Bonfire Night signals the start of winter, and as such it’s fun to indulge in all the things that make winter such fun. These include getting comfy in your warm clothing, and huddling around a fire on a chilly evening. As you enjoy the November fireworks, and the requisite ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ fill their air, your mind will inevitably turn towards the other great thing about the season – winter grub. From warm and filling comfort food, to enticingly sweet treats, we run down our favourite foods to tuck into this Bonfire Night.
Roast Chestnuts
A favourite winter-time favourite for well over a century, this warm and delicious snack is enjoyed across Europe and Asia, as well as being an established tradition in New York City. If you fancy making yours at home, they’re easy to prepare. Just cut a cross into the skin of each chestnut, then bake at 200C/gas mark 6 for 30 minutes. Serve them up in a paper bag to prevent condensation turning them soggy, and simply peel back the outer skin of each one to eat.
Toffee Apples
A staple of this time of year, the humble toffee apple makes an appearance at numerous wintertime activities. These usually involve Halloween, fairgrounds, Christmas markets, and of course Bonfire Night. You won’t struggle to find stalls selling them at most of these events but they’re also very easy to make in the kitchen. Just melt everyday dairy toffee in a saucepan, then skewer your apples with lolly sticks and drizzle the caramelised toffee evenly. Finally, dip your toffee apples in whatever candy toppings you like, and leave them to set and harden on a baking tray.
Bonfire Toffee
The ultimate bonfire treat, Bonfire Toffee is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Also known as Treacle Toffee, this hard and brittle candy is flavoured with molasses – a black treacle – which traces its origins back to the late Middle Ages. Later popularised in Northern England in the 19th century, Bonfire Toffee was generally made at home and handed out to children as a luxury treat for November 5th. Numerous recipes exist, but for a truly authentic flavour, we’d recommend you track down a traditional sweet shop, who’ll happily hammer out 100g for you.
Baked Potatoes
Nothing says warm and satisfying quite like a baked potato. This savoury classic became synonymous with bonfire night because until the early 20th century, they were often baked within the bonfire itself. These days, numerous factors such as home ovens, microwaves, food vans, and of course fire safety advice, mean that this tradition is best left in the past. If you’re at a professional display, you may be lucky enough to have a spud van on the grounds. If you’re organising a bonfire party at home, you doubtless have your own preferred cooking method and topping. But for our money, you can’t beat the classic cheese and beans combo.
Roasted hog
If you’re hosting a larger fireworks party, either for friends and family at home, or as part of an organised display, you’ll probably want to think about catering. What better way to keep your guests warm and well fed than with a whole roasted hog, filling the crisp night air with a delicious aroma? Here at The Roasting Pig, we cater to parties of all sizes, providing bespoke menus to cater hog roasts to any requirement. Contact us today to organise a 5th of November that people really will remember, remember.