Tuesday night, domestic goddess and British best selling author Nigella Lawson came to Houston to promote her new book Nigella Christmas. She has starred on the food network with the shows Nigella Feasts and Nigella Express, as well as starred on the BBC in the UK.  At first, I wasn’t sure if I would want a Christmas cook book. Perhaps I was afraid that the book would only be good for one meal a year. After reading through Nigella’s book, I was happy that I picked it up.  She is incredibly witty and has this great sarcasm and humor that I have only found among the British.  She holds nothing back and tells you exactly what she is thinking. The book reads as if you were having a friendly conversation with her about her foodie philosophy.  Of course her book contains the classic Christmas dinners of ham, turkey, and goose, but it also contains great non-traditional recipes that could be made year around.  Bourbon glazed ribs, tortilla soup, and off-the-wall recipes such as pumpkin and goat cheese lasagna are featured.   The book also covers cocktails, what to do with leftovers, and even how to make your own edible Christmas gifts.  It truly is a foodie adventure with a personal touch. She is modest and takes a laid back approach to the Christmas table.  She reminds us that we are there to have a good time and relax with family and friends, not to be stressed about having the perfect banquet.  I have always thought of a prime rib roast as extremely British.  I told Nigella I was thinking of cooking her rib roast recipe for Christmas and she said, “I guess you have to have beef around these parts.”  I guess it could be quite Texan after all to have that celebratory mountain of beef on the table!  If you want some unique ideas for your Christmas this season, along with a realistic approach, pick up Nigella Christmas.  Her personality will entertain you as much as the food!