logo Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:00:21 GMT

The Christmas Chronicles


Synopsis


WINNER OF THE FORTNUM & MASON AWARDS BEST FOOD BOOK 2018

From the BBC1 presenter and bestselling author of Eat, The Kitchen Diaries and Toast comes a new book featuring everything you need for the winter solstice.

The Christmas Chronicles is the story of Nigel Slater's 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. With recipes, decorations, fables and quick fireside suppers, Nigel guides you through the essential preparations for Christmas and the New Year, with everything you need to enjoy the winter months.

Taking you from 1 November all the way to the end of January, The Christmas Chronicles covers everything from Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year to Epiphany. Throughout the season, Nigel offers over 100 recipes to see you through the build-up, the celebrations and the aftermath. Here are much-loved classics such as goose and turkey (and making the most of the leftovers), mincemeat and the cake; recipes to make the cold months bearable, like ribsticker bread pudding with Comté and Taleggio, salt crust potatoes with blue cheese and goat's curd, and hot-smoked salmon, potatoes and dill; as well as bright flavours to welcome the new year, including pink grapefruit marmalade, pear and pickled radish salad and rye, linseed and treacle bread.

Packed with feasts, folktales, myths and memoir and all told in Nigel's warm and intimate signature style, The Christmas Chronicles is the only book you'll ever need for winter.

Nigel Slater (author), Jonathan Lovekin (photographer (expression))

Summary

Chapter 1: The Night Before Christmas

In Boston on Christmas Eve, siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce sneak out of their beds to capture Santa Claus on video. They set up their camera and wait patiently. When Santa arrives, they're shocked to discover he's real.

Chapter 2: The Capture

Santa is furious to be caught and demands the siblings return his hat and sack. They refuse, and a chase ensues through the city. Eventually, they corner Santa on a rooftop.

Chapter 3: The Negotiation

Kate and Teddy realize they can't hold Santa captive. They negotiate a deal: Santa will deliver their presents in exchange for his belongings. Santa agrees, but only if they help him deliver the remaining presents.

Chapter 4: The Deliveries

The siblings join Santa on his sleigh and embark on a magical journey. They visit homes, delivering presents and spreading Christmas cheer. Kate and Teddy are amazed by the spirit of the holiday.

Chapter 5: The Clash with Belsnickel

Their festive adventure is interrupted by Belsnickel, an evil creature who seeks to ruin Christmas. Belsnickel attacks Santa, but Kate and Teddy use their newfound belief in the magic of Santa to fight him off.

Chapter 6: The Rescue

Belsnickel kidnaps Santa and takes him to the North Pole. Kate and Teddy give chase and confront Belsnickel. They rescue Santa and destroy Belsnickel's evil plan.

Chapter 7: The Christmas Eve Miracle

Santa is grateful for Kate and Teddy's help. He grants them three wishes: a new bike for Teddy, a new doll for Kate, and the return of their captured parents. The siblings celebrate Christmas with their reunited family.

Chapter 8: The Christmas Day Reunion

On Christmas morning, Kate and Teddy wake up to find their presents and their parents home safe. They realize that the magic of Christmas is real and that even the most impossible dreams can come true.

Example:

In Chapter 3, when Kate and Teddy negotiate with Santa, they use their wits and cunning to get what they want. They persuade Santa to give them their presents by promising to help him deliver the remaining ones. This shows the siblings' maturity and their understanding of the spirit of cooperation.