The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2025

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello all, it's that time of year again!

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 Christmas Chronicles (Notes, stories and 100 essential recipes for midwinter) book begins on 1st November, however there are 25 pages of Introduction. That's why I start the thread one now; to allow time to prepare and fully appreciate Nigel in All His Splendour come 1st November.

Some regulars to the thread already have the book. For anyone new, it's a challenge to see of you can pick up a bargain. Vinted has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is always a bonus. Don't forget, you can also listen along to Nigel's dulcet tones via Audible.

I shall post daily and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Nigel himself. Observations of nature and the seasons are also very welcome.

So welcome to old friends and new, and don't forget that reading by candle light is particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candles 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, light a candle, grab a cosy blanket and join in!

Hello Nigel if you're reading this! It really does cheer so many people up.

In anticipation of the Quince page, whenever that comes, I shall tell you now- quince is an activity for people with leisure. I had intended to plant a quince but I’m questioning that today, after processing a couple of pans full.

I'd love to think so!

Thanks for thinking of me, @RainbowZebraWarrior. 😊 And thanks for the thread and this lovely space! 💐

@RainbowZebraWarrior
thank you ! I shall have a look at that candle
looking forward to this thread

May I join in? Just bought the Christmas Chronicles - notes and stories &100 recipes for mid winter. The cover is silver and black.
It’s new - is that good enough to read along?
Any tips for a newbie?

My candle recommendation would be anything from Charles Farris.

Thanks 😊 it's the closest I'll get to Cire Trudon!

I've got my trusty pinecones and essential oils for fragrance right now, and when mid November rolls around I'll bring out the St. Eval I snagged in the sales last year.

Yes it's got recipes and ingredients lists for a large part of the book (up to Christmas or maybe NY?) although I didn't manage to complete it. I would link it for you but search doesn't bring any results and I can't remember which username I used that year. Can't search back through threads I've started either as I've de-registered a couple of times since then! So I'm afraid I'll have to let you do the work of locating it@RainbowZebraWarrior!

Just settle in and read along / comment if you wish. I will post a brief excerpt from every entry starting on 1st November along with any photos that are relevant to that entry. There are some favourite recipes that some of us make every year, and some we aren't all so keen on. I make Nigel's Apricot Brandy every year, but leave the star anise out as I don't like it. There seems to be a lot of new joiners this year, so you're in good company 😊

I've not heard of Charles Farris candles before, so I will go and look them up.

Chuffed to bits to see this post! I spotted this book in a charity shop three weeks ago, an absolute steal at £1.25, I knew it would be good but had no idea it was THIS good.

I’ve got the candle! I will be experiencing Inspiritus alongside you all!

Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior - thread moving at pace already!

For anyone new who is worried about keeping up, this is my third year on these threads and not only have I never cooked, baked or made any of the drink recipes, I've never made it through the whole book either.

I do however love the threads, plus the all-year round thread which has been a great balm in a bloody awful year.

Looking forward to wintering with you all, whether in Very Nigel or Not Very Nigel ways (I am much more the latter).

I'm not going to make any of the recipes at all. With one exception: the roast duck with pearl barley and red cabbage, because I have a duck in the freezer that really needs using. So if anyone's worried about not keeping up on that side of things you'll just be keeping me company.

Catesby's have baubles like these.

I'm so thrilled to find this thread! By sheer coincidence my book club has picked The Christmas Chronicles as our book for December, so having a readalong here from 1 November will definitely keep me on track 😊 I will probably lurk rather than post! But already looking forward to seeing how the readalong unfurls 🤗

Hello everyone, I love Christmas / midwinter traditions. So I'm hoping to keep up with this thread, for a bit of Hooga (you know, that Danish thing).
I've bought the IKEA Vinterfint scented tealights, (Winter fir/green). I can't say I'm convinced by scented candles and am gobsmacked at the cost of some of them! I prefer to burn incense, Frankincense is fab. I've some old church incense from Baldwins that is rather groovy. But I don't have one of those big incense swinging things!
Oh and this also from IKEA online because we're (rurally) miles away from a store. :)

Thank you! I have never heard of Catebys before and I’m after some mini baubles just like the ones on their website. I had plenty of bugger tree decorations but after some smaller ones especially for towards the top of the tree

Count me in. I need a Nigel hug this year.

Oh my, what a wonderful typo! 🤣

Oh ever the loveliness of Nigel was needed it’s this year.

Checking in. Didn’t finish the book last year and dropped out after the brandy turned out teeth-peelingly sweet. However, have rolled up my sleeves for another go and will
choose a new thing to try this year. Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior !

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Ooh thank you will have a look!

Started today in a blaze of colours.
Mostly lurked last year, but sat down this evening, with some candles, and read the intro.

Hello, I am so looking forward to listening to Nigel again as I have his book on Audible. Making me feel all warm a cosy just thinking about it. ❤️