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Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3

1000 replies

RainbowZebraWarrior · 18/11/2025 18:35

Hello, all and welcome to this lovely space for our continued chats.

A bit of background for anyone not familiar with this topic:
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, gardening, appreciation of the weather, and sharing of news and small moments of joy. It's a calm, cosy space for gentle chat and merriment so pull up a chair to the fireplace, grab a drink and relax.

A very hearty welcome to friends new and old!

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Thread gallery
326
ExquisiteDresses · 17/03/2026 08:35

Hmmm, cool, dull, grey and damp here. Never mind, it is forecast to improve later.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 17/03/2026 11:56

Sending sunny vibes to all. It's 15 degrees here and beautiful. Hope it reaches all of you eventually. Ive just done 3 hours at the beach and am shattered.

Couple of slightly different pics for a change.

Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
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SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense · 17/03/2026 12:45

Beautiful here! DH and I zipped into town for a coffee (because I wanted to go to the range and acquire wallpaper samples for my collage class) then by the time we got home and I had pegged out the laundry, my dahlia tubers had been delivered so I have potted them up. Still boycotting Sarah Raven, these are from Hayloft, so fingers crossed for a better result than last year.
We have frogspawn in the pond! It is definitely spring.

martha79 · 17/03/2026 12:54

Lunchbreak in the garden!

Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
RainbowZebraWarrior · 17/03/2026 14:41

SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense · 17/03/2026 12:45

Beautiful here! DH and I zipped into town for a coffee (because I wanted to go to the range and acquire wallpaper samples for my collage class) then by the time we got home and I had pegged out the laundry, my dahlia tubers had been delivered so I have potted them up. Still boycotting Sarah Raven, these are from Hayloft, so fingers crossed for a better result than last year.
We have frogspawn in the pond! It is definitely spring.

How marvellous to have frogspawn. My dahlia tubers arrived this morning, too. I got them from SR again as I had great results last year. I do hope it wasn't a fluke!

17 degrees here. I can't quite beleive it. We rarely top 20 degrees even in the hright of summer.

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Confusedmeanderings · 18/03/2026 03:06

Such a gorgeous day and I had to spend it working in the shop! I did get to spend a little bit of time outside though. DH hit a kerb going round a roundabout and punctured a tyre, so time was spent on the grass verge waiting for the AA man 🤣 Why do they make çars without spare wheels now?

More worryingly, I'm aware that I'm going to have to keep an eye on DH's driving now. Despite his cognitive decline, there haven't been any issues with his driving so far - it's very early days still. But it's going to start happening at some point and I don't want him to be a danger to himself or anyone else.

Changing the subject entirely, there has been great excitement at the antique shop because Bargain Hunt has been in filming. They have seriously gone down in my estimation though, because they didn't choose anything from my cabinet!

EphemeraleEudemonia · 18/03/2026 13:06

It's beautiful here, but I'm stuck inside trying to sort life and further collapsing work situation out, as well as measure up and plan out a garden planter project.

@Confusedmeanderings Both I and Ds have each managed to do that over the last few years, with no excuses, and I knew as I did it how embarrassingly slack it was of me.

I wonder if a general driving refresher 'gift' session might help him refocus at all?
Every year one of my 'New Year's resolutions' is to drive correctly, and totally within the rules, which usually gets me to Feb, but the intentional focus helps overall slow down the sliding into lazy habits, and update my driving: ie 20mph zones, LTN's, parking restrictions, different bus lane signage etc

Accidentally started The Other Miss Bennett on episode two, then on Mothers day watched one, three, four and five.
It initially felt 'odd' in its attempts to play with Regency era as if in modern times, complete with colour blind casting and a level of class erasure threading through as if a multi cultural society of the times was the norm, as well as what we've been schooled to think would be an entirely unacceptable level of social awkwardness, ungainliness, and radical forthrightness from Miss MB at that social level, in those times...
But as soon as I accepted the world as it was presented, found it fell into place quite easily. But then generally throw in long skirts, candlelight, big fireplaces, architecture and props, and reasonable pacing, and I'm fairly easily pleased. (Especially as Ds' mother's day gift was to hand over his tablet so that I could binge watch, which is a rare thing for me and actually a really big deal for him to not have it to hand at night.)

Feel a little guilty saying this, but glad Ramadan is coming to a close.
Not Muslim, but so many round me are and there's quite an expectation to attend meals and bring food to share, and things are a bit tight here.
We're very much getting by as a result of last years harvesting and preserving, and laying down, and tbf I've learned a lot from it, and am quite pleased with what we've managed. But, quite a lot I used alcohol in the preserving, which can't then be be used as a contribution to food for Muslim friends meals, and I didn't think that through. So what's left that can be made, feels somewhat rinse and repeat and I'm struggling to be more imaginative, so a little wearing at this point, but hopefully not too shabby.

Pepper ratatouille, chilli pepper dressing, chestnut flour veggie wraps, chestnut falafel, lemon hummus, tofu melt with spinach, egg and dandelion and lemon dip.

Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
RainbowZebraWarrior · 18/03/2026 14:38

@Confusedmeanderings they make cars without spares wheels now? I thought that it was still part of the MOT to have one. Crikey. I know they went through a spell of making those stupid space saver ones, but I did not know this.

That's a worry regarding DH. Is his cognitive decline something that he himself is aware of? (As in, something he's seen the GP about?) It's such a difficult situation for you to be in. I hope you're able to discuss it with him going forward. Its one of those things that we should all plan and agree ahead for, but rarely actually works out like that.

Exciting news about the Bargain Hunt team though, but boo that they didn't choose something from your lovely cabinets. I loved the sound of your framed sheet music.

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piscofrisco · 18/03/2026 16:56

Hellooo all- not a chance of catching up but hope all are well x back from Morocco -what a place!- and back to work today as I had to attend some training on what should be my day off. Made all the more annoying by the glorious sun!

Will try and have a read through and see what y’all have been up to

martha79 · 18/03/2026 18:21

@Confusedmeanderings exciting about Bargain Hunt!

@piscofrisco did you have a good trip?

@EphemeraleEudemonia food looks amazing - don't suppose you'd deliver by post? 😄

I'm glad I got the ready meals for this week as I'm basically just working, eating, sleeping. One week today the big work event will be done and the relief will be immense!

Did get a walk round the block and ten minutes in the garden today though - first dandelion is out in the lawn, I've left it for the bees.

Markknopflersheadband · 18/03/2026 18:48

What a gorgeous day today, sat out in the garden earlier with a cuppa watching dd4 potter about with her toys - felt so good. We moved to this house in November last year so am loving watching the garden spring to life and seeing what we have.
Yes cars without spare tyres! What a stupid idea. I managed to drive into a huge pothole last week and ended up with not only a flat tyre but a very dented wheel rim which had to be replaced. Thankfully it happened about a minute from my parent's house so my amazing dad helped to sort me out.
I've started watching the Other Miss Bennett, really enjoying, such a gentle watch, feels like a treat after a long day. My husband got me some lovely posh chocs for mother's day so have been sitting down to watch with a couple of those each night - perfect 'me' time.

piscofrisco · 18/03/2026 19:13

I did @martha79, Thankyou. Marrakesh is quite an intense sort of place but I loved it. I wanted to buy all the things in the souk, the Atlas Mountains were stunning (and still snowy), I loved the YSL museum and garden, the beautiful colours and Tiles everywhere, and ALL the Tagines we scoffed!
Im on episode 3 of the Bennet sister. I love it. Im meant to be doing my laundry but instead Im watching that whilst covered in cuddly Dogs and eating pistachio Lindors. Top tier.

petitpasta · 19/03/2026 07:53

Have tried to catch up. Sympathise re the spare wheels. I actually bought one for my current car as I am not happy driving without one. Garage guy was quite surprised.

I have been put at risk of redundancy very unexpectedly yesterday. It's a very long process too as I can't even apply for the roles that do exist until late April. I've found a couple of external jobs to apply for so those are now on my to do list.

The sunshine is lifting my spirits though

martha79 · 19/03/2026 08:35

Oh gosh @petitpasta that's a horrible surprise. Good luck with the job applications.

@piscofrisco I love the sound of tiles and tagines!

The sunshine seems to have disappeared here today, but it feels sort of hazy and springlike still. Final day at work this week, thank goodness.

Confusedmeanderings · 19/03/2026 10:12

Gosh @petitpasta that's horrible news. I really hope it works out for you.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 19/03/2026 10:15

Tagines and Tiles sounds like a rather delightful title for a travel book.

Pleased its your last day at work today. Sounds like you deserve a rest @martha79

Sorry to hear about the redundancy risk @petitpasta What a worry!

I feel cold, tired and achy. I think I've had some sort of low level thing hanging around for a week now. I am stupid though and went for a trawl on the beach this morning and it felt really cold. I'm having my hair done now though so at least the warm water helped thaw me!

Looking forward to the weekend but have realised its the last one before our craft fair and I have done virtually nowt.

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thebabessavedme · 19/03/2026 12:39

@petitpasta Wishing you the best of luck!

piscofrisco · 19/03/2026 14:41

So sorry to hear that @petitpasta
Tiles and Tagines-I can see the front cover now in my minds eye!
there is a lot of that bug about @RZW.DH had it when we go back from holiday and it’s only just departed now-3 weeks!

LillianGish · 19/03/2026 15:39

I need to catch up with the thread, but had to come on and post about the most Nigelesque find next to the bins in our building! Someone was throwing out this Le Creuset Doufeu casserole - barely used judging by the interior! I just needed to wash off the outside as it had obviously been stored in someone’s cellar. I can only think it was an unwanted gift, as having googled I discovered they retail for over €500 😮 I sent DS down to check it out - he thinks it is someone who felt they didn’t have room (it is twice the size of our own Le Creuset casserole) and very heavy or who didn’t cook as surely noone would knowingly chuck out such a valuable piece of kit! He is immediately christening it by making an enormous bolognaise sauce - which we will have as lasagne tonight with some pots of sauce to freeze. DH needless to say was rather dubious at me picking things out of the rubbish, but there’s no way we would ever shell out for such an extravagance and DS (the chef these days!) is over the moon.

Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
piscofrisco · 19/03/2026 16:46

Good Lord! Find of the century @Liliangish! And also my mother has that exact pot! She never uses it. £500!!!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 19/03/2026 16:55

What a find @LillianGish and that bolognese looks amazing!

Chilly here, tonight, but I have spotted bumblebees, ladybirds and caterpillars in the garden. I have my thermal long sleeved top on with a vest and jumper, the heating and stove on, and still dont feel warm. So annoying when you need to get stuff done, but just feel like curling up into a ball. I put a beef curry in the crockpot earlier, but was rather heavy handed with the chilli flakes. Ive just tasted it and my lips are burning. Thankfully, I have a pot of fresh coconut cream in the fridge which will hopefully sort it.

Found a copy of Butter by Asako Yuzuki on the charity book table at Sainsbury's today which I've been wanting to read since Nige recommended it about a year ago. I've also been building a mini library of Christmas and Winter themed books from said table. Looking forward to those on the dark winter evenings.

Mr D is going potty this evening as the starlings are back nesting in our eaves, so are scratching about busy making their nest above my bedroom window.

The daffs are finally out now, here. Hurrah!

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RainbowZebraWarrior · 19/03/2026 16:58

Mr D has now settled down on an old newspaper I was about to scrunch up for the stove. His ears look totally mad from this angle for some reason ('scuse the mess in the background)

And here's the daffs.

Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3
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SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense · 19/03/2026 17:00

I'm halfway through Butter at the moment @RainbowZebraWarrior - it's quite a dense, slow read, and a bit odd, but I'm quite interested. (I don't think I have ever read a Japanese book I couldn't describe as a bit odd, to be honest.) I see the author has just published her second novel and I won't rush out for it but I am sure I will read it one day.

martha79 · 19/03/2026 17:39

What a find @LillianGish

Butter is on my to-read list (might get it from the library). I've read/ listened to a few Japanese novels recently - currently got 'Breasts and Eggs' as an audiobook but to be honest I keep falling asleep listening.

Aww, lovely Mr D. My cats have been staring at the fireplace in the living room as birds sit on the chimney and their singing gets amplified down into the room - usually a blackbird. I've also been standing on the doorstep for short spells today - getting a bit of sun and also listening to the birds.

Least said about today at work the better, but it's done.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 19/03/2026 17:41

SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense · 19/03/2026 17:00

I'm halfway through Butter at the moment @RainbowZebraWarrior - it's quite a dense, slow read, and a bit odd, but I'm quite interested. (I don't think I have ever read a Japanese book I couldn't describe as a bit odd, to be honest.) I see the author has just published her second novel and I won't rush out for it but I am sure I will read it one day.

Thanks for this. I thought as much, which is why I didn't rush out to buy it at full price. Thought it was worth a punt from the charity table, though.

I think the only Japanese book I have actually read before was Memoirs of a Geisha which I loved and also enjoyed the film. I read and watched both pretty much simultaneously on a plane to Aus 20 years ago.

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