricotta and parmesan tart today. (I find ricotta the most boring foodstuff on the planet- my Italian dp and MIL and numerous SILs don't need to know this) anyway, result! Nigel's hearty addition of lots of proper cheese makes all the difference.

@RobotandPenguin

I'm late to the thread following stressful weekend with elderly parents. I was so looking forward to reading and joining in the chat on Friday.

I've caught up on the thread now and am going to start reading this evening with a candle burning and fluffy blanket on the sofa. Maybe a glass of wine...

I mentioned this on the previous thread but I was lucky enough to get my copy of the book on release at a signing event so also got to meet Nigel in person. He came across as so warm and genuine. I told him how much I adored his writing style and he reacted as if I was the first and only person to have told him this. He was so grateful, and then, after I spoke about how much I was looking forward to this particular book, being such a fan of winter anyway and just knowing how evocative his writing would be, he asked me to lean in so he could tell me a little secret, then whispered that he enjoyed writing this one more than any other book. Such a lovely, gentle, unassuming man.

I remember the first time I saw Nigel on tv. I was vaguely aware of his observer connections but hadn't paid much attention. I think I just had the tv still on after watching something else and this incredibly soft-spoken man with a clear passion for food and a kitchen to die for appeared on my screen. I was absolutely hooked and bought both Appetite and Toast that very weekend.

Ooooh that's so lovely. Hope your week is less stressful

@RobotandPenguin

I'm late to the thread following stressful weekend with elderly parents. I was so looking forward to reading and joining in the chat on Friday.

I've caught up on the thread now and am going to start reading this evening with a candle burning and fluffy blanket on the sofa. Maybe a glass of wine...

I mentioned this on the previous thread but I was lucky enough to get my copy of the book on release at a signing event so also got to meet Nigel in person. He came across as so warm and genuine. I told him how much I adored his writing style and he reacted as if I was the first and only person to have told him this. He was so grateful, and then, after I spoke about how much I was looking forward to this particular book, being such a fan of winter anyway and just knowing how evocative his writing would be, he asked me to lean in so he could tell me a little secret, then whispered that he enjoyed writing this one more than any other book. Such a lovely, gentle, unassuming man.

I remember the first time I saw Nigel on tv. I was vaguely aware of his observer connections but hadn't paid much attention. I think I just had the tv still on after watching something else and this incredibly soft-spoken man with a clear passion for food and a kitchen to die for appeared on my screen. I was absolutely hooked and bought both Appetite and Toast that very weekend.

I think I just fell in love with him even more.

@RobotandPenguin how lovely!