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.

Count me in!

Oh me too please! Very excited to start!

It's £23.59 to buy new on Amazon and you'll get it tomorrow. Just saying 😃

I picked up a quince in the garden and put it in my dressing gown pocket ready for my candle, bowl of quince and pinecone display.
Just realised 12 month old whippet will see quince and pinecones as a challenge/sport so will have to put them high up on bookcase sort of defeating object.

Count me in! I got this book for my birthday. I'm a Nigel virgin so no idea what to expect.

For anyone who suffers for their Christmas baking, crating, home grown/made decorations, sloe gin, German biscuit Spice mix, you might want to check out this thread which dovetails beautifully with this one and wanders into the world of Delia, Mary, Nigella, Jamie and Elizabeth David recipes

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4904536-the-2023-poncetastic-christmas-thread?page=1

I keep my copy of TCC down the side of my bed and just open at a random page to have a read. This year I’ll join you for the proper Nigel Thread

Hello lovelies. Thank you for the thread and place marking . My copy is at my old house- in the slow process of moving. But will dig it out this afternoon

Hope you find some distraction and comfort x

I'm going to buy a cracklewick for this - they make the noise (bad if you buy the right scent, the smell) of a real log fire.

Hello everyone

🎄🎄🎄

Left MN for a good long while this year but have signed up again because I just couldn't imagine not being part of this lovely thread.

Thanks @RainbowZebraWarrior for setting up the thread! I've taken the liberty of starting a partner recipe thread so we won't have to dip into the chapters ahead of time and ruin the fun.

Good morning all! Well, we have quite the little Nigel group already. It really does warm the cockles just having you all here.

A special welcome to those who didn't manage the read long for various reasons last year. Also sending hugs to all who have had a difficult year. I hope this season will be merry and bright, but also calm and gentle.

Even Nigel's Acknowledgements at the beginning of the book set the scene. He mentions the cardboard boxes of faded baubles in the attic of his childhood home being the initial inspiration for the book as well as his enduring love of winter.

For those who have asked about simple recipes, the Leeks, Beans and Italian Sausages have always been a big hit on previous threads. It comes quite early in the book (5th Nov) and is really fitting for a Bonfire night feast. Incidentally, this falls on a Sunday this year which always pleases me as it means more time to prep and indulge in the food and sensory side of things.

In another nod to the simpler side of things, Nigel Slater's Simple Christmas is a good watch. I recorded them all last year from the food channel. My favourite recipe from this short series is called "Hearty Party Hot Pot" and I could watch him make it all day long. I recently made this in the slow cooker and it's a real winner for wintertime.

I've just remembered that I bought two spiced fig Anthropologie candles earlier in the year, so I will be digging those out. I'm also very tempted with the St Eval candle so that's on my shopping list.

I'll leave you all for now with the evocative opening paragraph from his introduction.

"The icy prickle across your face as you walk out into the freezing air. The piercing burn to your sinuses, like wasabi. Your eyes sparkle, your ears tingle. The rush of cold to your head is stimulating, vital, energising"

I never manage the read along but will give it a go this year. I’m away in the US from the 1st so have just downloaded the book onto my Kindle although I do have the actual book. I’ll be able to read some bits on the plane.

I think I’ll order a couple of St Eval candles too.

@LaviniasBigBloomers and @LadyPenelope68 Un-Mnetty hugs to you. 💐I hope this thread will bring you some comfort and peace during this time of year which can be so painful for so many people.

Link to the Recipe Thread (I forgot to namechange to my seasonal name 🙄):

Christmas Chronicles Recipe Thread 2023 - Partner to the Read-along thread! | Mumsnet

I love st eval candles. One of the good things about living in Cornwall is the amount of places which stock them. Keep meaning to have a tour of their factory

I got my copy down yesterday in preparation for this thread. I didn't manage last year but I did buy copies for my grown up children in the hope that we can make this a family tradition ❤️

Just to say, that these threads were originally started by Dillydilly who is now no longer on MN (that I can see) but thread number 2 laat year was started by @LillianGish so just a quick shout out to her and hope she joins us.

Yes, thanks and good wishes to both!

Thank you for the invitation @RainbowZebraWarrior - I’d love to join you. Cire Trudon at the ready (now with its very own glass dome).

😍😍😍Ultimate Nigel.

I fear my overuse of emojis on this thread is distinctly un-Nigel. Must rein it in.

Oh my @LillianGish true Nigel right there. I wonder; does the dome have a purpose?

I'd wondered about this thread this week - will get out my copy when we get home from Meadowhell & have a quiet half hour with it before bed. Might even treat myself to a candle while we're here - any Bath & Bodyworks recommendations? Or maybe Yankee? I can't remember where else there is that might sell candles 🤔

I didn't realise it was on Spotify too, I'll try listening to chapters I don't get to reading, this year!

I'd love to join, I didn't even know this existed until this year! If anyone has Kindle Unlimited, the book is included in your membership :)

That’s a good question @lucysmam. they are displayed under domes in the shop so you can lift the dome and get the scent without lighting the candle. They are not sold with the dome - indeed I bought the dome elsewhere (in the NVN H&M from memory). I’d like to think it conserves the scent and keeps the dust off when not in use (probably not a consideration for the man himself who I imagine lets his burn down a lot faster than I do 🤣)