Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Read Along 2023 - Part Two

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Continuing from Part 1

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 began on 1st November, however there is still time to fully appreciate Nigel in All His Splendour as it takes us to Christmas and beyond.

Most of us already have the book (or Audio 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 continue to make a post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Old Nige himself.

Pull up a chair and a cosy blanket and join in. Twinkly lights are optional, but candle light is definitely recommended. Regulars and newcomers are welcomed like old friends.

I loved getting the Tangerine in the foot of the stocking. All the lumpy, bumpy presents and then that little ball at the end.

We also had a tradition of giving new / shiny money in stockings, too. Mum used to keep any shiny new coins for months (usually copper) I don't hear much about it these days. Need to look up the reason for this. I feel it had something to do with it being good luck going into the new year.

Just found this on the Royal Mint website

I had a cheese scone recipe for years that I used to use (even sold them in my café) the about a year ago, I tried Mary Berry's recipe and love it. I won't go back to my old one (James Martin) I'm going to go and look up the cheese and chive ones now. They will be right up my Dad's street!

Hello all

I haven't posted here for a while and been far behind on CC but still reading the thread every day. I'm finding it a little... I don't know if upsetting is quite the right word and it certainly isn't meant in a critical way but all the descriptions of festive outi gs, cooking etc are reminding me how much I used to enjoy these things. I would spend hours in the kitchen in evenings and weekends, making chutneys and trying out recipes. I've been in a really demanding job for the last 7 years and coupled with care for elderly parents in recent years, I feel I've lost a lot of myself, and as much as I love this thread, it reminds me of what I have lost, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it's not all negative. I'm actually starting a new job in early 2024 - same sector but should be a less demanding organisational culture so hopefully I can get some of the old me back by the time the 2024 thread comes along.

Our tree is up (5 Dec - NVN) and I find myself agreeing with almost every word in Nigel's Christmas tree chapter. Greeting decorations like old friends and taking a lot of care with the decorating to ensure certain baubles and trinkets are shown off in the best positions. Like many, DH and I have a tradition of adding one decoration every year, usually from somewhere we have travelled that year (apart from the tear we did Berlin Christmas markets and added about ten 😂) I love the tree being a record of our life.

Last night we went into Edinburgh and did the Botanics Christmas Lights, which were superb as always - and a very good Santa; you would swear he is the real deal! That was lovely for putting me more into the Christmas spirit.

I've been catching up with quite a few CC chapters this morning and also wrapping presents while listening to my vinyl copy of Tops of the Pops Christmas album from the 80s. Probably NVN. Just about to have a VN lunch of cheese and crackers. I highly recommend Tesco's rosemary crackers which are probably NVN but I can't get enough of them with a good cheddar. I really like the sound of the lamb spinach and butter bean recipe in a recent chapter and if I had been more organised, would have made this tonight but I guess it will also work well as a winter warmer in January or February. Tonight is a simple and NVN pasta bake. I really should try the oxtail recipe sometime too - I realise I'm in a minority on this thread 😂 but I love oxtail- at least when it is cooked for me. I tried cooking it once and no matter how much additional time I gave it it was chewy, grisly and disgusting so that had put me off trying again. I realise it was probably that particular piece but still...

@PricklyBob sending hugs and thanks for your honesty.

DD and I tried to go to the pictures for a special showing of Home Alone last Sunday (lovely, warm festive feels I thought) Nope, massive meltdown followed by three days of her being non verbal (she's Autistic, and it's starting to affect her more as she heads into teenhood) I've given away tickets for the Northern Stage tomorrow, and can't see us making the Northern Lights outing I booked next Friday. I should have known better. I'm Autistic myself and was pushing myself to step outside my own comfort zone, just to feel human, and still part of society is not clever.

I've also spent the past three years coming to terms with physical disability and battling on despite feeling anger and bitterness of what I have lost (it's where my user name comes from) Going from someone who was a professional chef, to someone who's bought everything pre made for Christmas Dinner. I usually put a brave face on, but have to admit that this week I've felt like screaming as I'm truly fed up with struggling, being in pain, and battling to get my daughter help. The one thing I hold on to is the fact that it's just me and her, and we are each others rocks.

Sometimes it's so easy to think that everyone else is having the perfect Christmas time, and we are the only ones struggling. It's one of the reasons I stay off Facebook etc.

Sending much love, and be kind and gentle to yourself. 80s vinyl TOTP album sounds like a good tonic!

Sorry to hear things are a bit of a struggle at the moment @RainbowZebraWarrior just wanted to say thanks for keeping everything going on this wonderful thread and all your interesting contributions. It doesn't matter if things are bought in rather than homemade - whether they Exceedingly Nigel or NVN - I just love coming on here and hearing (and seeing!) what everyone's been up to so it feels like we're all sharing the build-up together, but in a no-pressure way and without the competitive comparisons of RL. @PricklyBob your tree sounds a lot like mine. Understandable that with a big job and elderly parents you have had to scale back a bit. I have the latter (well just the one now) so find myself having to do double of everything - at home and then at my mum's (which is generally a blessing, but can occasionally be a curse). Just remember that you actually are a big cheese - even if you don't have as much time at the moment for sourcing cheeses (and other festive essentials). to one and all.

Came on specially to say I’m going to attempt the baked apples later. Sadly no Marsala so going to substitute with some sweet vermouth (unless anyone has better suggestions?). Will report back!

Sorry to hear you are going through such a touch time @RainbowZebraWarrior. You sound absolutely bloody amazing!

I didn't mean to bring the thread down. Genuinely loving all the festive feelings and traditions shared here. It's good to have these reminders of what is good and important in life!

overwhelm, processing etc alongside autism and teens is a lot. This end of year feeling can exacerbate everything. Hibernation, sleep and eating what you need is as relevant for humans as any other creature I am sure. And then maybe zebra you and your daughter might feel able to do the social things you want to do. It is a strange time of year x

@PricklyBob these moments matter, when we realise we have lost sight of ourselves temporarily in the crowded dance of modern life. I hope you find your light. Others too.

like @RainbowZebraWarrior I’m fighting off a cold but today have found time to ice my Nigel cake, which brings joy. I have a ribbon coming tomorrow to wrap around as I decided to top ice only, as otherwise it’s too much sweet stuff. It was a case of throw some bought toppers on as I hadn’t managed to find any vintage decs like my mum’s.

I had wondered about preordering a set of the new coins with the King on, as I like the sound of each one featuring a British bird or animal. Not sure if they’re available for that yet.

@RainbowZebraWarrior so sorry to hear you’re having a tough time, but thank you so much for keeping this thread going, I’m sure it’s brought such a lot of pleasure to so many people, I know I’ve really enjoyed keeping up every day, even though I’m behind schedule reading CC. And why worry about buying in a ready made dinner, just enjoy it, that’s what’s important!!
We’ve always kept up the tradition of a new penny in the Christmas stocking, but unfortunately new pennies haven’t been issued for some time, so the shiniest penny we can find has to do!

And the orange or tangerine in the stocking is another must, it was such a treat, especially if it was wrapped in a piece of tissue paper with foreign writing on it, sometimes even a picture of a Spanish lady - something exotic enough to be pasted into a scrapbook!

Ok so they were easy and incredibly delicious, and vermouth worked a treat 👌🏻

I’m working all of Christmas week except for Christmas Day itself so I won’t be flinging myself body and soul into the whole shebang. Like you @PricklyBob I was a carer for close family for years and now don't have that responsibility any more due to the inevitable so I only do a small amount of festive preparation. But I try to enjoy the bits I do, even if it’s much less than in former times.

17 December

Panettone, a love story

A dome of pale yellow cake wrapped in brown and gold waxed paper. Here and there a nib of candied peel, crisp sugar crystals embedded in it's walnut coloured crown. Light, sweet, soft, fluffy even. A fairy cake made by angels.

Good morning, all. One week till Christmas eve!

I adore Panettone. I'm tempted with the ice cream recipe, but again, being realistic, I may just invest in some decent vanilla ice cream and mix it with Panettone crumbs.

@Justnoidea pleased the vermouth worked with the apples. You've reminded me that I made mincemeat with orange liquer, so I need to put ready rolled pastry on my Christmas order. I like to bake a batch of mince pies on Christmas eve for my Dad.

Thanks for the lovely words, all. DD and I stayed up late last night and planned some lovely, but quiet and stress free things for the coming week.

In typical fashion, I've started to think of lovely food items that are now going to be difficult to get hold of. I've got a strong craving for Scottish fruit pudding. Anyone know a good Scottish online butcher?

Hopefully someone with proper Scottish knowledge will be along but you could look at Balgrove Larder just outside St. Andrews? They send things I believe. Prob mostly to well off Americans

Do check out Nigel’s Instagram page today. 😳

I'm in Scotland but haven't seen or even thought about fruit pudding for years. There seem to be lots of good looking stockists online but can't personally vouch for any of them. I'm starting to crave one now!

Nice little chapter today. I've never really gotten on with panettone but Nigel's description makes me want to try again. I'm not a religious person but do admit to having a soft spot for xarols, especially O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night.

Gosh.

Yes, Nigel may have made a faux pas on Instagram today, but possibly without him realising it.
The comments are comedy gold...
"tea cup clatters to the floor...."

Oh my lord!

😂he is the gift that keeps on giving

Oh my word! It does look delicious, though. And I can't help feeling that it's a bit of a shame the tart wasn't made with medlar, which might have been more appropriate.

😂😱

So glad you've got some happy plans for the coming week, @RainbowZebraWarrior .

I'll never be able to see quinces quite the same way after Nigel's post today - but it did make me laugh.

I've gone a bit Insta and have a simmer pot simmering on the stovetop - oranges, cranberries, allspice, pine, rosemary, and cinnamon - it smells lovely and is making me feel more seasonal than I have done to date.

In the oven is Nigel's Roast Duck with Pearl Barley (Dec 7th), but without the red cabbage because mine's already cooked and frozen for the Main Event. I'm thinking of shredding some sprouts and doing those with the red wine vinegar/redcurrant jelly mix - but also roast parsnips and potatoes, carrots and broccoli because it's Sunday, and them's the rules :)

In the slow cooker is a Jacob's Ladder of beef, with mirepoix, roux, beef stock and red wine - that's for tomorrow, to be eaten with a pile of creamy mash.

We don't really do puddings in this house, but I have got a Tesco's greek style lemon yoghurt in the fridge for afters - I'm addicted to them! NVN, but he'll never know!

I am pretty sure I've finished the Christmas shopping, with the exception of the Tesco click 'n collect next Friday (and some fancy fishy stuff arriving on Thursday). I managed to accidentally send three pairs of men's Christmas socks to a (female) friend in the UK yesterday - forgot to change the address on Amazon - so I'm hoping she has large feet - have never thought to ask in all the 40+ years I've known her!

I had to open the dry sherry for the duck stuffing, so I'm enjoying a glass of that now, and watching the pelting rain outside. Almost time to turn the Christmas lights on, which will cheer up the evening.

Hope everyone's having a suitably Nigel weekend - the best three weeks of the year start tomorrow (three because DH has a birthday a week after NY - and this year it's a significant one).