Remember, remember the 5th of November a night filled with fun, fireworks and of course Bonfire Night food. Bonfire night - also known as Guy Fawkes night - is the 5th November and invariably very cold and sometimes even wet, so warm, comforting and easy to eat bonfire food is needed.
These are my top 10 favorite recipes for Bonfire Night, all will bring a cheer to the festivities and be more than welcome on a cold winters night.
1. Bonfire Toffee - Treacle Toffee Recipe
Photo © RFB photography
At the top of my list of course is Bonfire Toffee. No Bonfire night would be complete without it. Be warned it is extremely moreish, so make plenty.
2. Parkin - Yorkshire Parkin Recipe
Photo © RFB photography
Another Bonfire 'must' is Parkin. Parkin is essentially the northern English form of gingerbread. Different parkins are characterized by where they are made and Yorkshire Parkin, one the most famous, is made using oats. Easy to make, easy to eat and the warming ginger and sweet treacle flavors make it a lovely cake to eat by the fire (it's so good don't keep it just for Bonfire night).
3. Traditional Flapjack - Flapjack Recipe
Photo © RFB Photography
Not to be confused with American flapjack (pancakes) traditional Flapjack is a soft, chewy, cake-like bar made from oats, fruits and golden syrup or treacle. Traditional flapjack is perfect for Bonfire Night as it can be made in advance and brought out on the night and because it is small, very easy to eat.
4. A Warming Cup of Soup
Photo © RFB Photography
How perfect on a cold night in front of the bonfire is a large mug or cup of soup, great for keeping out the chills. Soups can be made well in advance and make bonfire night food really easy as it simply needs to be warmed up. Add some crusty bread to make it even more filling.
5. A Fat Pasty - Cornish Pasty
Photo © istock.com
Easy to make, easy to hold making them easy to eat, Cornish pasties really are a perfect Bonfire night food. Make them even more appealing by serving with Mushy Peas on the side. Yummy.
Watch my video on making a Cornish Pasty
Watch my video on making a Cornish Pasty
6. Great for a Crowd - Shepherd's Pie
Photo © istock.com
Shepherd's Pie is a perfect Bonfire night food if you have a crowd. Make a large one, provide spoons, and then everyone can simply help themselves. Shepherd's Pie is so easy, and cheap, to make it's the perfect food for a crowd.
Watch my video on making a Shepherd's Pie
Watch my video on making a Shepherd's Pie
7. Hearty Fare - Beef Stew and Dumplings
Photo © RFB photography
Beef Stew and Dumplings is guaranteed to keep the cold out. The warming, hearty beef stew, topped with light fluffy dumplings is the perfect insulator on a winters night. Make sure the bowls for serving are large enough as guests will definitely be back for more.
8. For Vegetarians ... Chickpea Curry
Photo © istock.com
Chickpea curry makes a delightful dish for vegetarians (meat-eaters also love it) on Bonfire night, like the dishes above it is warming and filling and easy to eat. Serve with Naan bread or chapatis and you won't even need knives and forks.
9. And to Drink ... Hot Wine
Photo © StockXpert
If hot wine works for skiing and festive celebrations then it is great for Bonfire night. Hot wine with its spices and sugar warms right through. Add a splash of Cognac as suggested here by About.com's Guide to French Food even better!
10. Bangers and Mash - Sausage and Mash Recipe
Photo © StockXpert
Maybe not the easiest to eat but delicious all the same is a big plate of Bangers and Mash. Thick, fat, sizzling sausages with a creamy mash and lashings of onion gravy make it a real comforting food for Bonfire Night.
