It’s the 5th November and that can only mean one thing – Bonfire Night.
There are numerous displays going on across Gloucestershire in the next few days with the Cheltenham Racecourse display taking place on Saturday 6th.
f you are heading out to a fireworks display or perhaps watching them from the comfort of your own home, here are some wonderful food delights that make for the perfect accompaniment for a night of fireworks and fun.
Food at this time of year is warming and comforting, and even a little indulgent! It is Autumn, after all, and the nights are drawing in. The weather can be a bit cold, so you need something to fill you up. What are the best foods for a bonfire party?
Hot Dogs – nothing beats a good hotdog, whether this of the meat or vegetarian kind. Put together nicely in a bun with ketchup or mustard, perhaps some onions or gherkins as well; this is one of the most popular takeaway snacks that you can enjoy by the bonfire. It’s a great accompaniment to munch on whilst the display is in full swing. The best thing part is they are easy to carry.
Casserole/Hot pot. A big hearty, thick hotpot is also perfect for this time of year. What makes it so perfect is that you can leave it to simmer and keep warm while you and the guests enjoy the festivities. Have a spoon and some bowls ready for everyone so they can help themselves.
Mashed potato. If there is one thing that is a blank canvas for food, then it has to be mashed potato. Just the simple addition of seasoning and butter can change the dish, but there are so many ingredients that you can mix in. A quality Cheddar Cheese, Sweet Potato, Paprika or Mild Curry Power, for example. Cabbage for an Irish Colcannon is famous; some even crumble in a couple of pre-cooked slices of Black pudding.
Soup. Whether it’s a traditional Veg one with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or if you are using up that pumpkins flesh you scooped out for Halloween the week before to make a spicy one, a good soup with some crusty bread and spread is a great Bonfire night dinner. If you want to add a bit of flair to the soup, make it a ciabatta bread or some toasted panini rolls. Make sure you’ve got plenty of butter.
With the main course done, a dessert is probably next on your mind. The traditional choice is flapjacks, soft and gooey or left in a bit longer for a biscuit effect; these bundles of Oats, butter, sugar and honey are incredible. Some choose to use golden syrup instead of sugar; others add a dash of ginger. Like the Mashed Potato, flapjacks are something that you can make additions to for extra style. Mixed fruit and peel or chocolate chips are just two examples.
The other option is an absolute Autumn favourite. Often seen at the funfair, the Toffee apple is one of the most brilliant combinations. The sweet, crunchy toffee mixes with the crispness of the Apple, Cox’s, a British staple being the best, to make a delicious after-dinner treat.