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!

I don't think he does. He has a recipe for Panforte ice cream here:

https://www.nigelslater.com/sweets-treats-and-baking-for-winterwinterrecipes28

Another Guardian food writer has a recipe for panforte that looks rather good, here:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/07/how-to-make-the-perfect-panforte

Felicity Cloake is extremely reliable so I would trust that recipe

Very much appreciated @RainbowZebraWarrior That chestnut truffle cake of Nigel's also looks absolutely knockout. I say this as someone who's just slathered Nutella on a slice of stollen, so my level of sophistication is, at best, questionable!

@StrungWithSilverBellsAndFlowers Sounds like the perfect place to sit and enjoy Nigel.

Here is a cosy courtyard tonight.

Just checking in before we start the book properly tomorrow. We have had lots of trick or treaters tonight, I was in on my own and dressed up and decorated the front of the house, we are fortunate that it is all very civilised here with lots of polite children and young teens. My DCs stopped going out around age 12 or 13 I think but DD always carves a pumpkin and dresses up (she was out tonight).

@EphemeraleEudemonia about the rule of thirds, I learned about it on a photography course probably 30 years ago and it has transformed my picture taking. I only use a phone but whenever I get a new one I spend some time getting to know all the camera features to try and get the best from it, I love photography.

@TheFestivePrickleBackedUrchin impressive pumpkins! Mine were a complete fail this year on the allotment so I had to go out and buy one 🤦‍♀️.

I have failed in making a Nigel-nook to read my book in. I think I might take the book out to my potting shed, I often go out there with a cup of tea in the mornings when it is too damp to sit outside, the sun shines on it first thing if there is any too, it has big windows and is nice to sit in and look out at the garden.

I have been listening to A Thousand Feasts this week, lovely to just have on in the background, there are times when I want to step in and say “hang on, you just said something different 10 mins ago” which is as a result of it being random reminiscences from many years of his life. I can always imagine vividly the places and things he is describing, he has such a good way with words.

@piscofrisco It is all made so very much harder when your best friend has felt to be also your only trustworthy friend. Different situation but very resonant.
So very sorry. Surgeon will know what can and can't be done, and you will know his temperament and how he might deal with it or not. Weigh it all up, but things have actually come a long way in veterinary medicine including post op care.

So lucky. I LOVE that area.

@StrungWithSilverBellsAndFlowers definitely a small world! I love Dunster. We don't actually live there though, about 20 miles away.

Hi any ideas for makeup for 8 year old? I've got a tag for delivering joy and that's what she's asked for! But im stuck

Lovely pics @AgathaMystery Hope you've had a nice night. Buffalo chicken dip sounds gorgeous. Please do share your recipe.

Bizarrely quiet Halloween, here. Not complaining, though. Mr Darcy has enjoyed us both being home, and is snuggled up cosy on his chair (extra blanky for comfort, natch)

Can't believe it's almost time for us to actually begin. See you all tomorrow for the start of the journey!

Trickster Jack and the Devil.
Mr Darcy is very sensible. Have had to go into darkness ourselves here.
Lots of fun being had but it's total carnage out there tonight! Literally hundreds of little devils (and witches, and vampires, zombies, grim reapers, skeletons, and a surprising number of dinosaurs) swarming wildly like a maelstrom of sugar addicted bats!

I got a bit over excited and started reading November 1st today forgetting it is tomorrow, managed to stop myself

https://www.instagram.com/nigelslater/p/DBv90i_oxnu/

This was Nigel’s Insta post - his gentle horror at using props just made me smile.

Sneaking in under the wire. Just this minute finished reading the introduction by lamplight in bed, so all set for tomorrow.

Will go back and catch the rest of the thread now as I am a few days behind (and not at all sleepy).

Just ordered!

I’m also about 20 miles from Dunster! It’s a lovely place.

Good morning, all.

Well, the clocks have changed and the ghosts and ghouls have been and gone.

I am sitting at my dining table, candle duly lit and the wind is whistling down the chimney behind me. It feels very Nigel.

Let us begin.

1 November

A toast to the winter solstice

"What can I get you to drink?" Never has a simple question been so bursting with delicious possibilities. The word 'welcome' put instantly, joyously into motion.
It is true, I do love pouring someone a drink. I'm my time I have worked in a country pub (all gumboots, roaring fires and golden labradors) and behind the bar of a grande dame five- star hotel. You probably didn't know that. Whether it is as simple as a cup of coffee, a beer served in a small, ice cold glass or a home made fruit liquer that has been steeping in the pantry for six weeks, I get quite the buzz handing someone a glass of 'welcome'.

Oh I love his description on the fruit left over from making liqueur; "each one pissed as a newt"

I've not heard that phrase since I was a child!

Me too!

I've just made my Apricot Brandy. I went slightly off piste as it didn't quite fill both bottles, so I topped them up with a shot of Aperol each. They are now glowing like jewels on the counter and the apricots are getting quietly sozzled.

Morning all. The family are still asleep so I'm getting to have my first quiet breakfast in almost 5 years. Bliss. I have lighted a candle while I eat, possibly the most Nigel thing I will ever do.

Fell asleep while reading the introduction last night so technically I am behind already. Never mind. We still have a litre of blackberry gin left over so I will probably not make the apricot/ orange brandy this year, but maybe next year (dreams...)

(Thank you to the person who suggested the Lighted Window book; mine arrived yesterday and it looks wonderful - flicked through it and saw a mention of Louis Grimshaw straightaway!)

They look fabulous RZW!

Three cheers for sozzled fruit @RainbowZebraWarrior 😋

Good morning, ladies. First timer here, but been reading Nigel since his first books came out when I was a student. I'm really looking forward to the readalong.

I'm very tempted to try today's muscat prunes but am looking at logistics. It just says to put into a sterilised jar. Anyone tried this before and has tips on what size/how many?