It’s Christmas Eve and in this episode I’ll be bringing in the evergreens, as tradition dictates, burning the Yule log in the fireplaces of my old home, and getting organised for tomorrow – making the gravies, cooking a parsnip loaf, and whipping up some brandy butter. We open our presents, and I’ll talk you through my recipe for a hot-smoked fish and leek pie – my unshakeable habit of making a fish dish on Christmas Eve has never wavered – and a good, nicely balanced brandy butter to effortlessly melt into your steaming pudding tomorrow evening.

In this episode we’ll find ourselves staring at the winter sky – the blazing clarity of the stars – and settle in the gentleness of its glow. We’ll make a wreath, put together some ever-useful terrines, and pair our cheeses with the perfect wine. There’s also a word of praise for the much-maligned drink of the season: a simple, spiced mulled wine.

In this episode we’ll talk about the lightest of all breads: panettone, and my love affair with the sweetly scented, thickly sliced cake. Carols, the traditional sound of Christmas, will have their time to shine; and I’ll give you my recipe for roast cauliflower with carrot hummus, a dinner of quiet comfort, and panettone ice cream: one more way to use this delightful cake over the festive season.

In this episode we’ll embrace the warmth of winter - the scented juices flowing from the kitchen, the soft lights of my home – as well as the sharp flavours of pickled quinces and rhubarb that will brighten your senses. I’ll also talk you through my recipe for pickled rhubarb and salmon and a baked apple mascarpone fool – sharp followed by sweet, the perfect way to liven and, then, settle.

In this episode we’ll talk about the art of choosing and decorating a perfectly-cut Christmas tree – the lights, jewels, and baubles that festoon the branches – and its importance as a symbol of the season. I’ll also give you my recipe for a fine, fruity chutney to accompany you through the winter months and brighten those stews, casseroles, and pies that sustain us in the cold.

In this episode I’ll tell you a little more about my early family Christmas’, we’ll explore the mercifully unsweet, crisp biscuit that is Lebkuchen, and I’ll tell you my recipe for roast duck with pearl barley and red cabbage, as well as some passion fruit cream buns to bring a little sunshine to these cold, icy days.

In this episode we’ll continue our tour of Nuremberg and take in the magnificence of the city’s Christmas windows. I’ll explain my deep, life-long love of the cold months, and give you my recipe for traditional mince pies to welcome in December…

Join Nigel Slater on a walk through midwinter, all the way up to Christmas Day. There’ll be recipes for some of your festive favourites and some new ideas to excite your palate in these cold months. You'll take a tour of the Christmas markets, cook some sticky treats, spice the wine, and wind your way through the season to Christmas Day.