Nigella Christmas »

With her passionate approach to food -- both preparing and eating it -- and rugged, rich recipes, British gourmet goddess Nigella Lawson has given a kick to American kitchens with her popular television show, Nigella Bites, and her series of quirky cookbooks.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, for tradition and treats. But, let's face it, when the pressure to feed and entertain builds up, the festive season can start to lose its sparkle . . .

That's where Nigella comes in. With her no-nonsense approach, her inspirational ideas, and her empathy for the practical realities of the season-combined here with reliable, easy-to-follow recipes and reassuring advice about planning and cooking ahead-Nigella Christmas is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy and make sure the season of good will stays that way.

Here is everything you could wish for to make your life and your Christmas easy and enjoyable: from party canapés, cocktails, and manageable mass catering, to scrumptious Christmas cakes and puddings; from no-fuss brunches to quick-and-easy homemade presents (chutneys, preserves, and other delectable standbys) and edible tree decorations. There are mouth-watering recipes with a seasonal twist, and simple menus for feeding friends and family over the extended holiday season with minimum stress and maximum enjoyment.

And, of course, exciting and inspiring variations for the Main Event itself-from her traditional super-juicy turkey with all the trimmings, to festive ginger-glazed ham and the Ultimate Christmas Pudding; from goose, rib of beef, and stuffed rolled pork, all the way to a special vegetarian Christmas feast, a chocolate pudding, a French Yule Log, an Australian Christmas Pudding, and The Boozy British Trifle.

Nigella's cakes, as always, gladden the heart-and, like many of the recipes here, are at home all year round-but her At-a-Glance Christmas Lunch Countdown, together with make-aheadand freeze-ahead tips throughout, can help take the stress and strain out of the season. With its glorious illustrations, Nigella Christmas will surely be a perennial favorite-the book we will all reach for, for inspiration and reassurance, when Christmas comes around each year.

Publishers Weekly

U.K. celebrity chef Lawson (How to Eat, Nigella Bites, etc.) tackles Christmas in this warm, welcoming collection. Lawson's roundup of updated classics should provide a solid foundation for constructing an elaborate dinner menu or a simple cocktail party; alternately, readers can use one of Nigella's menus, centered around roast turkey, goose, pork or beef-as well as a vegetarian lineup featuring roasted pumpkin stuffed with a ginger and tomato sauce-that come complete with a Martha Stewart-worthy timeline and tips for handling leftovers. Daytime entertainers will appreciate Lawson's ideas for brunch, including an Espresso Martini and Pumpkin Pancakes with Sticky Maple Pecans, as well as recommendations for mulled wine, hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps, and her Poinsettia cocktail, a combination of sparkling wine, Cointreau and cranberry juice. Though bakers may be weary of committing to a fruitcake or the intimidating Buche De Noel cake, Sticky Gingerbread and Lawson's chocolate cake-laced with cinnamon, cloves, and a Cointreau cream frosting-offer toothsome, worry-free alternatives. Gifts are also covered, including Vanilla Sugar, Dried Cherries in Cherry Brandy, infused vodkas and peanut brittle. Lawson's fans and those who've been looking for a solid Christmas cookbook will find this a valuable addition to the bookshelf, but anyone with a reliable Christmastime canon may find it redundant.
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