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

Checking in.

I was on the other thread too. Massive fan of this book. It just sets the scene for cosy winter nights and traditional christmas activities.

@DirtyDancing Of course the problem is that no-one allowed to open their Nigel until the 15th, but ISTR he does quite a bit of festive booze-making (sloe gin etc); might be worth stocking up the shelf if you're that way inclined? Some empty bottles might also be worth having (never a problem in this house!)?

Otherwise quite often he does a sort of daily menu with savoury and sweet courses, so lots of wintry veg, squashes, kale etc might be good to have in. I'm not sure I'd be able to walk after all the puddings he seems to get through in two months though!

Logs for the fire if you've got one, and yes a candle's a good idea.

OMG that Advent book looks good though. I so want to make my own Lebkuchen this year ...

Hello - been lurking for a while, have bought my book and really looking forward to this Regarding prep, I have sneaked a glance through the first few chapters and screenshot the recipes I’d like to try, so that I can get myself organised with the ingredients and equipment.

My secondhand copy has arrived and is in my Christmas cupboard !

DD's 18th is done and dusted so we are now in full on Christmas prep mode.

Mine is on the way so placemarking here, cant wait to start, I have listened to a couple of his podcast episodes, magical

I've got this on Kindle, I started reading it last year and didn't get to the end. Will start again this year and aim to finish it.

Think Mumsnet ate my earlier comment…
I’ve just ordered a second hand copy on eBay. I’m feeling super mardy about winter, so I’d love to join you all, as a bit of self care

Ooh I have this book already - place marking!

I'm in! Thrilled to pick it up in WH Smiths today for £9, I really had to hunt for it as it was tucked away at the back. Left a few copies for others though - even better!

My second hand copy is supposed to be arriving on Friday. Can’t flipping wait, although I must resist the urge to peep at it

Hey all! 🎄🎄🎄

I’ve been up to the big room and ceremoniously retrieved The Book from my Christmas storage. It’s now resting happily on the living room sideboard waiting for this evening where I shall read the introduction whilst having a small glass of cognac (it’ll have to be a very small glass indeed as we’re almost out and we’re not getting another until November!😁). Let the hygge commence!

Oh no, just read the OP and realised I was potentially going to be a very bad Christmas chronicler!! NO READING OF THE INTRO WILL HAPPEN until the 15th!

I’ll just lovingly look at the book lying there for now...🎄🎄🎄 Sadly that means no brandy for me tonight either...

@HereticFanjo

Are the recipes very meat based or are there any veggie recipes?

Can't remember, as I haven't re-read it since last Christmas; but Nigel is very keen on fruit and vegetables, so I think they're probably featured quite heavily.

I don’t want to peek either...But from memory there are quite a few lovely vegetable and fruit-based recipes. Cakes/puddings, dinner/lunch dishes, as well as the obligatory winter/Christmas chutneys and so on.

It’s much more than a cookbook though! ❤️

I had to add this to my birthday list after reading the original thread on it. What a perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Such a lovely idea! Eagerly awaiting the 15th.

I’m wondering if the powers that be @mumsnet HQ might be able to organise a Christmas online Q&A session with the great man himself?! That’s Nige by the way, not Father Christmas

@DarlingCoffee

🤣

But yeah, that would be A-MAZING!

Place marking

I bought and read this last winter. I have to admit I found him a little pretentious. I did really want to like it though, so I am going to give it another go and join the read-along and hopefully have a different take on it by sharing the experience with you all.

I've definitely made a few of the recipes in the book and I'm pretty sure all were good but one really stands out as being exceptional and very quickly absorbed into our family christmas traditions. It's not a veggie recipe though - sorry. I won't mention which one it is just now, because spoilers.

As pp have said, it is so much more than a cookbook though. It's simply a beautiful reading experience.

I have a copy! My local whsmiths had 4 in for £9 so worth a look if you still want to buy it.

@RobotandPenguin

I've definitely made a few of the recipes in the book and I'm pretty sure all were good but one really stands out as being exceptional and very quickly absorbed into our family christmas traditions. It's not a veggie recipe though - sorry. I won't mention which one it is just now, because spoilers.

As pp have said, it is so much more than a cookbook though. It's simply a beautiful reading experience.

I didn’t cook any of the recipes last winter but this year I intend to definitely make as many of the dishes that appeal as can reasonably be fit in.

Nigel slater the Christmas chronicles in store at W H Smiths is marked up as down to £9 but scanned at £6. Bargain!