Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello all, it's nearly that time!

For anyone who has not already had the pleasure, the annual Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles read along is a real time annual MN tradition.

The book begins on 1st November, however there are a couple of chapters of preamble. That's why I thought I would start thread one now, so that we have time to prepare and fully appreciate Nigel in All His Splendour come 1st November.

Some of us already have the book. For anyone who doesn't, it's a challenge to see of you can pick up a bargain. WH Smith has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is the holy grail and adds a certain special-ness that simply extends that warm, fizzy Nigel feeling (and some well earned smugness)

I shall make a post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Old Nige himself.

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candle of choice, but it's somewhat pricey. We don't discriminate against other less expensive brands - even if they are NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair and a cosy blanket and join in.

The sun has come out here in beautiful Northumberland and the trees are the most glorious colour, so many shades of red, orange and yellow.

I've started making dried orange slices for the Christmas/Winter table and today put a few drops of my new Bay essential oil on the back of the Aga. The kitchen smells lovely. Just read November 1st and am feeling very peaceful.

Another North East-erner! I'm in Whitley Bay 🖐

Thanks @YuletideSolace I think the apple one would be enjoyed by everyone.
Thanks also to everyone sharing their winter walks, drinks with guests and other delights.

@Nothingbuttheglory Oh hello there 👋😊

@narniabusiness the apple drink is great because you can just make it as and when needed, for however many people. DH and I quite like a mug-full every few days throughout Nov, and we serve it up to guests too as well as to my girls (grown up now) closer to the Big Day when they can come and stay with us. a hug in a mug!

Not strictly speaking Nigel but have just made Parkin for Bonfire Night - the smell is incredible and very much feels in the spirit of this book. Slightly bizarrely, it is stored in the baking tin (wrapped in paper and foil) until needed.

I had planned to get the house clean this morning and then read November 1st in a sparkling living room with a scented candle and a pot of tea, but DD's school closed after a "major incident" so I had to go and get her and comfort her as she was very distressed.

Still, hot chocolate, a Disney film, and cuddles on the sofa are still a fab way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Will definitely be making one of the drinks from Nov 1st entry. Just reading the hot apple drink recipe - think I would be reluctant to boil the brandy - might add it at the end?!

We usually add an extra tot at the end. But it's just as nice simmered as per the recipe - just means some of the alcohol 'harshness' will have cooked away, leaving the flavour.

Does anyone have a link for the hot apple drink please?

I don’t have the book, listening on podcast.

Another one with the book but haven't read it yet so I will join you. Do you read a chapter a day, a few pages ?

Just read November 1 cosily curled up on the sofa with my candle lit. It's dusk and seemed a perfect moment.

The next date to read is November 4. Have I got a dodgy book or is this correct? Had a thought that it was very day.

*every

No that's correct, it's not every day (much as I love it, every day would be too much pressure I think)

I was really looking forward to today and the start of the read-a-long CC’s, but today has been flippin awful and I’m not in the mood. See you on the 6th, if I haven’t been blown into the sea. 😉

Daughter just reminded me that this thread has started again, loved it last year and so happy to follow it again. Cashmere throw (home made from old sweaters) and candles ready to sink into Nigel’s chronicles. Blissikins!

Just coming on to nominate my favourite sentence from today’s entry (with reference to the alcohol-laden figs left over from his figs with maple syrup and anise): I often have one or two, straight from the jar, as a treat when I have finished the ironing. Is it actually possible that Nigel does his own ironing?

If I ate alcohol infused figs after the ironing I'd be dashing to the loo! Nige must have a cast iron tummy!

Oooh, can you please tell me how you made your cashmere throw? I have a pile of cashmere jumpers that the moths got to that I've been hoping to recycle in some way.

@ItsTapasTime sending hugs and hope you stay safe.

@Bubblesbythesea I'd love to see your blanket. I'm obsessed with recycled / repurposed cashmere products.

@LillianGish I'd never actually noticed that about Nigel's ironing comment, even though I've read it / listened to it probably a dozen times.

Me neither @RainbowZebraWarrior - how have we missed it?!

I too settled down in a sparkling clean living room this afternoon to read November 1st (although I can’t claim any credit - DH cleaned it)

I’m fairly unlikely to make many of the book recipes I should think, especially today as I’m not a dried fruit or sweet wine fan. But I love the cozy feeling I get from reading the passages.

I think my take away is always the joy in paying attention to the little things about the season. Nigel’s way of romanticising the mundane really helps me slow down and soak it all in.

Big happy sigh.

@BaconAndAvocado

Extract from The Christmas Chronicles

Thanks!

I've got a stinking cold today, so unable to smell my lovely candle, but have lit it nonetheless. I also brought out the remainder of last year's apricots in brandy and had the fruits with yoghurt and almonds. I'd made a note in the book to cut down on the star anise as someone else had mentioned.

I really rate the apple drink, I've done it the past two years. I'm thinking of trying the figs this time around, but no worries if I don't. A friend of my mum was clearing out her house in the summer and donated to me a rumtopf pot so I've spent the past few months adding random fruits to high proof rum. So I'm already covered for the Christmas drink!