A Christmas title by Jewish domestic goddess, Nigella Lawson, may seem a bit strange, but the author's quick to point that out herself. In fact, the book opens with the line: "I'll be honest: I never thought I'd write a Christmas book." She's also, as always, more than just a little self-deprecating about her love of the feast aspect of Christmas, and how she 'wallows' in it all: the food, the family, the friends and the festivities.
Or, as she says, "Christmas in my home is really about bringing light and fire and warmth into the chill darkness. I love the reminder of the cycle of the seasons, the belief in the benificence of Mother Nature and the sense that the hearth and the home keep the light alive and provide sustenance and hope. For me, Christmas is not just a time when the Domestic Goddess comes into her own but a moment to conjure up the Domestic Druid as well." Domestic Druid, indeed. But that's what we love about Nigella, isn't it? With her latest cookbook, the ever-greedy girl doesn't fail to impress.
Nigella Christmas Look & Feel
Everything about Nigella Christmas sings out festive cheer, from the seasonal cover with a beautiful picture of Nigella dressed in red and green, proudly presenting a plate of her Perfect Roast Potatoes, to the Christmas cookies stunningly photographed like edible jewels against a Tiffany blue background on the opening pages. And, further inside, the slickly styled photos, easy-to-follow recipes and seasonal menus for six to 12 people further evangelise the Christmas cause. While some might complain that the book contains recipes from earlier titles, that somehow misses the point. Even if you have every book by this author - and most have Christmas chapters - it could certainly be seasonally inspiring to own one solely devoted to the Christmas theme. Which is exactly what Nigella has done here.
Nigella Christmas Chapters & Recipes
Nigella Lawson has a way of writing that always makes one feel as if she's standing in the kitchen with you. Perhaps that's why her recipes seem easy to follow and (almost) always turn out so well.
The book contains the following chapters:
1. Introduction
A (personal & factual) history of Christmas traditions.
2. The more the merrier
Cocktails, canapes & manageable mass catering. Examples include a Pomegranate Martini; Crab Crostini and Seasonally Spiced Nuts. All sections contain vegetarian options.
3. The welcome table
Buffet style food to feed a crowd. Recipes include Aromatic Christmas Ham; Fully Loaded Potato Skins and The Boozy British Trifle.
4. Seasonal support
Soups, salads, sauces and 'serve-later sides', such as Red Salad; Potato, Parsnip & Porcini Gratin; Beetroot & Horseradish Sauce and Chestnut Soup with Bacon Crumble.
5. Come on over
Stress free suppers for 6-12, like Effortless Home-Cured Pork with Apple & Onion Gravy and Tiramisu Layer Cake.
6. The main event
This chapter offers tips on how to cope with the inevitable stresses and dramas associated with the holiday. Recipes include Spiced and Superjuicy Roast Turkey with All Spice Gravy; Redder than Red Cranberry Sauce; Chestnut Stuffing; Perfect Roast Potatoes and Maple Roast Parsnips. The chapter also includes ideas for leftovers, e.g. Turkey & Glass Noodle Salad.
7. Joy to the world
Christmas baking and sweet treats, from traditional Christmas Cake & Icing, to Star Topped Mince Pies and Edible Christmas Tree Decorations, Christmas Morning Muffins; and Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies.
8. All Wrapped Up
Edible presents and party preserves, e.g. Beetroot & Ginger Chutney; Chilli Jam and Peanut Brittle with Art & Soul.
9. A Christmas Brunch for 6-8
With Espresso Martinis; Cranberry, Almond & Honey Granola and Pumpkin Pancakes with Sticky Maple Pecans.
10. A Bevy of Hot Drinks
With recipes such as Hot Schnokolate and Mulled Cider.
11. Dr. Lawson Prescribes
Cures for 'self-inflicted ills', e.g. Cuban Cure Black Bean Soup and Chicken Soup.
12. Stockists list
13. Index
Listed alphabetically, by ingredient.
Nigella Christmas Bottom Line
This Christmas themed cookbook is a feast for the eye, with a delicious selection of festive recipes from around the world, in Nigella's trademark more-is-more style. It's sure to become a Christmas classic.
Author: Nigella Lawson
Published by: Chatto & Windus
ISBN: 978-0-701-18322-6
Prices: $26.25 /GBP9.99/€ 22,99 (sourced from: Amazon.com/Amazon.co.uk/Bol.com)
Try a Recipe From the Book
- Aromatic Christmas Ham
- Perfect Roast Potatoes
- The Boozy British Trifle
Karin Engelbrecht - My love of fine food is larger than Africa, where I was born and raised. I left South Africa for an adventure in Amsterdam in 1996 as a ...
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