There’s something about bonfire night, isn’t there? Even though there may be some confusion about whether or not Guy Fawkes did the world a favor―at least there’s reason and more to celebrate! Here are some bonfire night food ideas to liven up the party.
The cool night air, the moon (or lack of one), and the warmth of the flames crackling merrily away, make an irresistible combination that can brighten even the wettest blanket―throw in some marshmallows, sit back, and watch the fireworks, and life is pretty darn good. Up the celebration ante with some super bonfire night food ideas, kick back, and relax. The recipes below are both easy and great tasting―a winning combination if there ever was one. Marinate meats in advance, keep plenty of tissue handy, and prepare to take a bow―these are some easy party food ideas to get you started.
Oven-baked potatoes, toffee apples, pork pies, and mulled wine―the list of traditional bonfire night food is enough to make you hungry just reading it. Stick jacket potatoes into the fire for a lovely flavor and keep the cider flowing, serve up some soup with warm crusty bread, while everyone toasts marshmallows on skewers. For a simple twist on the traditional though, take a look at some recipes below. Each recipe serves 4.
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Drumsticks
Ingredients
- Skinless chicken drumsticks – 12
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Tomato ketchup – 4 tbsp
- Honey – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Chili powder – 2 tsp
- Fresh black pepper – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius, Gas Mark 4).
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, ketchup, honey, and spices, then crush the garlic, and mix in well. Coat the drumsticks generously with this mixture, then place on a greased baking sheet.
- Place in the center of the oven, and bake for 30 – 40 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Serve warm, with mashed potatoes.
Bonfire Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- Sweet corn cobs – 4
- Butter – 3 oz
- Chopped parsley – 1 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice – a dash
Method
- Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, then gently add the cobs; boil for approximately 6 minutes. Drain and cool.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, parsley, salt, pepper and lime juice – cream together till combined.
- Place each corn cob on a piece of aluminum foil, coat with butter, then fold the foil to seal.
- Place in the fire to roast for about 20 minutes, then remove carefully from the foil, and serve.
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- Cooking apples – 4
- Demerara sugar – 8 tbsp
- Cinnamon powder – 2 tsp
- Raisins – 4 tbsp
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius, Gas Mark 4).
- Core the apples, without cutting all through to the base, leaving a well-like hole in the center. Score each with a few marks on the outer surface.
- In a bowl, mix together the demerara sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Set aside two tablespoons of the mixture.
- Fill each apple with the sugar mixture, and place in a shallow, greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved mixture over the tops.
- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the sugar has caramelized.
- Serve warm with vanilla custard or ice cream.
These ideas are both simple and filling. Plus, they can be prepared in advance, leaving you free to enjoy the fireworks. Keep warm by the fire, and don’t forget the marshmallows!
