Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas will help us feel very festive and give us some great recipe ideas inspired by the famous Dutch city, TV chef Nigella Lawson has been visiting Amsterdam during the festive season for decades, and in Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas on BBC One, she’s taking us along for the ride.
With its Christmas fairs and the lights glittering over the canals, the city certainly inspires festive feasting, and we join Nigella as she visits markets and artisan food shops to collect the ingredients for her sumptuous Christmas dishes.
“There's nothing better than being able to share enthusiasm and joy, and I look forward to showing viewers the unique magic of Amsterdam at Christmas and unveiling new recipes that, while drawn from the history, culture and ingredients of this breathtakingly beautiful city, give ideas for fabulous, fuss-free feasting here at home,” says Nigella.
So, get ready to embrace the Christmas spirit. Here’s everything you need to know about the series Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas…
Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas release date
Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas is a one-off special that will air on BBC1 on Thursday December 21 at 8pm, and also be available on BBCiPlayer.
What happens in Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas?
Nigella Lawson is sharing her love for Amsterdam at Christmastime, taking us on a very personal visit to her favourite spots, which include Christmas fairs and specialist food shops.
Inspired by Amsterdam’s Dutch and Indonesian culinary influences, she’ll pick up the ingredients she needs for festive feasting, and then, back home, she’ll create dishes that are both celebratory and simple. She treats us to some warming Dutch delights, including classic spiced speculaas biscuits and a no-bake Advocaat and ginger cake packed with nuts, figs, cream and gingerbread.
"I’m always bowled over by how beautiful Amsterdam is at this time of year – it’s magical," says Nigella, 63. "We’re celebrating that gorgeous, warming, twinkly sense of Christmasiness, and I’m very excited to unveil my new recipes, too!"
Interview: Nigella Lawson on Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas
What can viewers look forward to in Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas?
Nigella says: "That cosiness, warmth and feeling of festive companionship, which is what the Dutch would call ‘gezellig’ – that’s exactly what this Christmas Special celebrates. But of course there’s more to it than just getting in the mood – it’s also about sharing ideas for stress-busting deliciousness over the season!
What do you most enjoy about visiting Amsterdam at Christmas?
Nigella says: "It’s such a vibrant, modern city but one infused with such a rich sense of history – you can feel the bustle of the past in the liveliness of the present. I can never get enough of walking through the lit up canal-side streets lined with those exquisite, narrow 17th-century houses. There’s just something about the way the lights sparkle on water that sends ripples of Christmasiness through me. And of course, you can’t go to Amsterdam at this time of year without going to a few of their Christmas markets – they’re just magical!
There are some fantastic dishes in this special – why did you choose these particular recipes?
Nigella says: "I adore a bit of Christmas baking, so knew I wanted to do a manageable take on speculaas, the wonderful Dutch gingerbread biscuits. I also turned to Amsterdam’s Indonesian food culture for inspiration for an aromatic chicken biryani which, now I come to think of it, could also be turned into a dish to use up some of your Christmas turkey! A showstopper of a cake always comes in handy over Christmas, but there’s always so much to get done and I wanted it to be easy to make when the pressure’s on, and my no-bake Advocaat and Ginger Cake is just that!"
You also love surprises. So are there any recipe surprises we can look forward to?Nigella says: "Yes, I kick the show off with a rollicking cocktail that I just can’t wait to share with everyone! And bearing in mind how central the cheeseboard is to our Christmas eating pleasure, I’ve also turned one very traditional Dutch Christmas cookie into cheese biscuits of utter delight. Plus, of course, the liquorice box is back. They take their liquorice very seriously in Amsterdam – as do I – and I’m hoping I’ve come up with a recipe that even those who are not hardcore liquorice-lovers will enjoy!"
Do you have any advice for people trying to manage the stress of a busy Christmas dinner?
Nigella says: "I’d say the essential thing is to pace yourself. If everything has to be done at the last minute, it becomes unmanageable and a recipe for frayed nerves. For example, I make the dough for my speculaas biscuits in advance and most of the biryani is made ahead as well. The Advocaat and ginger cake involves nothing more than a bit of laid-back layering and can sit patiently in the fridge until needed, too. I’m interested in recipes that make life easier as well as more delicious!"
What is it you particularly love about this time of year?
Nigella says: "That sense of cocooning at home when it’s cold and dark outside. There’s a warm glow that comes from fairy lights and candles that’s utterly transporting. All I want to add to that is good food, my family and my friends!"
All about Nigella Lawson
Chef Nigella Lawson is the daughter of the late Conservative politician Nigel Lawson, who was Chancellor of the Exchequer in Mrs Thatcher's government.
She started her first series Nigella Bites in 1999 then went on to front Forever Summer with Nigella in 2002 and Nigella in 2005. She’s also made Nigella Express, Nigella Feasts, Nigellissima and Nigella Kitchen and been a judge on MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef UK. Nigella made a voice cameo on Modern Family in 2014.
Nigella’s previous festive shows and book
Nigella’s indulgent recipes are a staple at Christmas time, bringing some festive magic to both our screens and dining tables. In the past, she’s presented the festive shows Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen, Simply Nigella – Christmas Special, Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat Christmas Special and Nigella’s Christmas Table.
She also helped us recreate her festive wonders at home, with her cookbook Nigella Christmas: Food, Family, Friends, Festivities.
Is there a trailer for Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas Special?
There's no trailer for Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas Special yet, but we can’t wait to see what festive treats Nigella is going to rustle up this time. So, when the BBC releases one, we’ll post it here.
