Bonfire Night treats

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Posted at 10:50AM, 03 November 2010 by Carol Wilson - Food writer

I love Bonfire Night, not just for the dazzling fireworks, but also lots of delicious food. I usually invite friends over and always serve something traditional but I also like to add something new each year.

It's bound to be chilly, so a spicy warming soup is always welcome. Pumpkin and squash are plentiful at this time of year so it's easy to rustle up a big pot of tasty soup. If you're cooking for a crowd, Chilli con carne is perfect and can be made well ahead of time.

Baked potatoes always go down well. If you have a bonfire they can be baked on the side of the fire or in the hot ashes; otherwise just cook them in the oven - although they won't have that smoky flavour from the fire! Roast chestnuts are also easy to cook on the fire or in the oven. Sprinkled with a little salt and eaten piping hot they're one of the best winter treats.

You can't beat good old bangers. Everybody loves sausages served in bread rolls with mustard and ketchup

You can't beat good old bangers. Everybody loves sausages served in bread rolls with mustard and ketchup and lots of onions and with the option of vegetarian sausages, everyone can enjoy them. I've come across sausages with pieces of toffee apple in them (a limited edition especially for Bonfire Night) so I'll be cooking those along with the more traditional plain pork or beef. I like to make Pigs in blankets too.

November 5th just wouldn't be right without a generous slice of Parkin, a dark, spicy solid gingerbread made with oatmeal, flour, spices and black treacle - a legacy of my Yorkshire childhood. It must be left for at least a couple of days before eating, as it's rather hard and dry when first baked, and gradually becomes moist and soft when stored in an airtight tin. Gingerbread is not as heavy and this year I'll be making Gingerbread men for children and delectable Chocolate & ginger flapjacks.

Another firm favourite, especially with children, are Toffee apples; crisp and sticky on the outside, soft and sweet inside. Toffee apples are expensive to buy for a crowd, but so easy to make yourself and they taste much nicer too. Still on the sweet treats, Treacle toffee or 'Bonfire Toffee' is a must.

Don't forget the drinks. I make a big bowl of Mulled cider and a non-alcoholic version for children and non drinkers. Ginger wine is very warming and has the added benefit of being inexpensive.

What are your favourite Bonfire Night treats?

Comments

smitty

3 November 2010, 2:00PM
smitty

Ah parkin..I love it. I've only ever seen in it bakers in the north - down south no one seems to have heard of it. I'll be making a big tinful later today. I like to serve pumpkin pie too - although this isn't probably traditional.

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Cassandra Amy Rose

3 November 2010, 3:46PM
Cassandra Amy Rose

I must try to make some toffee apples! We are normally out watching the fireworks on bonfire night so I might have to try and persuade the rest of the family that an indoor food themed party would be just as good a way to 'celebrate'!

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zippy chef!

10 November 2010, 10:13AM
zippy chef!

I love Parkin too (itÂ´s a Yorkshire tradition originally). I make my own. James Martin has a great recipie for it.

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