Webchat with Nigel Slater, Tuesday 1 December, midday - 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Worried about cooking Christmas dinner this year? Fret not! We've got a couple of great foodie webchats coming up so you can ask the experts for their help. First up we've got NIGEL SLATER joining us on Tuesday (1st December) between midday and 1pm.

Nigel's third instalment of his Kitchen Diaries, A Year of Good Eating has just been published and everyone who joins the discussion on this thread will be entered into a draw to win a SIGNED copy.

Join Nigel on Tuesday at midday or post a question in advance on this thread.

Love your honesty in your programmes Nigel though always worry about the cameraman in the fridge who pops up sometimes :)
Do you do your own calligraphy for the labels?

Can I ask a second question? I know it's rule breaking but I can't help myself.

The game pie with parsnip crisps in kitchen diaries 3- pigeon is not readily available where I live- what alternative meat would you advise?

Thank you

Hi, have you got any vegan ideas for teens at Christmas? Preferably ones which sit well with the traditional meal which their grandparents are looking forward to.
Many thanks!
Karen

Hi Nigel,

Have been a fan of yours since you used to write the cookery page in Marie Claire back in the 90s (indeed many of our dinner parties were based around your recipes!).

What would be your suggestions for some simple seasonal supper recipes (main course and pudding please) for Christmas Eve, for an extended family get-together?

Many thanks (and Merry Christmas).

Kate

Hello Nigel

Just wanted to say how much we loved your documentaries (?) about biscuits and sweets. They were both gorgeous and comforting to watch. Do you have plans to make anymore?

Hope you have a really lovely Christmas.

Hi Nigel, Which of your books shall I ask someone to get me for Christmas?
I like simple and veggie friendly
And then I can say you suggested it!

We love a roast chicken dinner but get bored of the same thing,how could I make it different but still something the family would eat?

What are your favourite cinema snacks?

Bit of salty popcorn and a handful of pick n mix?

Hello! I'm hoping Santa brings me your new book to add to my already large collection.

My question: do you have any recommendation for family meals for the period between Christmas and new year when we're all a bit turkeyed out but feel we should have something a bit more special than the usual pasta?

Do you have tips for preparing sides and accompaniments for Christmas lunch in advance to help me spend as much time as possible socialising with my family on the big day itself?

My partner works nights and most nights I really cant be bothered to cook just for myself. I enjoy cooking family meals but when it's just for me I lack inspiration!

Just wondering if your making a meal just for yourself what would you make?

Ooh I like that LadyF good question.

For my 30th I was bought a copy of Appetite. I've not looked back, hooked just by your writing about food before I even got to the recipes. My daydream was to come home from work, you'd be cooking in the kitchen (where else?) and would shout over your shoulder 'there's a bottle of wine open, dinner won't be long'. Sigh.........

Anyway back to reality, don't actually have a question... Just wanted to say thanks.

Actually, just thought of one. What's your Desert Island cookbook - only one, not one of yours and you'd have all the ingredients (not just coconuts)

Woo would just like to say: "keep the beard" and loving the locks, can I come and live in your garden too, please ?! [santa]

I've always enjoyed Nigel's books (I have 5 bookshelves full of cook books so I'm a bit of an addict )

My question is, "Who would you say was your cooking guru, if you have one at all?"

Unfortunately I can't make the webchat but I'm looking forward to reading the thread.

(My own Christmas cake is made from a blend of Mary Berry's recipe, a Good Housekeeping recipe and my own combination of fruits: raisins, sultanas, currants, dried blueberries, cranberries and sour cherries plus glacé cherries and mixed candied peel, plus extra cinnamon you can never have too much cinnamon )

Hello Nigel!
How very nice to have you back on Mumsnet.

I really enjoy Kitchen Diaries, reading it is like sitting chatting to a friend. And my heart went out to you while watching Life is Sweets.

My question is, what could I have as a change from smoked salmon for a Christmas Day starter?

Oh yes! Do keep the beard.

Hello Nigel.
I seem to have a virus...I cannot get warm :( what do you make for yourself to eat when you are feeling under the weather? Any tips for filling food that takes little or no effort?
Yes to the beard btw :)

Hi Nigel, for the first time I have made my own Christmas cake which seems to be maturing nicely in its tin. With half the family loving the traditional marzipan and icing but the other half picking it off and leaving it, could you please suggest a way to decorate my cake which will leave everyone happy and nothing wasted? (there are no allergies to worry about).
Many thanks, and happy Christmas.

Hi Nigel..just popping in to say I love the way you cook..we are quite alike I also love to find bits and bobs and make something tasty and special at anytime.

What is your favourite winter dessert?...I love a plum crumble with demerara sugar,toasted coconut and cinnamon/nutmeg....amongst others... yours?

and how are your cat/s? You get extra love points for having a cat

Eek just squeezing an actual question in now...what would be the one pan recommendation you have (including a make if you are allowed). I now keep my pans preoiled as you suggest which helps loads but find my heavy cast-iron famous-brand-knock-off-from-an-equally-famous-scandi-furniture-store is still no good for certain things like your polpettine recipe etc.
Once again thanks and lots of loves for all the great food you've put my way X

PS the kitchen diaries are known as 'the gospel according to Nigel' in our house (firmly lapsed catholic!!)

Nigel - love your books and the way you write your recipes, thanks for so many years of lovely food and making cooking enjoyable for us.

So to Christmas day, so there will be 6 of us in total and we want to avoid starters, primarily to be a bit more hassle-free and so as to be really ready for the star of the show - the turkey. However, we do want to offer canapés a little earlier with drinks - is there anything that you can suggest that is low-effort but super tasty? Any drink suggestions to go with afore mentioned canapés are welcome too.

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Nice to be here again. Looking forward to answering your questions.