The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024

[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 good few pages by way of introduction. This is why I start the thread now; so that we have time to prepare and settle in.

A lot 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.

I shall post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the day's recipes and sentiments. It's particularly lovely to share any memories and personal traditions (as Nigel himself does)

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nigel's favourites but they are somewhat pricey. Share your festive finds here, even if they are at the cheaper end of the scale and possibly NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair, grab a cosy blanket, and light your candle of choice. It's that most wonderful time of the year!

@HowManyDaysTilChristmas your chocolate buns look fantastic. Could do with one of those to have with my coffee tomorrow morning!

I've not done my braised red cabbage yet but I have parboiled and frozen a selection of beetroot wedges ready to be roasted. Ohh this next couple of weeks is my favourite time of the lead-up to the Big Day. All the prep, all the planning, all the possibilities! ☺️

Those look amazing @GrannyWeatherwaxsBroomstick . Which recipe did you use, if you don't mind sharing.

You know what, you're not wrong. It was a lovely time. Hard work, but lovely. I first opened about three weeks before Christmas and had shelving built into the windows to display all my home made Christmas cakes and puddings. I loved creating things and getting to know all the regular customers little things over the years. I even used to buy certain sausages for particular customers. I never made my fortune, it was flipping hard work, but it was lovely, it was mine and I was so proud of it.

I loved opening up early, nodding to the other shopkeepers in the street, and I used to host open evenings every few months. Champagne and local artwork, or just a pre Christmas drinks, nibbles and place your cake orders sort of affair. My Dad would always come along and do talks about beekeeping and honey. I had a huge oak dresser that was covered in candles for sale and rows and rows of honey, home made jams and chutneys etc.

One evening I was redecorating the kitchen ceiling and the guy from the wine shop next door was locking up. He saw me and came in to give me a hand finishing painting. We became friends and I'd run new ideas and recipes past him as he would help me with the cash and carry runs. We got together shortly after that, and we had DD together four years later.

I'm not with him now as he turned out to be a right plonker, but I'll gloss over that for the sake of this real life rom com

I appreciate the glossing because that was a wonderful picture you painted. 💗

That is such a wonderful picture @RainbowZebraWarrior
this is a super special thread this year already.

Evening all. I must get my book down off the shelf.

I drove a friend to see his very old (103yr) mum today & took a walk on the beach whist he visited. Then we went to see some of his friends work. It was stunning. Huge pieces of cast bronze. I’d love one in my garden.

These are delightful!

What recipe are you using for smaller cakes?

I've got a favourite one that makes a large one but with all the family deaths, only DH eats it now and this is the first year I haven't made it and I can't work out how to make it smaller, ideally to fit a loaf tin that you'd put a maderia cake in!

103 is an incredible age!

Something about the sea in winter. I prefer it to the sea at summer!

And those bronze statues are beautiful, I love the green one

They are gorgeous!

Sadly, no German connection @LillianGish - I've been learning the language this year, so I decided to adopt a German pseudonym for the purposes of joining Mumsnet.
@YellowphantGrey agree 100% Winter sea >>> summer sea - I'm much more drawn to the ocean this time of year. Does anyone here go beachcombing in winter?

@ClaudineChronicals and @YellowphantGrey I just use the Delia Smith recipe from her Christmas collection. But they only need cooking for an hour instead of 4.

@RainbowZebraWarrior I was just scrolling for photos first - I'll read back after I've eaten - and spotted your mould. I have exactly the same one I think...mini house shaped cakes sounds like a fun experiment 🤔

Quick trip,to,Ireland this weekend - end of autumn with some beautiful colours

I've spent a lovely half hour with a hot coffee in my favourite cup and a silent house, catching up on the thread this morning. I love the Parisian photos @LillianGish and I loved the autumn leaves.
We had a beautiful sunrise on Monday morning. We're quite high up here in the mountains and I find the clouds photographs differently than when I lived further west by the fjord.
It's cold here today and very damp, lots of wet snow falling, not the good stuff I need. I've planned a day baking today, I'm not so good at cooking, but I am good at baking. I bake decorated shortbread cookies and cupcakes for Halloween trick or treaters. My son proudly proclaimed I was known as the best Baker in our old place, so now we are here in our new community I have a title to claim! My old neighbour told me she overheard kids talking last Halloween that they have to visit our house as we have the best treats and I was good at baking because I'm English.
It will be good therapy today as I have just been referred on the two week pathway to the breast clinic and I'm trying not to think about it, but I am very worried. I'm also mildly annoyed as this is my first year in 16 years I'm not teaching and really enjoying autumn and winter with my kids and not having to worry about planning, parents meetings, assessments, Christmas performances etc. And now I'm worrying about this. Life eh?

Lovely photos @IngenTing

imam sorry you are worrying, hopefully the baking will take your mind away from it today at least for a while, go reclaim your crown.

i am struggling with the clock changes this year, so been awake since 4 again, hopefully it will sort itself out soon but a nice dog walk to watch the sun rise, or at least to watch the day wake up.

Beautiful photo's @IngenTing Here's a hand hold from me during your worrying time. Enjoy your baking and the trick or treaters. Hope the time passes quickly and all is OK.

@FiveGoMadInDorset My body clock hasn't adjusted well this year, either. It's annoying as I've never really noticed before that I can remember.

Those kinds of waits are really tough @IngenTing The days go so slowly but not for the right reasons.

Morning all. This thread is rather like peering into a series of warm window scenes with the little glimpses it gives into all of your lives - all the things you are baking and making and also the beautiful views of the areas where you live. Thanks to all for ‘opening the curtains’ - coming on here for a little peek is certainly as (if not more) enjoyable than reading the CCs itself! @RainbowZebraWarrior’s coffee shop anecdote was a particular highlight. @IngenTing hope your Halloween baking can help take your mind off your other worries and keeping everything crossed for a good outcome.

hope you get a good outcome @IngenTing , the waiting is a nightmare for any health issues.

Ok I’ve ordered the book and it arrives today! Loving this thread, so wholesome!

No sunrise but this is my morning dog walk if ancient barrows, mist on the hills and the sound of stags calling in the distance

Sending warm wishes @IngenTing , and fingers crossed that the outcome is good and the waiting goes quickly. Beautiful photographs.
@LillianGish - yes, I agree, this thread is a most enjoyable glimpse into other people’s lives - and without feeling that you’re being nosy!

Lovely pictures @IngenTing hoping a day of baking is a good distraction, that the waiting is not too long and you have a good outcome

Wishing you lots of luck @IngenTing. Waiting is horrid. X

Forgot to add my Irish photo..