The Year Round Nigel Slater Discussion thread

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello, all.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles readalong usually takes place here between November and February each year (the Christmas Chronicles being a book written by Nigel Slater full of winter recipes and anecdotes) It's been running for a few years, and the contributors have collectively decided it would be nice to have it running all year round.

So here it is. It is a place to appreciate all things Nigel-esque. Think seasonal food and recipes, enjoyment of nature, sharing of news and small moments of joy. It's a calm, cosy space for gentle chat and merriment so pull up a chair, grab a cuppa and relax.

A very hearty welcome to friends new and old!

Oh, I absolutely get it @RainbowZebraWarrior my team have unexpectedly reached a few cup finals in the last 10 or 15 years and it has been AMAZING. Your boys Isak and Hall are serving me well in my Fantasy League team.

Well, today got off to a stunning start, at about 7.15 I took a photo of the sky glowing purple behind silhouetted trees with contrails streaking across it, I wish I could show you it. I walked into town and the pavements were all glittery (and slippery). It has stayed cold but bright and the days are definitely getting longer at last.

I’ve never been on the other Nigel threads, but clicked randomly on this one. I used to see him a lot when I lived in north London, often around La Fromagerie in Highbury Barn. He looked hunted. I shall imagine you all with enviably organised pantries, and fridges full of delicious things tied up in brown paper.

@FurryTeacup good job you can't see in my pantry -aka the cupboard under the stairs. You would be very disappointed! 🤣🤣🤣

Also, I think I want to be Mrs Apple.

I had some fun trying on wigs today. My hair has never grown back properly after chemo. The breast care nurse referred me on to Dermatology, who apparently deal with hair loss, to see what they could do. Which is apparently not very much. Sigh. But they can supply me with 2 wigs a year. I don't think that I will actually wear one, but I had loads of fun trying different styles. And I really like the fact that according to the 'wig ladies' my hair colour is called Dark Smoke (translate that as dark brown with lots of grey!).

Flinging myself onto this thread like a woman finding an oasis in the desert. As you can imagine things are very grim here in the US at the moment so I am in dire need of respite. Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior and all the thread friends for keeping this going.

On a happier note, I have really noticed the light beginning to change this week and the cherry trees beginning to blossom. I will grab a picture when it stops raining! We also have a frost advisory for tonight which is basically unheard of in San Francisco. It will be interesting to see if it actually happens - if it does there will be absolute chaos with our steep hills!

Lahkoe biejjine!
This is the Southern Samisk greeting for today, National Sami Day, Samefolkets Dag here!
Where I live the Southern Sami language is spoken, but there are many others.

My DC will be doing lots of lovely things in school/barnehage celebrating.

It's currently -16 and we had some more snow yesterday, so it's perfect weather for Bidos and Gáhkku for dinner. I posted the recipe links on the last thread, if anyone would like to join the celebrations.

Welcome @noodlezoodle and @FurryTeacup. Frost is san fran seems incongruous but my brother just sent me a pic of his Texas swimming pool covered in snow so the weather seems to be very British in the US just now!

A Nigel spotting! I don't think we had one of those yet in the threads so that's a nice first.

I think I'd be going the full Bonnie Tyler with the wig @Confusedmeanderings, just to shake things up a bit.

A happy day of Sami celebrating to you @IngenTing, and Toon army celebrating to you @RainbowZebraWarrior

Frosty and chilly here this morning. Debating what to wear to work as on one hand cold and on the other I'm working with a man with severe LD and ADHD today who is only really happy when moving around the farm at a run. As he must be supervised at all times that means a lot of running for me too-and full salapattes don't lend themselves to that sort of activity. I was roasting last time I worked with him. Maybe just a thermal legging?

A happy Thursday to all :)

Can I please join? I did read some of the Christmas thread but then became too busy, but I'd love to be able to check in on this thread and read all the lovely things everyone is doing.
All I can add that is slightly Nigel, is that I'm sat having a lovely cup of fresh mint tea while perusing some heritage vegetable seeds, trying to plan what I'm growing where this year!

Good morning, all and a warm welcome to all newcomers.

@noodlezoodle it must be scary being in the US at the moment. The whole world seems a scarier-than-ever place right now. Anyway, 'tis why we hunker down here.

@EarlierDistraction your sunrise photograph sounds marvellous. I hope you can share it soon.

@ranoutofquinoaandprosecco that all sounds VN (Very Nigel) to me. Welcome and do share your seed ideas.

@IngenTing Happy Sami day! I may spend some time reading about it today as I find all things Sami rather wonderful.

@piscofrisco hope you have a good day. I seem to remember the last time you worked with that chap you got many steps in!

@Confusedmeanderings Dark Smoke makes you sound like a rather exotic and mysterious creature. Like some sort of spy character in a James Bond movie.

@FurryTeacup my pantry is not on a par with Nigel (and I also confess to having furry teacups on occasion; it's something my best friend and I laugh about)

Righto. There's a lovely chapter in Kitchen Diaries (1) today. It's entitled cold meat and roast potatoes. The recipe is Spiced roast potatoes with yoghurt and mint. I can't find a recipe online, but here's a link to Nigel's Web page which has some lovely images and links to recipes.

www.nigelslater.com/Recipes

@RainbowZebraWarrior — I was actually thinking of this fur cup when I chose a username!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Déjeuner_en_fourrure

I actually have a lovely pantry, but I also have a 12 year old, so it currently has a bunch selection boxes left over from Christmas stacked on a shelf. Nigel would die in a panic!

Speaking of pantries, I need to sort through mine again. I have two hallowed packs of this left which was discontinued by Waitrose a year or so ago. Sainsbury's also used to sell it (Bacon brunch I think it was called) It is utter trash really, but there is something I love dearly about this long life foil packed sauté potatoes with bits of bacon. Possibly because of fond memories of camping holidays in Scotland as a child.

If anyone sees any anywhere, please give me a shout as I hear tell that Lidl and Home Bargains occasionally have it in.

https://cheapfood.co.uk/waitrose-bacon-onion-potato-saute-400g/

@RainbowZebraWarrior Lidl and Aldi sell this all the time. Will check what it's called and get back to you. We often have it for a weekend brunch with an egg on top

Edit to add...in Lidl they are called sauteed potatoes, in Aldi pan fried potatoes. Both in boxes near the coleslaw and humus type things

This is amazing news! It's one of the few things that have ever lived up to a memory of something. I've been looking in the tinned food aisles as that's where it's always been in Waitrose and Sainsbury's. I'm popping to the hairdressers in an hour and there's an Aldi nearby so I shall report back!

Morning! Hello to newbies and to continued lurkers.

I am a mix of steroids and tiredness today with a strict talking to by the nurse not to overdo it on steroids or the crash will be worse at the weekend. I am coddling my spoons.

We are gradually going through the kitchen cupboards and sorting / reducing. We hope to get the kitchen done this summer (well overdue) so are doing a gradual clear out. I must start looking at what I want - I’ll download a few magazines for free on the Libby app and start to look at the detail (the general idea is painted doors with clean lines and handles that won’t catch on ds2’s insulin line).

Love the Nigel sighting but sad that he looked harried. He does have an intense and serious look when he is thinking. We are due the annual flurry of Bill Nighy sightings soon too. He seems to emerge at coffee shop tables with the spring.

@Confusedmeanderings gah this hair business. At least you have choice of wig or not but wish you didn’t have to. I’m told this chemo cycle is when my hair may fall out as it’s a lot harsher on hair than the previous drug. I’ve got 2 left after this and will cold cap to the end if only to try to retain follicles for growing it back. I’ve been recommended a great wig service locally if needed and will have an nhs voucher issued. Like you, I’m not sure I’ll wear a wig in general but will need one for getting back to work short term if my hair goes.

that book collection looks great @RainbowZebraWarrior Our books are due a cull but there are many I’ll keep. I’ve the full set of Little House on the Prairie books to reread. I hear there is to be a new series of this (Netflix?)

@Bimblesalong and @Confusedmeanderings sympathy re the hair. About 15 years ago I lost about a third of my very dark hair to alopecia and found it really distressing. I was prescribed a wig and the wig shop ladies were so kind and helpful. I never actually wore it but it was comforting to have it if I needed it, my hair did recover in a year or so but I only got rid of the wig last year. It was one of the first things I ever posted about on MN.

Just coming in to place mark and send very best wishes to @Midlifeshenanigans and encouragement in the face of life's more vicious knocks.
Also a hello to all new, old and lurking.

Life here is currently diametrically opposed to all things Nigel and we're just getting through very fast paced unexpected difficult situations for the moment.

Have barely seen daylight recently, though appreciating the crescent moon and Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and sometimes Mars overseeing night time running around, that have all been keeping some sense that normality is still turning around us, and we will return to it at some point.

DD is doing fine and slowly recovering, (thank you all for kind messages) and the 'not really my' chickens, have settled into sub par kitchen dwelling with supervised outdoor life (daytime foxes patrol here) perfectly happily for now. Poor things have had rough lives but seem to instinctively know which side their bread is buttered on. But a lot is needed to get life back to any sort of normality, so probably mainly lurking for a bit. But as always major thanks to @RainbowZebraWarrior for making it all happen regardless, hopefully photo sharing will resume soon enough, and glad those spoons are getting coddled@Bimblesalong, also 😆at N.London coffee table bloom sightings of Bill Nighy emerging in Spring.

Good to see you @EphemeraleEudemonia and sending gentle hugs and best wishes for continuing progress / healing for your DD. Those chickens are a hardy little trio eh?

I love the idea of Bill Nighy spotting @Bimblesalong especially when described as a flurry. I have an image now of him in various disguises including moustache / glasses / false nose combo for some reason. I have gone down a Little house on the prairie rabbit hole and was delighted to find the originals on Prime, until I realised it meant I'd have to then subscribe to MGM+ to watch them. Bah! I have, however, bookmarked The Secret Garden (original) to watch on Netflix over the weekend. Some nice, gentle viewing seems like a good plan as I have the rearranged hearing for DD tomorrow. Go easy, my lovely. Every spoon is precious!

I have returned from Aldi triumphant! I'm clutching 3 packs of the potato and bacon loveliness (and a potato au gratin for good measure) I bought some other bits and bobs including some strawberry chocolate bars that DD loved in Copenhagen. I resisted the candles as I really do not need more candles. Anyway, I'd better go and get the wetsuits out of the boot and the kayak from the roof rack.. (I jest)

Thank you for the new thread @RainbowZebraWarrior. Although I was a bit of a 'dipper' on the old thread (life as ever gets in the way..), I would love to continue reading about peoples' stories, traditions and updates.

I had a beautiful cold, frosty and sunny London dog walk this morning. After a stressful week last week, this was a very welcome tonic. Listened to 'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano on audible (recommended by the fab Postcards from Midlife podcast) and it was pure escapism.

Sending love to everyone struggling on this thread, be it health-concerns, family worries or just life in general.

This little pocket of kindness and support on MN really is what we need at the moment.

I’ve been on the last couple of CC threads but time ran away with me at Xmas and I lost track. This sounds so much what we need at the moment, MN - and indeed the world - isn’t a very nice place just now.

Afternoon all… thanks for the new thread @RainbowZebraWarrior & sorry Tiaras has left us. I do understand her stance mind you.

@Bimblesalong very good luck for this next chemo. I’m rooting for you!

@EphemeraleEudemonia so glad DD continues to make progress. Sending much love to you all.

It’s a freezing misty day here. Off to do 2hrs of sodding netball in a minute and am dreading the cold. Plans for my lovely friend Helen’s funeral continue - I have been asked to embroider the name plate on her coffin (coffin is woolen - VVN) so am waiting (eagerly?! Not sure) for that to arrive. Funeral director says I can actually embroider the whole lid if I wish. Not sure. She is very tall and I only have 2 weeks.

DH and I have continued with our decluttering January. It went on hold for 2 weeks of Jan so is lapsing into feb. Have cleared our tiny box guest bedroom (almost) and are building a decent office in there. Desperately needed since 2020 TBH. I’ll be sad to part with some of our ladderax but we have so much of it.

I've received the most incredible bouquet from my friend who is a florist but can’t post any pics. Will save for later!

Hi @Willow12345 and @RockStarMartini I love 'a pocket of kindness and support' It instantly sounds soothing. I've just had a hot towel, hair mask and 5 minute head massage. I could literally feel my blood pressure lowering. I think this thread is similar. The worse things get with the world, the more I seek out joy. I'm still recording a small moment of joy every day in my diary which I started on New Year's Day. It really helps take the focus off the negative. Even if it is only for 5 minutes each day.

A few years ago, I fell into a sort of self neglect bubble as my health nosedived. I didn't want to ask for help, but I was struggling badly. It all ended up making me feel 10 x worse. I made the decision to invest in myself and it's pretty much turned my life around. I go to the hairdressers every week to have my hair washed because I'm unable to do it myself, but I wanted it to be about more than ticking a box, so I also get the treatments I described above. (It's also a cracking bargain with the lovely junior stylist) The difference in the feeling of wellbeing is remarkable. I suppose it's what people call self care. A lot of folk scoff at it / don't like the term, but it actually is the difference between not giving a shit about yourself as opposed to loving and caring about your wellbeing. I was a bit of a martyr and a people pleaser for a lot of my life. It feels good doing something for me now.

Anyway, sorry for the waffle. Just felt apt.

Checking back in at last - glad to have found you all. Hoping we get photos back soon for Mr Darcy, @piscofrisco’s dogs, @Bimblesalong’s knitting, sunsets and snowdrops and all the lovely things you’ve all been posting about. Good luck for the final furlong @Bimblesalong - I once spotted Bill Nighy in the Thornton’s Arcade in Leeds, looking absolutely as stylish as you would expect (there was no mistaking him!) Looking forward to heading into spring with all of you. I just picked a new teapot in the tail end of the sales - it has a Japanese feel to it with a wooden cover rather than a lid. DD not keen - says it’s too functional and brown - she would prefer something more cutesy. I’ve told her it’s Nigel adjacent, but she’s not convinced (I’m not entirely convinced myself if I’m honest - I was swayed by price as this being Paris there were some ridiculously expensive models. Actually come to think of it, Nigel would probably have gone for one of those! does Edmund de Wahl make teapots?)

Apparently EDW does make teapots. This one went for £3,200 at auction. Peak Nigel I'd say. I do also like the sound of yours, though.

https://www.mallams.co.uk/auction/lot/343-edmund-de-waal-b1964-studio-pottery-teapot/?lot=1504&sd=1

I wouldn’t dare use that one @RainbowZebraWarrior 🤣 Indeed the reason I was buying a a new one was because I had broken the lid on the old one (hence the attraction of the wooden lid on the new model!)

I got some in Lidl today.

Lots of love @EphemeraleEudemonia for continuing slow return to stability.
I'm in need of a new teapot. I've never had a good pourer in all my years. But I also want it to look Nigel. Hopefully photos back soon so you can spam me with your lovely ones.
A very cold day at work today. Started in bright chilly sunshine, then a thick fog descended, and stuck until about half past two, then back to sun again. Spent a very satisfying afternoon pruning some of the 300 apple trees in the orchard. So looking forward to Apple blossom time-I think it will be amazing with them all on the go at once!