The Christmas Chronicles: Notes, stories & 100 essential recipes for winter

Although I'm not partial to many of the recipes, especially those with meat, I loved everything about this book. The writings are exceptional and brought back many memories of a childhood in cold and frosty Wisconsin. The pictures are also wonderful. I read a few chapters every day in December and early January and it made up for many cancelled family plans due to COVID. Highly recommended.

Nigel Slater has written some beautiful books. His turn of phrase and ability to craft similes has resulted in some phrases that stick with me from years ago. His books are often more suggestion for tastes and feelings than formulas for food prep and I like this lack of precision. Food is a part of a greater experience, not the only star. Christmas Chronicles sticks to this approach and it has been a lovely read, day by day, through the extended holiday period. I will peruse it again, next year, just like revisiting a favorite seasonal movie. Are they all missing an entry for 5 January? Was this an oversight or a secret code in to his magical world? I'm happy to wonder.

My sister has always been one to settle in on the couch, cover up in a blanket, and read a cookbook like it's a novel. I never understood that... until I got this book. Yes, there's a lot of narrative woven in but the recipes themselves are actually good reads too. I love this book SO MUCH and I'm so glad I treated myself to it this year. It will be a go-to for Christmas presents for many years to come. Also, Nigel Slater... May I come for Christmas? :)

Love, absolutely love this book. Starts on November 1 and takes you through the days until early February — four months of wonderful company to see you through the winter season. Some days have no entry and that’s okay. It’s a bit of an advent calendar for the winter season. Opening each chapter is like finding a chocolate behind the doorway to another world. I recommend it for anyone who loves the celebration of Christmas and ithe joys of winter. You can dip in and out easily, and it seems a warm accompaniment to the season of light. Highly recommend as a gift book for people who love winter as I do.

This is a beautifully written book! The quality of the actual book is superior, with a nice heft to it and a ribbon to mark your place, the photographs are beautiful as well. I would highly recommend it to anyone, as a friend also did for me. Thank you, Nigel Slater, for sharing your soul and light!!!

This book was a recommendation from a Face Book Page I belong to "Hygge Life" The book was a combination of the Authors thoughts and life, with a mix of his favorite recipes. I enjoy cooking and backing, made a couple of the recipes.....and Oh My what a delight.

The seller (Wally Nuggets) packed this product wonderfully! I was excited to receive it and can't wait to begin using it in November!

Typical Nigel, I've fallen in love with his story telling among the recipes. Christmas season went by far too fast to try all the recipes, but what I did try was amazing! Nigel always seems to tell you the secrets that others leave out. For example, his recipe for ricotta gnocchi emphasized the amount of setting time required, and to leave them uncovered. I've tried similar recipes before without success. Until now! Highly recommended.

A stunning read with snippets to guide you through not just Christmas, but winter and all of the joys to be found. A must have for all who love Christmas/Winter or who would like to find ways to enjoy it without all of the commercialism usually involved...

Nigel Slater is one of Britain’s preeminent cooks, and has a lovely writing style. This Winter volume fulfilled all my ‘hygge” hopes for this austere but beautiful season, and I’m still reading and cooking through this gorgeous volume, given to me for Christmas. Alter never disappoints.... if you’re unfamiliar with his work? please rectify this gaffe and BUY HIS BOOKS !!

Although I'm not partial to many of the recipes, especially those with meat, I loved everything about this book. The writings are exceptional and brought back many memories of a childhood in cold and frosty Wisconsin. The pictures are also wonderful. I read a few chapters every day in December and early January and it made up for many cancelled family plans due to COVID. Highly recommended.

Nigel Slater has written some beautiful books. His turn of phrase and ability to craft similes has resulted in some phrases that stick with me from years ago. His books are often more suggestion for tastes and feelings than formulas for food prep and I like this lack of precision. Food is a part of a greater experience, not the only star. Christmas Chronicles sticks to this approach and it has been a lovely read, day by day, through the extended holiday period. I will peruse it again, next year, just like revisiting a favorite seasonal movie. Are they all missing an entry for 5 January? Was this an oversight or a secret code in to his magical world? I'm happy to wonder.

My sister has always been one to settle in on the couch, cover up in a blanket, and read a cookbook like it's a novel. I never understood that... until I got this book. Yes, there's a lot of narrative woven in but the recipes themselves are actually good reads too. I love this book SO MUCH and I'm so glad I treated myself to it this year. It will be a go-to for Christmas presents for many years to come. Also, Nigel Slater... May I come for Christmas? :)

Love, absolutely love this book. Starts on November 1 and takes you through the days until early February — four months of wonderful company to see you through the winter season. Some days have no entry and that’s okay. It’s a bit of an advent calendar for the winter season. Opening each chapter is like finding a chocolate behind the doorway to another world. I recommend it for anyone who loves the celebration of Christmas and ithe joys of winter. You can dip in and out easily, and it seems a warm accompaniment to the season of light. Highly recommend as a gift book for people who love winter as I do.

This is a beautifully written book! The quality of the actual book is superior, with a nice heft to it and a ribbon to mark your place, the photographs are beautiful as well. I would highly recommend it to anyone, as a friend also did for me. Thank you, Nigel Slater, for sharing your soul and light!!!

This book was a recommendation from a Face Book Page I belong to "Hygge Life" The book was a combination of the Authors thoughts and life, with a mix of his favorite recipes. I enjoy cooking and backing, made a couple of the recipes.....and Oh My what a delight.

The seller (Wally Nuggets) packed this product wonderfully! I was excited to receive it and can't wait to begin using it in November!

Typical Nigel, I've fallen in love with his story telling among the recipes. Christmas season went by far too fast to try all the recipes, but what I did try was amazing! Nigel always seems to tell you the secrets that others leave out. For example, his recipe for ricotta gnocchi emphasized the amount of setting time required, and to leave them uncovered. I've tried similar recipes before without success. Until now! Highly recommended.

A stunning read with snippets to guide you through not just Christmas, but winter and all of the joys to be found. A must have for all who love Christmas/Winter or who would like to find ways to enjoy it without all of the commercialism usually involved...

Nigel Slater is one of Britain’s preeminent cooks, and has a lovely writing style. This Winter volume fulfilled all my ‘hygge” hopes for this austere but beautiful season, and I’m still reading and cooking through this gorgeous volume, given to me for Christmas. Alter never disappoints.... if you’re unfamiliar with his work? please rectify this gaffe and BUY HIS BOOKS !!

This book is perfect for reading on long winter nights, curled up in front of a fire (which is exactly how I have been enjoying it). The writing is delightful, the recipes evocative and yummy and the visuals (for those of you out there who find a cookbook sub par if there are not more pictures than text) are a feast for the eye.

A wonderful tee must have!! Beautiful words and photographs come together to cozy up your winter!

Purchased a little too late to fully impement this year, but the book is cover-to-cover packed with delightful recipes and winter themed goodness. Why just celebrate on Christmas when you can make it last for 3 months?

A lovely read during the holidays. Highly recommended. As always, British desserts (pudding!) are somewhat different than those in the states but Nigel makes them all sound divine.

Stunning book. I agree, it should be receiving all kinds of positive reviews. Lovely recipes. Gorgeous photos. Pensive and soul-soothing. Love it!

A very good read!

Loved reading

This is absolutely my favorite of Slater’s books, and I couldn’t wait for the U.S. version, but made my husband gift the U.K. version to me at Christmas three years ago. My annual winter ritual is now reading the entry for each day of the winter season on that day — much as one ritually reads certain religious texts on a revolving annual basis. If you are a fan of Nigel Slater’s sublime writing abilities, let alone his very original yet humble and thoughtful recipe suggestions, you will treasure this tome and re-read it multiple times. I loved the Britishness of the Christmas recipes (my mother was English) but also took pleasure from what felt like snooping through Nigel’s domestic habits — what candles he uses at home ($90 each?!) to how he anchors his Christmas tree (not in a tree stand) and so forth. What makes this fat volume his greatest literary accomplishment goes far beyond the recipes and the writing about food. His historical scholarship is in evidence here; there is much to learn about winter rituals across the centuries, including Solstice and Candlemas origins, Victorian ice festivals, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in fabric, where to buy the best holiday ornaments, Christmas postage stamps, and a nostalgic endpiece about Slater’s winter trip to Japan. Not so much a cookbook as a combination of recipes that sparkle like little holiday ornaments, travelogue, memoir and history lesson about winter delights, this book stands alone. Don’t try to force it into your cookbook collection — it is absolutely unique and makes for hours of pleasurable reading for anyone who loves the colder months, and appreciates Nigel Slater’s intellect and talent. (And yes, you can also cook from it.)

How does such a fantastic book have so few reviews?! This is a gem, and one I expect to savor each winter season for years to come. It's a hard book to describe because it's more of an experience than just a read--textured cover, satisfying thickness, lovely photography, and charming details throughout what is part cookbook, part seasonal guide, and part memoir. The beauty of it is you don't have to get it all in one pass. In fact, you know if you miss a day you'll just leave a pleasant treasure to find next winter.

I delighted in following his seasonal journey, and all of the details he so thoughtfully notices, from Christmas markets to the last fruits in the garden. It's a wonderful book.

Lovely book. The photographs in the book are beautiful and his love of winter (almost) made me love it as well :) Highly recommended.

This is the best book on Winter, Christmas, cooking, and just plain, common sense stuff. The recipes are exciting and unusual, but delicious. I've now tried two, (I do find I have to add more liquid to his soup and one meatball recipe), but he truly thinks outside the box. And oh yeah, there's the humor. I love his sense of humor.

Ce livre s'adresse à tous les amoureux de l'hiver, de bouffe, de traditions, de Noel (pas dans le sens clinquant)... Je n'avais encore jamais lu de bouquin de Slater avant et je dois dire que ce ne sera pas la dernière fois! Je suis tombée sous le charme de son écriture toute simple mais poétique. Je suis aussi tombée sous le charme de la simplicité de ses recettes (pas dans le sens péjoratif du terme). Bref, c'est un livre parfait à lire par une journée d'hiver, en pyjama, une tasse de thé à la main... Du réconfort à l'état pur:)

From now on, every late-November I'll take down this beautiful book. Slater writes about his days up to and after Christmas, the dishes he loves, winter in his lovely home in London, his ways of turning off the noise of the season--lighting candles, enjoying quiet beauty.

Poetic writing style - I was a good way into the book before I realised that it was a cookbook. It is a nostalgic look at a the past, beautifully described memories of winter.

Nigel has for many years written books, which are a joy to read. The recipes are usually faultless. I am a fan. Definitely 5 stars. Happy Christmas to all

I have a lot of cooking books but this one is simply beautiful the author guide you through his traditions, and recipes. I love every part of it.

"This is the story of my love for winter, the scent of fir and spruce, ghost stories read with a glass of sloe gin, and beeswax candles with shadows dancing on the ceiling" - Nigel Slater For those of you unfamiliar with Nigel Slater, I can tell you he is a food writer for The Observer newspaper and has presented a number of food and cookery programmes. Instead of the usual take 15 ingredients, combine and bake, Nigel weaves food into his day to day life and this feels like a snapshot into someone's week, complete with tasty and delicious food that acts as a balm for the soul. In his programme we see his day, a visit to a delicious patisserie or picking up a tasty joint of meat from a cherry cheeked butcher. This food is then lovingly made into a simple and comforting meal. His recipes are never over complicated or have difficult ingredients to source, but are testimony to the nourishment of body and mind that food brings. The Christmas Chronicles are laid out as a diary starting on the 1st November and ending on 2nd February. As well as providing a snapshot into Nigel Slater's life in the run up to Christmas, it provides the history and folklore behind many of our favourite winter and Christmas traditions, advice on the best places to buy candles and is packed to the gills with recipes to cover any winter scenario. The author also talks about many of his personal traditions such as starting his new book on Christmas afternoon once the main meal has been eaten and the washing up has been done. It is packed full of visits to foreign countries, Christmas markets aplenty and a sabbatical visit to Japan in February. I was delighted to read about a coffee shop in Vienna and then realised that I had been there! The coffee shop had some of the most beautiful cakes I have ever seen sitting alongside copious amounts of sachertorte and dishes of swirling cream. The physical book itself is beautiful; A dark grey linen cover with copper gold foiling, the photography inside is delicate especially the snowy scenes. Reading this book is a reminder to slow down and savour whatever you are doing. Remember to enjoy Christmas with all of the 5 senses. It is a humble book, the recipes are delicious and this would make a super present for any 'foodie' you may have in your life. This book is beautiful, delicious recipes, Christmas treats and traditions all bundled up in grey linen goodness. It is a pause in a busy few weeks and much needed.

Not as good as his other books. I expected more of the well-nigh arousing language describing vegetables and fruit in Tender and Tender II. (A favourite party game around here is "Is it erotica or Nigel Slater?" The long winter evenings just fly by, I tell you.) Christmas Chronicles is far more restrained and contains didactic lectures on candle-storage.

I have been a fan of Nigel Slater's TV Programs for a long time now but I have never bought any of his books before this one. As someone who is also a "winter baby" and much prefers the autumn and winter to the spring and summer months, I knew I had to have this book. Physically the book is a beautiful hardback - I love the simplicity of the grey cloth cover with the gold detailing and there is also a grey ribbon bookmarker which I find very useful. I see that other reviewers have commented on the smaller size of the book (height wise) compared with previous releases but for me I think this is the perfect size as I think it would be too awkward to hold and read due to the weight of it if it was any bigger especially as this is more of a diary to be picked up and read as opposed to just a cookbook which can be left down on a kitchen counter. I would also mention that the paper quality for the pages inside is very thick and expensive feeling - the whole thing just oozes class and quality. In terms of the inner content - what I have read is everything I would want and expect from Nigel, I can absolutely hear his gentle and soothing voice as I read. I love the anecdotes from his personal life together with the informative pieces of general trivia. There are a few recipes which have caught my attention to try but if I am being honest, I bought this for the diary aspect and not for the recipes. The photographs are absolutely stunning, particularly the ones taken at the German Christmas market and actually if I had one gripe about the book, it is that there are not enough of them. I docked one star because I would have enjoyed some more of the beautiful photos. Also, as a couple of other reviewers have pointed out, occasionally I found I would be reading a lovely cosy section only for a random negative aspect to be dropped seemingly from nowhere about animals freezing to death or homeless people sleeping on the streets. I just felt that this was unnecessary - I buy books to get away from the harsh realities of the world for a while and I know that this is a diary and essentially based in reality but to keep up the cosy, comforting aspect, I just felt it could have been edited out. I would like to emphasise that this does not happen often and please do not let this one minor criticism put you off what is otherwise a pretty perfect Chronicle.

This is a truly beautiful book. I feel Nigel Slater is right back on form with this (I was very slightly disappointed with Kitchen Diaries III) - better than ever, in fact, and that’s saying so much. It is a great deal more than a cookery book; it’s a kind of meditation on Christmas and the Christmas period, and it includes personal memories (some of them moving), bits of history, Interesting Facts, reminiscences of Christmas in various foreign countries, and lots about what he himself does to prepare for Christmas, at Christmas itself, and afterwards. He writes beautifully of the pleasures of winter; he loves it, and conveys his reasons vibrantly. Then the diary part starts on November 1st, and ends on February 2nd. But it isn’t just a description of what he does between those dates; he digresses, frequently and interestingly. As some reviewers have said, it isn’t an unremittingly cosy book; personally, I see that as a plus: life isn’t unremittingly cosy, and Christmas is a good time to recognise that fact. It is physically a very attractive book. The cover is grey, cloth-bound and decorated with four slender, elegant winter boughs. It feels expensive, although I got mine from Amazon for only £13 – unbelievable! The paper is good quality, and the margins provide ample scribbling space, if practicality overcomes your scruples about desecrating the text. Another reviewer has criticized the height of the book, which is shorter than the first two Kitchen Diaries, but it’s the same height as Kitchen Diaries III, and personally it doesn’t bother me. There are plenty of good pictures. As in KDIII, they are printed on matt paper, which presumably saves costs, but whereas some of those previous illustrations came out looking rather muddy and unappetising, that problem has been overcome; and it’s helpful to see how what you make ought to turn out. It strikes me as a wonderful book to give as a present. People who love winter and Christmas will love it; so will those who enjoy all the preparations, and the aftermath. Cooks will love it, as will those disgraceful people who enjoy reading about cooking more than actually doing it (and yes, I’m blushing). I almost forgot to say that, of course, it’s packed with gorgeous and practical recipes. Nigel seems to me to be someone who is in love with food; he doesn’t trot out new recipes for old kitchen classics, he thinks of new and wonderful things to do with lovely foodstuffs, and everything has been tried out and tested. I do like a man who simply has to eat the first crust off the new loaf that he has just brought in from the shop. The Christmas Chronicles would be the absolutely perfect gift for someone who is leaving to live in foreign parts, especially hot ones. It would bring back memories of Christmas at home and in Europe; it might even bring them home a little earlier than expected, in search of all those good things so lovingly described.

Nigel Slater’s ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ feels like a magical hymn for Christmas. However, it is not for everyone but those who enjoy the spirit of the winter seasons and reading a book next to an open fire will love this book. Quality: You can tell this book is made to not only be read but also to inspire. The quality and tactile finish to the book is lovely and feels like a Christmas book. The hard cover has a lovely texture to it with the text and print finished in what looks like a gold leaf. This book is designed to be taken out around Christmas and feel magical. The pages and images are also not a glossy finish but rather a soft matt which compliments the whole feel. Content: Despite being called the Christmas Chronicles, Nigel takes the reader through a journey from November 1st to 2nd Feb and do not think that this is a cook book, it is not. Instead it is an ode to the spirit of mid-winter through a collection of notes, stories and 100 recipes. The first 25 pages are short chapters on aspects of winter which are written to make the reader feel emotive and share Nigel’s passion for mid-winter. Titles like, ‘coming in from ‘the cold’ and ‘drinking winter – raising the glass’ should give you an idea of how he sets the reader up at the start of the book and this makes it much more than a cook book. However, the recipes in the book are wonderful and some contain images which are very pretty and help give a sense of winter through their tones. I read that he described the book as ‘A stir-up of diary’ which perfectly describes the tone of the book, however this is where the book might suit some readers or turn others off. I personally like it as a pick up and read book, diving into small sections and enjoying his take on the winter months. My wife did not like this, she felt there were a lack of images and recipes, so really it comes down to your expectations. One element I do feel could have been slightly changed is the ending because it finishes on a recipe, I think a final story would have been less abrupt and a better farewell to winter, but overall what he has tried to achieve is write a book that sparks your love for winter and I feel Nigel has been very successful. I think this book would be perfect company with a nice glass of port and some cheese while sat next to the fire, and I believe that is how Nigel visualised his readers when writing the book. I hope you found this review helpful.

I love Nigel Slaters simplicity when it comes to preparing & cooking food. I’ve just read his book called Toast. The Christmas Chronicles is bound beautifully & love all the winter info included. I’m going to friends @ the end of the month & as they are travelling H, I will be making the Hot-smoked fish & leek pie for our supper. Recipe trial run this week with family

I like Nigel Slater as a cook and also as a cookery writer. The Christmas Chronicles combines his undoubted talents and this is one of the most beautiful cookery books I've ever bought. It's an eclectic mix of written ramblings and recipes. The board covers are sumptuous and lush with textured gilding front, back and spine. It's the size of a standard hardback, so it's easy to read and there's a silky cloth page marker. I love the dedication: 'You can grow old; just make sure you never grow up'. That's a great attitude and Nigel's written style and recipes always feel fresh and vibrant. As for the contents, I've settled down to savour every page. This is a book about the winter season in every sense. It's filled with the smells, sound and colours. In one section, he celebrates the arrival of stollen in Dresden, in another, the beauty and magic of Fortnum and Mason's window display. And throughout the text he incorporates the most delicious recipes. The real beauty of his recipes is that they're imaginative, easy to make and they're written in such a way that it's like Nigel is standing at your shoulder, talking through why the dish is such a good one to make and a story around the ingredients. It's relaxed, laid back and inspirational. One recipe is pot roast partridge with parsnip and smoked garlic. I'm not keen on game, but the recipe is so easy and could be adapted and would work well with poussin. Lavishly illustrated throughout with colour plates and a comprehensive index so it's easy to find a recipe with whatever main ingredients you have to hand. I've been a keen home cook for many years and this is in my top 5 best ever cookery books. Very highly recommended.

Beautifully bound, I literally read this book cover to cover over a month. It’s a great piece of work…I felt like I was transported into the beautiful Georgian home of Nigel… well done Nigel Slater.

I'm so glad I ordered Nigel's Christmas Chronicles. It may be summer now, but I have so enjoyed reading this book which is full of Nigel's Christmas memories, stories, and ideas for celebrating the season, plus some recipes of course. It's not a cookery book, although there are recipes, it's more a story of one man's Christmas traditions. We all have our own ways of celebrating, but it's fun to read about other ideas and perhaps take some on board. It's a book to enjoy at any time of year, or read it as you are getting ready for your own Christmas. A real treat for the festive season.

A truly beautiful book. I wish there were more that you drank in with your eyes at first glance and kept appreciating with every fresh look. The photos spoke of winter in a way that we haven't known for the last few years. The recipes, as ever with Nigel, deceptively simple, my mouth savoured the tastes as I read the words and I was sure I could smell stollen and lebkuchen as I turned the pages. Christmas described in a frank and intimate manner with memories and observations, both of now and many years ago. The only flaw of ,the book was that it made me feel rather sad. Moments that had passed from knowledge were remembered with tender tinted regret. People I miss and worry and care for came to mind. Family is always a large element in Christmas thought, whether that involves many or few, whether you are close or not, it is a time to think about the folk you love and this cook book did that to me. It might have a secret double life as a time travel device. And yet, not all the years I shed were stale. Some were so very fresh, contemporary, you could say. A bittersweet book. Beautiful, eloquent of flavour and yet also hurtful. Wishing all, whether cooks or not, a very happy Christmas with many delicious meals. Bless these precious days of mirth and celebration.

Bought for my friend for Xmas, she loves it x

Absolutely full of not just recipes but also stories, quotes and just joy. Also adore his cooking.

Present

Nigel Slater books are always wordy. It’s one of the things I love about them. Not simply cookery instructions, they are thoughtful, evocative, mouth-watering, delightful descriptions of recipes and their place in his life. The recipes are also usually very good! This book takes the narrative to a new height. In 456 pages, there are a total of 100 recipes. So if you are looking for an almanac of Christmas recipes, you may be a little disappointed. If however, you want a taste of winter and the Christmas period, dotted through with relevant recipes, then like me, you may be delighted. It’s a book to dip into, preferably sitting by an open fire, watching the snow falling gently outside, with a glass of sherry in your hand - ok, I can dream! The Christmas Chronicles follows the winter months, with entries from 1st November through to 2nd February and covers a lovely range of winter recipes, from comforting Bubble and Squeak (2 versions) through the usual Christmas Day celebration food to the wonderfully-sounding Panettone passion fruit cake. There aren’t many photographs and there may not be a huge number of recipes for the size of the book, but I’ve found very few in there that I don’t want to try cooking. I thoroughly recommend it!

A nostalgic, beautifully written memoir. Nigel’s reminiscences of his own childhood Christmases truly resonate with my own growing up in the 1960’s. He perfectly captures all the excitement and anticipation of the build up to Christmas and his love of the Winter season shines through. The recipes are hearty and warming and easy to follow. His Christmas cake recipe is simply Devine. This book is now a firm part of my Christmas. I pick it up in November and it’s by my side though Christmas and New Year up to Candlemas. It never fails to fill the soul with Christmas cheer. It would make a beautiful Christmas gift for anyone who is a keen cook or just a lover of all things Christmas.

I happened to come across this book just after Christmas when browsing....so very pleased I did ! I have always loved Christmas and snow, more so when younger and I have really enjoying this warm and beautifully written book. I have relived visiting Christmas markets in Europe and just don't want this book to end! Being a rather stange time with lockdown and Christmas very low key, this book has taken me through the wonders of Christmas's gone and hopefully more to come. My husband an avid reader is looking forward to reading this....maybe a little while to wait as I am savouring every page.. thank you Nigel!

This book is both delightful and enchanting, written with love and with nostalgia to warm the heart. This is a book to be read in the run up to every Christmas and I have now made it a Christmas tradition. Beautifully written book to lose yourself in, preferably with coffee and Panettone. Simply wonderful.

Beautiful book - my wife loved it

I've long enjoyed Nigel's weekday dinner recipes in The Guardian--quick, simple dishes that honour the inherent goodness of in-season produce. This was my first book of his, and I bought this beautifully produced volume when it came out last year, just in time for its own season. Don't let the name fool you--this isn't just about Christmas, it's a comforting companion from November-February. Sometimes the onset of Scottish winter can seem daunting and dismal, but the joy with which Nigel writes of the colder, darker months helped me to find delight in his time of year. His enthusiasm leaps off the page, whether he's celebrating the first availability of some wintry ingredient or recounting rugged-up visits to Christmas markets or childhood memories of crips walks, crackling frosts and cozy kitchens. Aside from the moments of whimsy or nostalgia, there are some brilliant recipes in here. From luscious fruit liqueurs to hearty pies, winning ways with winter veg and ingenious ideas for Christmas leftovers. It's a truly wonderful book that I can see myself picking up again when November next rolls around, so that the clocks changing is a celebration, not something to mourn.

Bought it as a Christmas gift for my wife who loves Nigel Slater. After a quick scan through before gift wrapping, I can tell it's a beautifully presented book with not only winter recipes but with tales of the author's own experiences of winter. Unfortunately, when delivered, the spine of the book was damaged and therefore unsuitable as a gift, but after contacting Amazon, there was a replacement on my doorstep the very next day. Excellent customer service.

I promised myself I would not buy another Nigel Slater book. Although I am a massive fan of his earlier books (The kitchen diaries 1 is possibly my favourite cook book of all time) his last two books; eat and kitchen diaries 3 sit on my shelf pretty much unopened but when I heard he was writing a Christmas book I had to have it because nobody writes about Christmas like Nigel writes about Christmas! Every December I gleefully read the Christmas sections of kitchen diaries 1 & 2. I love this book, it has everything his last two books were missing and I'm so pleased I bought it. I opened it up to have a quick look and ended up reading it cover to cover. So much more than a cookbook and maybe not quite as many recipes as you would expect but the writing is outstanding, the recipes look great and I love all the little extras like tips for buying a tree and all the Christmas markets of Europe. If you're just looking for a cookbook then maybe this book isn't for you but if you love winter and especially Christmas you will love this book. This is Slater back to his very best.

I wouldn’t particularly class The Christmas Chronicles as a recipe/cookery book. There are many recipes in it, but as others have said, I would say it’s more a book about winter and an ode to this special time of year when everything is crisp and fresh. Like Nigel, winter is my favourite season and I’m just sorry I’m late to discover this exceptional book. I absolutely adore Nigel Slater’s writing style, his reflections and how he manages to evoke real feelings. The foil on the cover is stunning and makes this book feel even more special. I bought this for myself, but If you know any readers, this would book would make a lovely Christmas present for them. Highly recommend to people who love winter, food and drink and beautiful writing.

I love this book. Being of a certain age I love the nostalgia and the reminiscences. There was also a lot of information on all sorts of Christmas related topics I never knew about. Of course I also liked Nigel Slater's recipes. It is so comforting to have recipes where plus or minus 10 grams do not matter. I did not know this book existed and only came across it by chance in my local library. I wish I had bought it sooner.

Possibly the most sensitive, exquisite piece of writing I have ever had the joy to read. I have been fan of Nigel Slater the cook, the cookbook writer and presenter for many years, loving not only his exceptionally under-stated, natural style and recipes, which always seem to perfectly reflect precisely what I would like to eat, but also his gentle voice and calm presence. His love of nature and immense sensitivity are evident in his other books and television appearances too, but never more than in The Christmas Chronicles. I didn't realise just how beautiful winter really is until I started to reflect on it through the thoughts and words of Nigel Slater. I look at my spluttering beeswax candles differently, relish the crisp silence of my morning walks with the dog through a wintery landscape and long for warming, baking smells to fill the house like never before. If I could take one book to a desert island, The Christmas Chronicles would be it. And if I could invite one famous writer to dinner, it would most certainly be Nigel Slater.

What a stunning book and got it for a bargain £3, Nigel Slater's love of all things Christmas and winter appeal to me so much and this book is a gorgeous collection of stories and recipes, I can literally smell the candles and Turkey - you couldn't be disappointed with this book, a great buy 🙂

This is comfort reading of the best variety. It is like being immersed in a wonderful film that takes you away from everything for a while. Lovely escapism. And some great recipes. But for me, they are not the main point of the book. Climbing inside Nigel's world as he takes you on an exploration of his love for the festive season is the real treat. Definitely one for your Christmas stocking! I've bought two more copies already to send to friends.

Wow what a beautiful book. Quite possibly my favourite book to date. There is a little bit of everything in there. Written in nigels unmistakable style. Bought as a used book for little to nothing, the book was in mint condition, not a mark, infact it looked brand new to me. As you can see in the pictures it is a smaller book, beautifully made

I got this a wee while ago and put it by til November with the intention of reading the segment for each day on that day. It's the18th of November and I'm away up in December purely because I'm enjoying it so much. I can hear Nigel Slater's voice in my head as I read so if you enjoy his programmes you'll probably enjoy this book. It's just a lovely way to immerse yourself in the season of winter and start prepping for Christmas. It's a kind of biographical recipe book that provides, for me anyway, a relaxing way of getting some me time (euch I hate that phrase too) while looking productive at the same time.

I was so pleased to pre-order The Christmas Chronicles.Nigel Slaters writings on winter and Christmas have been my most favourite chapters of the kitchen diaries and I have hoped for some years for a Christmas book from this author. The book itself is magical,I love the size and the feel of the volume,though no doubt it will soon be splattered in the kitchen. I haven't read it all,just kept dipping in yesterday,although the plan was to wait until November.It is simply lovely.The photographs are so homely,I can't wait for the weather to turn frosty and to light the candles and wood-burner and try some of the recipes. Nigel,just one thing,why not have two trees?You could have a smaller,simpler tree with nothing but white lights in your bedroom or somewhere. This book would make a fantastic present for so many people,only they might appreciate it at the beginning of December rather than the 25th.

I have been absolutely loving reading this book. It's laid out as a series of dated entries from late October to mid January, and I've been reading along for the past month. This is simply the most Christmassy of books. It captures the little things you appreciate about the winter months but may have never thought to articulate - from the feeling of crisp cold air early in the morning to the smell of a neighbors fireplace drifting down the street. The book is laden with beautiful photographs and delicious recipes for a wide range of dinners, drinks, and desserts, though it's not a traditional cookbook by any means. I read The Christmas Chronicles as I would a read book, rather than just flipping through before dinnertime to find something to cook. This book is nostalgic and heartwarming and I highly recommend it for any lover of all things Christmas.

What an absolutely wonderful book. If like me (and like Nigel Slater!) you love Christmas and winter in general, and if you appreciate good food and good descriptive writing, you will love this. It's part recipes and part biography, and makes for lovely, gentle, enjoyable reading on a cold winter night. I'm a card-carrying Nigel Slater fangirl and have been for some years, so I was looking forward to this with huge anticipation - and I wasn't disappointed. It isn't all that often that I get to the end of a book and let out an audible "Oh...!" of disappointment that it's over. I have a feeling I shall be reading this again next Christmas, and perhaps every year after that. I haven't yet tried any of the recipes, but I'm looking forward to doing so.

Loved the book and it arrived promptly. However, it was advertised as having the dust jacket and that was missing.

Love this book so well wriitten with descriptions of the christmas seasons. Stories and observations interspersed with Nigels Recipes. Elegant to look at with ribbon bookmark Overall excellent addition to my cookery collection

Such a lovely book to start the winter holidays

My absolute favourite Christmas book. Every year I get it out and start going through the days and trying out the recipes. This year I have made the Christmas cake which my hubby is eager to try but he will have to wait till Christmas Eve. This book is a delight and I would heartily recommend it.

I sat though this book in 2 days. As a mother of a 6 month old, it has helped me plan out our future Christmas traditions. Hope you plan to release ones for other seasons Nigel.

For years I’ve got through the festive season armed with Delia Smith’s Winter and Christmas cookery books. And for good reason - her recipes are straightforward, reliable and just how your nanna did it. This year, however, I treated myself to Slater’s Christmas Chronicles-and what a joy this fat little book is. Beautiful photographs do justice to the recipes and add enough hygge to make you feel all warm and cosy; Slater’s writing encourages just enough reminiscing of your own childhood Christmasses without being sickly sentimental. The recipes aren’t complicated, although some of the ingredients might be a little difficult to track down - no, I’ve never heard of lardo either - but I very much feel inspired to cook and bake and preserve for England - and then share it all with friends and family through the approaching Christmas season.

A wonderful winter read with lovely recipes. The type of book you return to each year as the weather turns cold. Beautifully written. Makes you appreciate all the of the magic the late autumn/winter brings

Nigel is an amazing writer and cook. I call him a cook because that's what he does, he cooks with real food with real passion, he has no reason to use fancy names, unobtainable ingredence, just good honest food. I have to say I love that fact that he does just knock out book after book like many celebrity chefs do. This one was worth the wait. It's written from the heart that jumps out and gives you a hug every time you turn a page. It looks good too, not that it's on the book case yet, it's far to good for that. This really is the best of the best that I've treated myself too in a long time. Congratulations Nigel x

As allways Nigel Slater writing transports you to his kitchen. You can image him cooking and you want to cook from every page. I brought this book for almost everyone at Christmas the day it was out. The recipes work and the method of how to cook them are easy to follow and I recommend you to buy it. It's not just for Christmas this book.

I could never get warm about Nigel Slater and his recipes. I love Jamie, Nigella... once I saw this book and started reading it I was hooked. One of the best books I have ever written, period. Not only cookbooks but books in general. If I had to keep one book to read in cosy long winters and I knew it would make me feel wonderful it would be this one. It also has so much history on different traditions in different European countries (being from Croatia I loved the Krampus story and having lived in Austria loved the Martini goose story). Thank you, Nigel. I am converted. PS The recipes are fantastic as well.

If you love Christmas, good food, brilliant anecdotes and humour then this is for you...if you love Nigel Slater then this is the best present ever

I am only a short way in and I am in love with this book. The way he writes and the love for this season is just wonderful. In these crazy times this is just what I needed. What a delight. Thank you.

There is so much more in this book than recipes. Nigel Slater takes us through the Christmas season, from the beginning of Advent to February, suggesting appropriate recipes and Christmas stories and traditions, both general and personal. I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of European Christmas markets and their traditions. Even better to have bought it at a special offer price.

This is a stunning book that is like a love letter to winter. Absolutely beautifully written.

When you read this book you hear Nigel's voice. Anyone who follows Nigel's programmes will get this. His honest passion for cooking and food writing is delivered yet again here. This book must have take aeons to write. Lots of brilliant, comforting recipes with excellent descriptions. Nothing difficult. A book to read, cook and learn from. Written as a diary from Nov-Jan. With a host of enticing titles, for example 'the Christmas list and a fig tart', 'to Nuremberg and the Christkindlesmarkt', 'Decorating the tree and lamb roast', and my favourite 'frost fairs and braised brisket'. Pure wintry escapism. The book is smaller than previous diaries. It's beautifully produced and illustrated in hardback. An excellent present.

Fabulous and inspirational. I bought this after listening to Nigel Slater reading the audio book on audible. It’s so good and would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

Absolutely adore this book So much so that I bought another copy for a friend. Have always loved winter and the wintery life of log fires, hearty comforting food, and the long winter evenings for indoor activities. The book so much evokes happy childhood memories, lived in an era before the technological invasion began to spoil family life. Simple, happy, life; lived amongst family and friends, within the framework of the seasons. Keep it on a table, handy to me to enable me to frequently dip into it for another burst of gloriously happy memories of winter warmth. the recipes are the icing on the cake.

I really like Nigel Slater's cookbooks and writing generally but for me I just found myself asking what is this book actually about? It's hard to see where he's coming from. Is it a cookbook? A nostalgic reflection on Christmas with too much information on how to buy a christmas tree? Personal memories? (some of which are deeply sad but we get no further than hearing that something is deeply sad and then we move on to something else). I mean what is it? A hash up of all the former? I just found myself flicking through it looking for interesting bits to read and recipes that felt new but its a bit same same same whilst flitting around all over the place which I found mildly irritating. Which is a shame as it's a great idea but for me it doesn't hit the mark. Sorry Nige I still love ya though but I prefer your Kitchen Diaries.

I LOVED this book! Start reading it in the latter days of Autumn and it has been a constant companion through Christmas and into the New Year! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I am a big Nigel Slater fan. I love his writing style and will happily curl up to on the settee to read his books. I find his recipes easy to follow and I like the way he encourages you to experiment and vary ingredients. The Christmas Chronicles is a snuggle of a book. It evokes winter and reading it in November is the perfect preparation for Christmas. Maybe its because we are a similar age, his memories of childhood Christmases chime perfectly with my own. I have all the Kitchen Diaries, and Eat, but there are no recipe repeats here that I can find. Good food photos too.

I loved this book. It's an exploration of the customs and rituals that surround the festive season with so many helpful tips, insightful anecdotes and mouthwatering recipes. Nigel's prose is beautiful. I found myself being drawn into the book completely. I read it by the fire with a cup of hot tea (or port, closer to Christmas!) and enjoyed every minute of reading it. I liked it so much, I gave it to two friends as gifts. My advice: don't wait until Christmas to buy it, get it well in advance and read it in the run up to Christmas and enjoy.

Love this book, I bought it for one of my daughters but I fear she might never receive it. Full of lovely Christmassy anecdotes and recipes. It's an absolute gem of a book.

Good

Love, love, love this book. It can't be classified as a recipe book; it's a history of winter traditions and facts, with interesting insights and memories from the author. Recipes are interspersed throughout in conjunction with an event or tradition, so that there's no disturbance to the flow of writing. I just couldn't put the book down and, having finished it, went back to the beginning and started to read it again. The book is the essence of winter and Christmas, with lots of interesting and unusual facts (I didn't know before reading it that tinsel's made in Wales!). My house will be filled with candles and branches this winter. If you are looking for something to revive the excitement of Christmas, this book is it.

Beautifully written. A real treat to curl up with and decide on future meal plans...

A really good Winter read! I bought the Kindle version and found it was much better on my phone or tablet using the App because that way the beautiful illustrations were in colour. As usual Nigel Slater gives detailed instructions with the recipes, so I don’t see why anyone would have trouble making them successfully.

This is written like a festive diary with recipes included rather than a full blown recipe book but it’s a great read nonetheless! Perfect to read as the nights draw in, definitely excited for christmas now!

Working my way through this lovely book. The stories Nigel Slater shares with the reader make it something more than just a recipe book.

I love this book. It’s a beautiful book to read and illustrated with beautiful photographs. Really pleased and a great book to give as a gift.

I adore this book coming up to, during and after the festive period when you aren't quite ready to forget Christmas just yet. In winter, it lives on my bedside table to dip in and out of every night. The entire package is beautiful and I love his anecdotes, recommendations, recipes and memories. This book will come out every year just like my Christmas tree and decorations. One to treasure.

My wife found this to be a very good read.

Great book I’m currently reading. Lovely recipes.

Lovely book to read by a fire on those autumn and winter evenings, taking the reader from the 1st November through to the 2nd February. Not your normal christmas cookbook. Rather, more of a selection of stories, histories of the different Christmas traditions and musings by the author. The hardback is sumptuously inlaid with a bronze motif and is rather smaller than expected at roughly A5 size (although this is not a bad thing considering how it is likely to be read). I hope you enjoy it.

Bought as a present for a delighted recipient. Good purchase!

This book looks and feels beautiful. It so well written, really interesting and great recipes.

This book is something we will treasure forever. Beautifully designed and carefully put together it captures the festive season perfectly. Highly recommended.

I agree with the other reviewers that the book has a melancholy to it that I didn't expect. But I like it. I like the autobiographic touch and I love the recipes. It loses a star however on the writing being very, very repetitive. I usually like the rhetorical device of repetition and I like Nigel Slater's writing, but in this case the book feels poorly edited - however beautiful and well crafted.

I bought this on recommendation only this week I’ve read through bits of it and looked at the recipes but will savour this book once Oct/Nov comes around and read it it right up until February , just love it .

I love Nigel Slater and the way he writes. The Christmas Chronicles is a great book. I’m not a fan of Christmas but I loved the way he made me feel about this time of year. Even if you don’t make any of the recipes featured in the book - and I have - you can just read this book as a novel. It’s that good. Enjoy!

The only thing that rivals Nigel Slater's wonderful recipes is his delicious writing. I heard his read and speak about his book "Toast" many years ago. His charm shines through his narratives. This book was one of the great pleasures of my holiday season. I looked forward to sitting down with it at the end of each day, and planning my next cooking excursion. The book arrived from the U.K. quickly and in perfect condition. Now, if only I were reading it in the English countryside. Sigh.

I love the way Nigel Slater has written this book. It's Christmassy reading matter as well as the usual easy Slater style recipe thrown in. If you have a foodie frien they would love this as elegant - for looking at - keepsake!!!

Für Fans und Kenner von Nigel Slater, eine tolle Lektüre mit vielen Tipps zur Winterzeit.

This was bought as a present and was very well received. An absolutely beautiful book which contains wonderful recipes as well as heart warming narrative. I know the recipient subsequently bought another copy as a Christmas gift for a friend.

Bought this for my wife and she is really pleased with the book

I bought this book for a night such as tonight, early March, I can't sleep and it is 3.30 am. The snow has gone now but oh how I love reading about it. Nigel Slater stirs my senses, so eloquent, so true. I always enjoy his programmes, the way he expresses himself, the way he shops and puts the various elements together. This book is fabulous and just what I need this Satnight/ Sunday morning. I shall move on now and be inspired with ideas for Sunday lunch. Nigel Slater never fails !!!!

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend as I love cookery books and especially Christmas cookery books. I haven't read any Nigel Slater cook books but was really pleased with this purchase. As well as some lovely recipes, the book has some gorgeous descriptive passages from his childhood along with lovely Christmas traditions which take me back to my own childhood. If you love the idea of other people's traditions and evocative memories, well described and beautifully laid out then treat yourself! You won't regret it

What can I say? Nigel writes his chapters like he preparing a cozy supper for friends. He welcomes you in, pours you a drink and sustains you with his words. I can see myself reading this every November/December to get into the Festive spirit. I love that he celebrates Winter, its the most underated season..... the best time of the year.

Super Slater!

Birthday gift Amazing ,nostalgic , and cleverly put together With emotive images and reminders of how much Xmas means to my family

What a beautiful book. This is such a wonderful mixture of delicious recipes and poignant, bitter sweet musings on Christmases past. Recipe books are ten a penny but a writer who is able to create such magic is a rare thing indeed. I was wondering if I would ever feel really excited about Christmas again now my kids are teenagers, I thought probably not but then this book arrived and saved Christmas! The book is in a sort of diary form, I've read the intro and I'm going to wait till November 1st so I can experience winter along with Nigel.

Love this . Fabulous atmospheric book puts me in the mood for winter and Christmas !

This is such a lovely, lovely book. It transports you to another world and conjures up so many images, some from childhood and others from along the way. In a way the fact that it contains recipes is unimportant - it is, as the name states, a chronicle of the whole Christmas period. It is one to curl up with and enjoy whilst waiting for spring to come. It reminds us of how important the seasons really are.

This is a wonderful selection of recipes and memories love Nigel Slater .

What a wonderful, comfortable book. I have always enjoyed Nigel Slater's books, clear writing, simple tasty food, but this one is like a hug from the lovely man himself. This is a book to curl up with & read by the fire on a dark winter's night. The recipes are great, too, little sticky tabs already bristling through the pages to mark the must-cook ones. This book is not just for Christmas, it's to dip into all year when you want a few quiet, comfy moments. Superb, Nigel.

What an absolute treat from Nigel, who writes so beautifully. He simply draws you in. I love Winter, and he expertly explains the beauty of the season with stories and recipes included. Look forward to picking this up again in Winter while sipping a hot chocolate.

Nigel Slater has excelled himself here, bringing together Christmas traditions, Christmas cooking plus Winter and Christmas folk tradition. This book is a delight to turn to as the nights pull in and the seasons change as the temperature falls, it can be read cover to cover if that is what you want to do or it can be dipped into for a particular chapter or recipe, but whichever way you choose to use this book it will be a joy.

Gorgeous book full of wonderful stories and recipes. Highly recommended.

I'd never taken much notice of Nigel Slater before , but saw this book in Waterstones and after reading the first page , I knew it was right up my street ! As soon as I received it i sat down with it ! What a delight , everything he had written I could identify with ! I absolutely love it , so much so that I have found his cookery programs and am watching them !

Beautiful book but my copy was completely back to front! It wasn't for a gift so I can cope with it, starting from the back and upside down. Nigel Slater is such a wonderful writer, fabulous recipes for Christmas/winter or to be honest anytime. Still worth 5 stars even with the upside down thing

Another Christmas Gift for my Partner, as an Ex Chef he still enjoys cooking and loves watching Nigel Slater on TV, some of his recipes are brilliant and we use our leftovers thanks to him, we don't grow food only some herbs and the dishes Nigel makes with what's in the fridge are inspiring, and we have done quite a few meals this way, good job things were comparable, and it was a very nice meal.

Absolutely love this book, bought it just before Christmas and used it to make lots of new recipes. This book is not just a book of recipes, Nigel relates some of his trips to Christmas markets in other countries, informs us of the origins of some of our Christmas traditions and shares memories of his childhood in winter times and much more. If you enjoy reading or watching Nigel Slater you will love this book.

I love Nigel Slater and buy his books although every time I do say to myself 'do I need another cookery book?'. This is more though, it's a love story to winter and Christmas. I made the smoked fish pie (with leeks and hot smoked salmon) for my daughter who doesn't eat meat. It was great and relatively straight forward, so I have already done it again. Love Nigel Slater and love his writing.

I bought this book last Christmas and am now reading it to get myself intothe Christmas spirit. I just love everything Nigel Slater writes but this time he has excelled himself. Wonderful

I love Niger Slater''s books but he has surpassed himself with this one. It's a lovely book with colour pictures. He talks about Winter with delight & tells anecdotes from his childhood. The recipes are dotted between his stories so are relevant to these, such as warming drinks. There is a great recipe for a mincemeat sandwich!! This is quite a different book that can be dipped into throughout our cold UK winter.

This is a perfect Christmas read, the recipes are incidental - it is the sheer joy of the build up to Christmas and all that it entails that makes it such a wonderful festive book. I even invested in the audio version which is also perfection. There is a detailed chronological build up to Christmas day embracing every aspect of the festive season from scented candles to joy of lists.

Nigel Slater’s book is a wonderful lead up to Christmas. Be sure that you read it early enough so that you can decide exactly what you would like to present to family and friends on Christmas Day. The recipes are easy to follow and although some ingredients may not be readily available, this is the reason why you need to give yourself enough time before Christmas to read this book

Like Nigel Slaters recipes as I feel inspired to try his food. His books give you a sense of 'I can do this'.

Great item. Found it hard to put down. And full of childhood memories of winter and Christmas amongst the recipes that were uncannily like my own. Wonderful.

Wonderful, wonderful book. Love everything about it. The recipes are very clearly written and the accompanying stories and memories make it a very special book. The first recipe book I have read from cover to cover, a must for food lovers and Christmas lovers alike. Yes it has sad parts but that is how life is. Who wants to gloss over reality when we live with it every day. Just serves to make us more grateful. Thank you Nigel for a beautiful book.

I have just opened the packaged book as it is a gift for tomorrow. The book is in perfect condition other than it is ‘upside down’. As the person the book is for has a good sense of humour and it’s now too late to buy something else, I have gift wrapped it and am hoping for the best! I will send an update/image in a day or so. Thanks. Sandy

A beautiful read for the winter months to not only teach recipes but a more in depth insight into food at the festive time of year.

Beautifully produced book and would make a lovely gift but as a practical recipe collection for getting through Christmas, it isn’t great. There’s loads of Nigel reminiscing and writing about winter and Christmas and food which is all lovely but there aren’t very many recipes.

I love this book, bought a copy when it first came out, now have it on my kindle. Nigel Slater’s writing is delightful. Can’t recommend it enough

A lovely, thought provoking book with beautiful recipes. More than just a 'cookbook', it gives insight into its author's early life and rituals that still have meaning.

Absolutely love this book. Mine was bought for me as a gift and this purchase was for a friend who loved it also. Would highly recommend.

What a sumptious, beautiful read this is for a winter's evening in front of the fire. I particularly enjoy these kinds of cookbooks because of the stories in between recipes, but I espcially enjoyed this one because winter is my favourite time of year. Gorgeous and so deliciously written. I can see myself reading this year in, year out. What a joy. I've ended up purchasing another two instore as Christmas presents.

Very much looking forward to trying out some recipes next year, there are plenty that have caught my eye as always with Nigel Slater. I haven't spotted too much repetition with the other books, and I love the stories that go with each of the recipes. A lovely book you can pore over for hours or just dip in for the recipes as you wish.

Beautifully written notes, not just on food to prepare over the Christmas period, but on the whole magical experience of the period. Nigel Slater writes with love and tenderness of his favourite time of year, mixing his own stories of what Christmas means to him with the history of many of our Christmas traditions. The hardback version is very nicely bound on good quality paper too. It would make a lovely present.

A wonderful book. Nigel Slater writes beautifully evoking a magical feel for what can be some dreary winter months. You almost .... almost want to don boots, scarves and bobble hat and merrily walk to collect provisions for feasts to go with the obligatory atmospheric candle light. His lyrical prose is just perfect .... and his recipes are brilliant too. Clear instructions and hints make them achievable. Marvellous.

A nice mix of memories and recipes.

An absolute delight of a book , Nigel Slater is a similar age to me and his memories of winter as a child are the same as mine . Christmas is over but I am still enjoying this as a really good read -as Nigel says about wintertime... ‘ I am never without a book . My feet curled underneath me , a blanket over my legs ‘

Dissapointing

A late review but this book has a lot of recipes in it which are not just for the festive season. The best Nigel Slater yet, for me. Great photos and makes a great gift. I love his style.

Great cookbook and stories

A total joy to read! Beautifully written. Fascinating to learn more about him and some of the recipes are lovely. I will re-read this book for years to come.

Nigel again gets it right! Interesting read and makes you feel good. Receipes tasty and not hard to do. I am not a lover of winter but reading this turned it into a warming adventure and makes you feel good and leaves you wanted no more.

Perfect for Christmas inspiration, Nigel Slater writes so beautifully it reads more like a love letter to winter and food than a cookery book

Love the Culinary Delights of Nigel Slater, this book is very no exception with its Christmas feel, almost like a storybook, guess that was what was intended. Reminds us of a Bible in size & presentation. Makes it feel like a Christmas Tale, lucky no donkeys on the menu, Suited to those on a stable diet.......Get it ? Sorry Nigel, just had to make the joke.

I did read this as Audible first. I loved it so I decided to have a physical copy in my bookshelf. As a foreigner, very interesting to know all thought of origin of Christmas related stories. And very unique point of this book as Christmas Chronicles, covers not only Christmas period itself but from November to January. That made my imagination of British Winter beautifully.

Fabulous book-I love Nigel Slater's writing! My ideal vacation would be to stay at home and actually have the time to read his books and try the recipes. I guess I now have goals for when I retire from work.. The photographs are excellent, writing is absolutely lovely and recipes are intriguing-I really cannot wait to try some of them!

I love dipping into Nigel's winter season whimsies on the run up to Christmas. Each entry shares something about winter or Christmas traditions from November through to February with accompanying recipes along the way. It's a lovely woolly jumper of a book, an escape from all the predictable frenzied and commercial preparations for Christmas and New Year. An opportunity to indulge yourself in the charm and beauty of this season.

Over the moon with this great book. great service and speedy delivery 10/10

When Slater describes himself as more a food journalist than a chef, he underplays his talents in the kitchen - but this book leaves us in no doubt as to his abilities as a writer. The care and passion he displays with food transfer seamlessly to his writing style with the sights, sounds and smells of winter described superbly. This is a beautifully produced book.

Very easy to read in Nigel's gentle conversational prose. Good recipes, good index and very informative. Would make an excellent Christmas gift.

bought as an xmas present, mum absolutely loves the recipes and nigels writing style, looked fab as well

Love this book. It is not just a recipe book but Nigel Slater captures the essence of winter and the Christmas season with stories and anecdotes. Gets you in the mood for the festivities and celebrations with lots of seasonal food ideas. Great gift idea.

I was looking forward to this books arrival, and am not disappointed. I am reading as one would read a novel, plus the added joy of recipes along the way. I love the way Nigel writes and fills the pages with tastes and scents and sights, all coated with a dusting of love, care and attention, what more can I want.

Such a delight. A treasure for every Christmas, with recipes and plans and history and observations. What a brilliant writer.

Jennifer Ann Hall thinks this beautifully written and bound book pretentious and pointless. What a sad life she must lead.

A lovely book, full of reflections about what food can bring to Christmas.

This is the most beautiful, evocative and olfactory experience! I am so happy that I bought this book as a gift to myself. It will last for years and from the first page throws you head first into the smells, senses and tastes of Winter and Christmas. Thank you Nigel Slater for making me fall in love again with Winter and Christmas :) This book shall come out every November and be a family heirloom!

Used this lots over Christmas and enjoyed it as a book to read in front of the fire too. Dropped a star because it focuses on meat recipes too much for me, but all the recipes I tried were delicious.

Some books make you smile as soon as you hold them and this is one, such a lovely idea of combining Nigel’s recipes along with what he does in the run up to xmas and the winter months. Beautifully presented, this will be a permanent wonderful addition to the kitchen book shelf.

So beautifully written by Nigel Slater, I can't fault his book in any way. It's probably the best he ever wrote.

My son loves this book but alas on Christmas Day I found out he already owned this edition So I now have a book I’m not sure what to do with...... that’s my fault for not researching.

I bought this book in 2017 and read every word. I then brought it out again in October 2018. It has become a magical part of Christmas. Well done Nigel Slater.

Not actually started the book yet but initial flick through was surprising as it’s bound upside down ........

good recipes

Totally beautiful book written in his usual style which is so captivating you can hear his voice in your head as you read your way through the pages. The perfect present for any friend, a real feast for the eyes and imagination, love it and will treasure it now and always, thanks Nigel!

OMG this is a gorgeous book. Quintessential Nigel Slater. Bought it to treat myself upon publication last week. Lovely recipes and anecdotes - quirky and inspiring. Also a lovely book in itself, aesthetically speaking. Great photography, sleek cover. I literally can barely wait to curl up on the sofa with this and a notebook and glass of red, to plan our festive feasting.

good read, love reading about christmas, might have to try the recipes

I love reading. I love all things autumnal, wintery and Christmassy. I absolutely adore cooking. This should have been the perfect book for me and I bought it with that expectation, but to be honest I found it a bit ponderous and more than a little self-indulgent - but not in a fascinating, luscious or entertaining sense. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. I am, unfortunately, giving this book away as a gift.

Another great book, a little sad at times. But why oh why the smaller format yet again, the original kitchen diaries 1 and 2, and tender volumes 1 and 2 are a far more generous size, and I feel this book deserved it too, just my personal opinion you understand. also very annoying that amazon start selling it even cheaper straight away once the pre-ordered copies are despatched

Very good book, for fans of Nigel and for anyone reading him for the first time.

A lovely book to dip into in the Christmas season, plus good recipes that you expect from Nigels books Thought about giving it at as gift but quickly changed my mind and kept it for myself.

Only just started reading it cuts very interesting and we'll written so far

I’ve just read this for the third time. A Christmas/winter classic

Another great Nigel Slater book. I bought it as a gift but was so entranced at the format & writing that I kept it for myself! (I did buy something else for the intended recipient, though - I'm not THAT mean!😄

This book is amazing. It met my expectations and more. I can't put it down.Nigel Slater has the ability to not only give brilliant recipes but writes a story as well. In my opinion he is second only to Alan Bennett.A brilliant smash present. I shall cherish this book.

Have bought Nigels books before and this one is excellent as usual. Made the Poppy Seed and orange cake today....everyone loved it. Hoping to make the Apricot Brandy next. Thank you Nigel for another wonderful book. Highly recommended.

I just love Nigel Slater as a cook. He cooks so adoringly. I love the stories in the book with the recipes and I have much more to read but it is a beautiful book to have. The cover has such a beautiful texture.

A great book to read gradually in the run up to Christmas. Some good recipes but most of all I enjoyed Nigel's writing about all things Christmas. Love the cover, nice to have around!

Beautiful to look at, rich in new and delicious recipes that make you want to cook and eat throughout autumn and winter. The accompanying text that weaves its way through the recipes is informative, evoking all the best moments of an England during the weeks before and after Christmas. This is Nigel Slater at his very best.

Like the way Nigel Slater cooks and bought this to help with preparing Christmas food.

Bought as gift. Friend loved it.

I couldn't put this down ..finished it in 2 days !!.....Wow so many memories of my own Christmases and traditions held close..just want it to be cold so I can start trying the recipes...truly wonderful Thank you Nigel

This book is a wonderful Christmas Cook Book full of charisma and great recipes. But dear Nigel you don’t mention if the temperature indications are to be reduced for a fan oven.

Bought as a present which was very well received

Fantastic book

As always Nigel Slater has amazing skill in evoking Winter. Love his books and this is a great one. I would highly recommend it to anyone for joyful reading and cooking simple wholesome tasty food. Thank you Nigel for another of your books added to my library

this is such a good book and is handy to delve into when ever I get a spare moment, as well as recipes it has some excellent stories from Nigel Slater

Beautiful, I had to make myself put it down or I would still be reading it now, stunning pictures, it's a proper Christmassy recipe book with beautiful stories to make you smile, food that you want to cook and eat, love it,

I have just received this wonderful book and my over riding thoughts are that here is someone who as well as writing delicious recipes, never loses sight of the true meaning of Christmas. A very rare thing these days. Thank you Nigel, I will treasure this book for always.

Read this book through from cover to cover. The combination of personal stories and recipes are compelling and fascinating. Have already tried some of the recipes and I know when November rolls around again, I will dip in again and again.

Love this

Not just a cookery book but a delightful read. Great to pick up and flick through during the dark winter evenings whilst enjoying a glass of wine and a Nigel Slater home cooked supper. Wouls make a lovely Christmas gift.

Im changing my review, because although I didn't really like this book, my step mum loves it. She comments periodically about how much she enjoys reading & rereading it.

A wonderful memoir with splendid new (to me) recipes. I have been trying to save this book and read a little each day but have failed - the writing is so evocative that you can't put it down. This is an utter joy.

Absolutely fantastic book. A story and recipes Wonderful

A beautiful cook book. Hearty warming winter recipes. My son and I made the orange and pomegranate marmalade recipe for a gift and it was delicious and delightfully received.

This book was a present but I did look through it first. It was full of interesting bits and pieces. A change from the usual recipie book. Will probably get one for myself at some stage.

A lovely relaxing read you can almost hear Nigel's gentle voice whilst reading it. Very much a winter book to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea type of book. Have brought a second copy for my sister.

I bought this book on the day it was published and it did not disappoint. This is a brilliant book I will read it every year during the \Christmas season. Nigel Slater is the Elizabeth David of the 21st Century.

A gorgeous book. Full of beautiful stories and recipes. Fabulous to read day by day during the winter season.

This is classic Nigel and I love it

Bought as a Christmas present. Was well received and read from beginning to end. It’s a nicely produced hardback book with smart colour illustrations. I believe there are not many recipes but it is a fun walk down memory lane.

Wonderful writing, nostalgia galore and the best EVER mince pies. No other Christmas cookbook comes close. My only caveat it is best to know that the book is a diary, beginning mid- November and is best read then.