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Food with a bang
On Bonfire Night, we all love wrapping up warm and watching the fireworks. But for most people, it’s a great excuse to forget the diet and indulge in hearty winter warmers.
From chunky stews and baked potatoes to apple pie and cream, the list of treats is endless. So follow our culinary suggestions to ensure your night goes off with a bang.
You say potato, I say potato
The king of bonfire cuisine has to be the baked potato. Not only is it warm and filling, but it’s easy to make, too. Simply wrap the spud in foil, then place it in the fire. After 20-30 minutes, it should be crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Then smother with creamy butter and top with chilli or cheese. Delicious.
Terrific toffee
Most kids will turn up their nose at beef stew and dumplings. Toffee apples, however, are a different story. These sticky treats are always a hit with children, especially if they’re creating them. So make a bowl of melted toffee, with small dishes of nuts, Rice Krispies and sweets, then let them run riot.
Winter warmer
Bonfire night just wouldn’t be the same without chilli. Forget wearing a hat and gloves – all you need is a plateful of this fiery classic. Whether it’s drizzled over baked potatoes or served with white rice and soured cream, it’s got more warmth than a dozen radiators.
Bonfire brew
When it comes to drinks, you can’t beat warm, spicy wine. Simply boil half a cup of water for five minutes, then add sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Now add red wine, along with sliced orange and lemon segments. Keep on a low heat for 40 minutes, then strain and serve for a tasty seasonal brew.
Stewed to perfection
If you really want to soak up the chill, there’s nothing better than a boisterous stew. With hunks of meat and plenty of chunky vegetables, it’s perfect for keeping hunger at bay. And best of all, it can be poured into a wide-necked flask for easy use.
Naughty but nice
If you’re making desserts, there’s one simple rule – forget about calories. They must be gooey, sticky and packed with all the things we hate to love. Think blackberry pie, treacle tart and sticky toffee pudding, all smothered with double cream. So forget the diet and dive into pure culinary indulgence.
Chestnuts roasting...
Roasted chestnuts have long been a favourite Guy Fawkes’ snack. But there’s more to them than meets the eye. They can be chopped up and added to desserts, blended with red wine to make a smooth pâté, or mixed with meat and vegetables for a flavoursome winter stew.
Sweet as a nut
For a modern twist on a vintage classic, swap baked potatoes for the sweet variety. Simply cut them into quarters and season with chunky sea salt. Then wrap them in foil and place onto the bonfire or barbecue grill. Keep turning for around 15-30 minutes, when they should be soft, delicious and ready to eat.
