Recent Reads: One for the holidays

When I first became aware of blogs in the early 2000s, all the bloggers I followed lived in the United Kingdom. They were bakers and gardeners and knitters and cooks and above all, readers of books. It's on those blogs that I discovered so many books and authors that were new to me and have since become favorites. It's also where I found Persephone Books which I've written about so many times that I made it a category on my blog

I still read many of those blogs, though not as often. But every time I visit I learn about a new book that I want to read. My latest discovery is "The Christmas Chronicles: Notes, stories and essential recipes for midwinter" by Nigel Slater. Slater is described as an "award-winning author, journalist and television presenter." He's also written a food column for the Observer, a UK newspaper, for 25 years. I knew his name but that's about all. I had not come across this book locally and thus took a chance and ordered it sight unseen. I could not be more pleased with the result of my leap of faith as I found the book to be much richer than its title implies.

The book does not have a dust jacket; instead there's a nice fabric cover with gold and a ribbon page marker. There are lots of food photos as well as holiday store windows, Christmas trees, Advent calendars and the like. The pages are bright white with type that's easy to read and recipes printed in a size that is useful — though the measurements are all metric. There's an index in the back so you can easily find a recipe but no table of contents.

Instead the book opens with a generous introductory essay and then offers a daily dose from November 1st until February 2nd aka Candlemas Day. That was always a church-going occasion when we were growing up. But now the recipe for "Lemon, orange and basil ice" and Slater's description of a snowy morning in Japan are of much more interest to me. Since Slater was generally unknown to me, I looked him up online and discovered that he also has a lovely garden behind his house. A dreamy garden (below) to say the least, if you are an Anglophile like me. 

I found Slater to be a witty, opinionated, knowledgeable and amusing writer. He describes looking at bare trees in winter "when they are at their most peaceful . . . like watching a loved one asleep." Or how about this: "The flavors of winter come at us like paper-wrapped presents in a Christmas stocking." And then he goes on for half a page enumerating those flavors and fragrances. Each evening I sit in front of my fire and read that day's entry. I'm not sure if I will ever make any of Slater's recipes but the text is evocative enough to satisfy my needs. 

Nigel Slater portrait by 4th Estate; the other photos are from Wiki

Since  we''re already at the end of November, you will have missed reading a third of the book if you follow along day-by-day the way I am. But then just think of all that you will have to enjoy next November when you pull it off the shelf and open it again. Reading this could easily become an annual holiday tradition. 

NOTE: Since I bought this book in September, I have seen it in the holiday listings of a number of independent bookstores. So I would first check with your favorite local bookstore before you go online.   

Comments

[Barbara H.]

This is a lovely review and makes me, like you, want to curl up by a fire and dip into a world full of sensory description. I laughed to myself at your description early on of the physical book - "The pages are bright white with type that's easy to read and recipes printed in a size that is useful..." - these are very important attributes for a book to have for the ease of reading with aging eyes!

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I wish I had an independent bookstore to peruse.
This book sounds like something I would like.

[Linda Brazill]

It’s true; the physical readability is now an important consideration.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Sounds like a wonderful daily read. Must go shopping!

[Linda Brazill]

I think you would enjoy his humor but it helps to be an Anglophile who loves plum pudding to really appreciate the book!

[Linda Brazill]

We are lucky to still have independent bookstores and used bookstores. I try to buy from them as much as I can despite paying full price. They have such knowledgeable staff people who can help you and remember what you've read etc. Such a difference.

[Kris P]

It sounds like the book equivalent of an advent calendar, guiding your through the holiday season.

[Linda Brazill]

That’s an excellent description. Wish I’d thought of it.

[Marsha M]

Slater is wonderful. If you haven't read his "Kitchen Diaries" you are in for a treat. He writes about the meals he made, ate and sourced throughout one year. And he writes about his garden and eating in season as well. Just the thing for a gardener who cooks.

[Linda Brazill]

Thanks. I had heard of him but really was not familiar with his work.