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.

[DewDr0p]

Hi Nigel, just wondering if you're cooking Christmas dinner this year and what's on the menu if so?

[NigelSlater]

@thebluenailbrush

thanks so much for answering my question! I have kitchen diaries ll on my christmas list and it will undoubtedly be the best thing i get this year!

If you have time for more questions: if you weren't a cookery writer what would have been your dream job ?

p.s my partner and i had a disagreement about you in bed at the weekend - before i knew you were coming on here- i was reading one of your books to get inspiration for christmas and he said you were a celeb, i said you were too private to be that and got rather annoyed with him. He loves what i cook from your books though!

I'm doing my dream job, but my second choice would be to work a potter!

[CuriousMama]

Hi again, I guess the house sitting's a no no?

I know you're private and I am guessing a bit shy, but do you like having parties or do you prefer just having one friend over? I prefer a smaller get together myself, 8 to 10,and I always cook lots of yummy grub. And yes if you're near the Durham coast you're welcome to come.

P.S. I'd love to hug you

[NigelSlater]

@CuriousMama

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

That is lovely to hear! Best friends would be good.

[CuriousMama]

Work a potter Nigel? Please elaborate?

[CuriousMama]

{{{{hug}}}

[NigelSlater]

@CuriousMama

Work a potter Nigel? Please elaborate?

Work AS a potter! A typo - sorry!

[thebluenailbrush]

Hope you have a Merry Christmas Nigel and thanks for coming on here!

[NigelSlater]

@CuriousMama

Hi again, I guess the house sitting's a no no?

I know you're private and I am guessing a bit shy, but do you like having parties or do you prefer just having one friend over? I prefer a smaller get together myself, 8 to 10,and I always cook lots of yummy grub. And yes if you're near the Durham coast you're welcome to come.

P.S. I'd love to hug you

Yes, I'm very private, very shy, and not very keen on parties. But very happy to be here!

[NigelSlater]

@ThePsychicSatsuma

hi Nigel. You are my favourite TV chef for 2 reasons.
1) you have lovely hand-writing on your notelets.
2) you handle and chew the food so tenderly.

Please continue to promote yellow tomatoes.

I love handwriting, especially with a fountain pen. I get so little chance nowadays with everything on a laptop. I use my pen as often as I can, and yes, love a yellow tomato.

[CuriousMama]

I knew it was a typo, I'm your best friend aren't I?

Virtual parties are the way to go then. I hope you join mumsnet and come here often. Although beware of Fridays And wrap up well when you visit me.

[NigelSlater]

@down2earthwithabump

Hi Nigel. I really enjoyed using my home-grown beetroot in your chocolate and beetroot cake, but found it quite a laborious recipe ... then I saw the TV adaptation of Toast (which was brilliant) and saw just how much time you spend and have spent baking in the kitchen. Three different processes/bowls for one cake ! I like to spend time in the kitchen being creative but sometimes just can't spend that much time there. Simple suppers is much more my thing.

I wondered which is your favourite quick recipe that's sweet?

My favourite quick dessert is lemon curd folded into softly whipped cream, with a crumbled ginger biscuit. It is very nice!

[PetiteRaleuse]

Thanks for answering my question Nigel. Have a lovely Christmas. I'm doing boeuf en croute. Would you recommend making it with mushrooms or liver paté in the pastry? I've never done it and seen recipes for both.

[NigelSlater]

@PetiteRaleuse

Thanks for answering my question Nigel. Have a lovely Christmas. I'm doing boeuf en croute. Would you recommend making it with mushrooms or liver paté in the pastry? I've never done it and seen recipes for both.

Liver paté is richer, but very delicious, and that's the one I'd go for, definitely!

[NigelSlater]

@DewDr0p

Hi Nigel, just wondering if you're cooking Christmas dinner this year and what's on the menu if so?

I would love to do something new and adventurous - but I know I won't! It has to be roast goose, and lots of roast potatoes, followed by Christmas pudding, brandy butter, wearing a silly paper hat, and then falling asleep in front of the telly!

[PetiteRaleuse]

Thank you so much. I will love telling my guests that Nigel Slater advised me so.

[CuriousMama]

Thanks so much for humouring me. I hope you have a fantastic Christmas.

My DS2 (darling son 2) who's 12 made bread for the first time last night. Was very late but I'm terribly laid back. Anyway he loved it, and it's lush. DS1 has made it before as do Dp (darling partner) and I. Think ds2 was feeling a bit left out plus he said he loves the smell. He loves your tv series too.

[Badvocsanta]

Merry Xmas Nigel and thanks x

[TotallyEggFlipped]

Thank you Nigel.

[NigelSlater]

Huge thank you to everyone for joining today! So sorry I couldn't answer all your questions, but do follow me on twitter, @realnigelslater

Merry Christmas!

[down2earthwithabump]

Ahhh my computer froze twice!!! Merry Christmas Nigel. Thanks for answering my question. X

[quirk]

Oh, late and missed the chat! Nigel, just wanted to say you are THE BEST. Really.
That's all

[SledsImOn]

What an absolute darling

[dinkystinky]

What a lovely man! Thanks for answering my question Nigel - must try that salt in porridge thing

[KurriKurri]

Nigel answered my question , what a lovely, lovely man - when can we have him back?