This Chica Met – Nigella Lawson
My apologies for the recent radio silence at A Chica Bakes. Despite being a bit MIA, I’m still having some baking fun. And not all of it is in the kitchen. A couple of weeks ago Nigella Lawson did a book signing at Williams Sonoma in NYC and I had the honor of getting a copy of her latest book signed by the witty British cook (or is it chef…I dunno…hehe). This is now the third of Nigella’s books in my collection. All of her books are an excellent value because they come packed with TONS of recipes and gorgeous photos.
Her latest book “Nigella Christmas” is no different. “With her no-nonsense approach, her inspirational ideas and 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.”
“There are mouthwatering recipes with a seasonal twist and simple menus for feeding friends 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 Pud; from goose, rib of beef, stuffed rolled pork, all the way to a special vegetarian Christmas feast, a chocolate pudding for Christmas pudding haters, a French Yule Log, Australian Christmas Pud and the Boozy British Trifle. “
I first learned about Nigella when her show was featured by the Style network some years ago and was instantly attracted by a certain “realness” about her. When she was picked up by the Food Network I was super excited. She’s not everyone’s favorite. But anyone that is ok with being shown on TV enjoying a piece of fried chicken straight from the fridge in the
middle of the night is my kind of girl. 
Some people think I’m a total cornball for treating celebrity chefs like A-List celebs. In my book, they are total super stars because they can share their talents in ways actors and singers can’t. No matter how much I love Mariah Carey (yes I said it!) there is no way I will ever sound like her when I sing. Heck, I can die trying. But I can certainly recreate dishes made by Ina, Bobby, Emeril, Giada and Nigella (yes, I am on first name basis with all of them) and feel like a “celeb” my own way.
And when you get the chance to meet these wonderful artists live and in the flesh and see they are just as real as all of us, that just takes the cake. Nigella was poised, courteous, a total sweetheart and answered everyone’s questions. Oh – and her accent…totally awesome.
Pardon the crappy pic but my camera battery died at the store 
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Paris Pastry — December 16, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
Ohhh my gosh! You met my idol! You're so lucky! I've tried a few recipes from Nigella's Christmas and they are all fantastic. I might buy the book some day. You both look gorgeous!
5 Star Foodie — December 16, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
How neat that you got to meet Nigella Lawson! Awesome!
Tracey — December 16, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
What a blast! The big name chefs never came around me, such a bummer.
Snooky doodle — December 16, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
wow how lucky. This book is on my wish list . I already have two of her books. I love her approach to food
Katrina — December 17, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
I love it that you love celebrity chefs–I do, too! I met Rocco and felt like such a geek because I was so star struck. I love Nigella for her realness, too. My husband can't stand her, but I think she's great and real and has been through a lot in her life!
burpandslurp — December 18, 2009 @ 2:57 am
OMG. she's like my idol. She is SO beautifu,l her recipes are fantastic, I LOVE her accent, she loves food and I love all ppl who love food, and what's more she's got a wicked sense of humor! You're SUCH a lucky duck!
spike. — December 18, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
love Nigella! So fun
Emily — December 19, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
Wow! That is amazing! I love her. Congrats!
Flourchild — December 22, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
So so cool, what a fun experience!
Ingrid — December 23, 2009 @ 4:20 am
Lucky! No one every comes to Florida!Hope you have a wonderful first Christmas as a ol' married lady!
~ingrid
Donna-FFW — December 26, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
You Look gorgeous!
Shandy — December 29, 2009 @ 6:49 pm
Beautiful! Great pic of you with Nigella and I completely agree with you. That is why Julia Child is my hero and has been since I first started learning how to cook some 15 years ago. Eek! I said that out loud. I have to laugh because we truly do gain so much knowledge through age, experience, and friends.
CookiePie — January 4, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
That is so cool!!!! I LOVE Nigella!
Sweet and Savory — January 10, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
You both look great. It must be nice to meet someone who is so qualified in her field and who for all of us, has meaning.She can be as much of a star as the Hollywood idols. It depends on what you value.