The Christmas Chronicles – Nigel Slater

I never have had the opportunity to review a book by a food writer. Today is a real first as I am a huge fan of Nigel Slater’s writing from his monthly columns in the Observer to some of the previous books. The Christmas Chronicles (Fourth Estate) was released in October 2017 and I never had the chance to review until this year. So to coincide with the launch of The Christmas Chronicles: A Podcast. I thought I would read along with the podcasts.

Nigel Slater favourite season is Winter and here in The Christmas Chronicles Nigel takes us on a winter journey from 1^st November through to 2^nd February (Candlemas Day) It is a glorious winter fest that covers Bonfire Night to the build up to Christmas and beyond. But this is just much more than talking about food. Here in Nigel’s words and sumptuous photographs are personal memories of Christmas times of years gone by and the aroma of Christmas trees and fireside stories. If like me, you love Christmas and the childhood memories of watching your mum bake and cook in preparation for the big day then this is the perfect book for you.

Written in a diary format Nigel takes you day by day as Christmas approaches with wonderful winter food ideas and some ideas for drink. A rich book of 455 pages packed full of 100 recipes. The start just gets the reader in the mood for midwinter. There is talk of advent calendars and mistletoe. This is a book to come home from a winter walk light the fire and the candles and pour yourself a long drink and curl up and read. I just really enjoy Nigel Slater’s writing style. He comes across as if he is talking to just you in a quiet and someone who just loves not just cooking but his garden and winter walks and crackling open fires. Nigel also talks about going to Norway and selecting the Christmas Tree for Trafalgar Square

The Christmas Chronicles is just a beautifully produced hardback book that would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the winter months and reading about good food. I found that I could not leave this book and so it travelled with me on my journey’s. Don’t forget to download the podcasts that accompany the book. Highly recommended.

 464 Pages

#TheChristmasChronicles  @NigelSlater  @4thEstateBooks 

The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater was published by Fourth Estate and was published on 19^th October 2017 and is available through Waterstones, Amazon and through your local independent bookshop.