Live webchat with Nigel Slater, TODAY, Wednesday 12 December, 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We're delighted that Nigel Slater is joining us tomorrow lunchtime (Wed 12 December) at 1pm for a live webchat.

Nigel is the author of a collection of bestselling books and presenter of BBC 1's Simple Cooking and has been food columnist for The Observer for 20 years. His award-winning memoir Toast - the Story of a Boy's Hunger won six major awards and is now a BBC film starring Helena Bonham Carter and Freddie Highmore.

Nigel's latest book, Kitchen Diaries Volume II, has just been published.

Join Nigel tomorrow at 1pm or post a question in advance on this thread.

Oooo!!! How marvellous. Nigel is my favourite cookery author, I got The Kitchen Diaries 2 for my birthday recently and am savouring every page.

Will have a think about a question. :)

Dammit! DD2's Christmas recital at 1.15 tomorrow. Will have to think of a q now and come back afterwards.

Just want to tell him he's an inspiration to me. Loved his book Toast and the TV series.

Nigel, if ever you need a house sitter can I do it for you? I covet your bay tree! Am a keen cook and own an allotment so I'd look after it well

If not I'll make do with being your new best friend

Dear Nigel

For me the memories of food you mulled over in Toast defined my childhood too. I too tend to remember important times of my life by food that I've eaten..

I wonder what your ultimate Christmas food memory is and what you'll be preparing for Christmas Eve this year?

Thanks!

Hi Nigel

I am absolutely hooked to the show- with supermarket prices going up weekly, it makes sense to stick to a small amount of food and use it all up. Its exactly the type of thing my Gran has been telling me for years!

As someone who cooks from scratch for my family (from being a novice who burnt pots through a few years back!), I have trouble pleasing fussy children. What would you suggest as a good starter recipe to get them eating more veggies?

Thanks!

Brilliant, I made some of his brownies today. Best recipe I've found

My question is - I'm doing baked Christmas gifts this year, biscuits etc, but I'm stuck with someone who has more savoury tastes, any suggestions?

i love your writing and your style of cookery so its great to hear you're coming to do a webchat.

my question is: I remember you used to write for Maire Claire and I even bought the big glossy hardback book that came out! Was that your first break? If so how did you get it? I ask as my child is studying to be a photographer and I wonder how much is down to who your know as well as a certain amount of luck and of course lots of hard work, skill and determination.

Hi Nigel. Big fan - you've been a real inspiration to so many. I have a question about Christmas canapes - I"m making bruschetta/crostini and wondering how long they would keep in an airtight container? Would love to be able to make them in advance but don't want them to lose their crunch....what would you recommend? And any favourite toppings? Thanks

Hi. I love your show and your writing. One question though. When you say in your show that you have never done a dish before, and are therefore doing it for the first time in front of the cameras, is that true? What if it's awful?

Hi Nigel, Nice to have you on Mumsnet

My question is - What dessert would you make for Christmas day for guests that don't like Christmas cake or Christmas pudding?

Oh God. He's so beautiful. And he's the ONLY cooking person on TV that I actually like, even though I cannot cook AT ALL.

Such a fan of yours Nigel. I absolutely love your recipes and your books make fabulous reading. I also admire you hugely for being so candid about your childhood.
my question is two part - who would you invite to your dream dinner party and what would you cook?

Hello Nigel
I think your recipes and writing style truly wonderful you are so gifted.
Being nosey really I wanted to ask, what is your favourite novel?
Thank you for Kitchen Diaries II and Happy Christmas xxx

I love you! That's all.

Hello Nigel,
I do enjoy watching you on the box.

I enjoy lots of other "TV chefs" as well - is this how you see yourself or is that term painful?!

And do you watch other "TV chefs"?

If so, whose style do you like?

Do you think "TV cheffing" has changed our views of food?

Is that too many questions?
Thanks Nigel
X

Nigel. My mum bought me 30 minute meals when I was at university in 1997. You taught me how to cook. Or how to want to cook. Thank you. I handed it lovingly to my younger brother when he went to Uni - your upside down pesto mozzarella chicken is still his go to 'showing off' dinner

A reflective end of year question. What's the best meal you've eaten in 2012? And the worst?

Oh god, I luff him. My kitchen shelves are groaning with his books and most of them are all sticky and floury. I have also baked every one of my friends to have a baby his gingerbread (travels and keeps well!)!

My question is, did you find yourself making more of an effort to eat a real variety because you knew the diaries were going to be published? I know sometimes you'll write 'Takeaway Sushi', which is nice and honest, but you don't have weeks and weeks of 'Pasta. Again'.

OH, and a sneaky second question if I may - the OFM has survived where other print supplements didn't, why do you think that is?

Hi Nigel

Another huge fan here. I have tons of your books - which one is your favourite and why?

Hi Nigel, - I love your programmes on TV - I think your recipes are really accessible, and always look so tasty

I also loved 'Toast', - I think we are about the same vintage, and so many of your food memories struck a chord. (your recent programme about sweets had a similar effect )

I've made your peach and blueberry summer cake many times - it is a fabulous recipe, - best cake ever.

I really just wanted to gush but for appearance sake I will also ask a question -, you have a wonderfully readable writing style - have you ever considered writing a novel, and if so what sort of novel?

x

Hi Nigel

Can you please confirm that it is no longer considered necessary to cook a turkey for six hours?

If my mother hears it from you she might believe it and we might have half a chance of enjoying a turkey that doesn't taste like cardboard for the first time in living memory. Cheers!

My daughter would like duck for christmas day, I did a dummy run for her duck a la orange, orange sauce a Mary Berry recipe, however not keen on sauce, any other Ideas, I might add only a duck breast as she is the only one having it, I have perfected it so the breast is tender and a little pink.

Hello Nigel, you are simply amazing and born in Wolverhampton too Your books, recipes and TV shows are such an inspiration to everyone.

My question is what is your favourite cookbook (not one of yours please)

Merry Christmas

How wonderful ! Nigel , your books are the only ones that make it to the bedside table too , although I confess the other half is getting a little tired of finding flour on the duvet .....

My question would be whose cookery books , if any , shaped your direction as a food writer ? Did anyone's thoughts really strike a chord with you , or have you always firmly followed your own foodie path ?

Thank you , thank you for your writing , particularly the Kitchen Diaries . I often turn to whichever day it is, and rarely do you leave me uninspired .

Hello Nigel

I love your writing, books and TV programmes. Your lovely face adorns my fridge. And recently on your programme about sweets, seeing you and Nigella discussing confectionary faves was tantamount to culinary porn...! Yum

So having enjoyed a double whammy of my two favourite famous/TV cooks, my question is: Who is or are your favourite famous chef/cook(s)...? And why?

Thank you! MPD

P.S. I think I love you a bit. Please. Thank you.