Blog from Cheshire Franchise
Guy Fawkes Day has to be one of the longest-serving English traditions, as many of us still love getting cosy in our bobble hats and woollen gloves while we watch magnetic firework displays fill the night sky.
November 5th might have originally been celebrated in honour of the failed Gunpowder Plot, when the Houses of Parliament were nearly blown up in 1605.
However, over 400 years later, the reason a lot of us still enjoy getting together has more to do with the warming glow of the bonfire and the inviting scent of mulled wine.
That’s why Bonfire Night is a great time to have a party and invite friends or family around, getting children involved in this event, which has become both cultural and historic.
If you’re hosting a Guy Fawkes Night shindig this year, here are some ideas of what you can serve that both little ones and adults will enjoy.
1) Chilli
When thinking of a menu, it is important to remember that this is unlikely to be a sit down affair. Guests will want to grab something to eat that they can enjoy standing up, either milling around and chatting with each other or watching the impressive firework spectacle.
That’s why it is a good idea to have either chilli con carne or a veggie chilli in the slow cooker. This way, guests can serve themselves bowls of the rich stew, and it will still be warm whenever they want to tuck in.
2) Hot dogs
Again, what is something warm people can eat while standing up? The answer is hot dogs.
Make yours taste exceptional by picking good-quality sausages and serving in brioche buns with sticky cider onions and a dollop of mayonnaise and mustard dressing.
These will be a hit with both children and adults. However, if you want to make your hot dogs a bit fancier for parents, you could jazz your selection up by adding some kimchi, stilton and cranberry sauce, or pickled beetroot slaw on top.
3) Cheesy bonfire bread
Whether this is enjoyed dipped into creamy tomato soup or on its own, cheesy bonfire bread is a winner on cold autumn evenings.
This tear-and-share bread is stuffed with cheddar, roasted peppers, and pumpkin seeds, making it a hearty accompaniment for Bonfire Night.
The best thing is it can be made ahead and frozen, giving hosts one less thing to worry about on the day of their party.
4) Black peas
Black peas is a traditional Lancashire meal for this time of the year, so if you are originally from the county or live there now, this is a great choice as a November 5th dish.
Made from pre-soaked black peas, vinegar and vegetable stock, this mushy dish is surprisingly moreish.
You can serve in disposable cups, so friends and family can warm themselves up by chowing down on this while they stand outside.
5) Loaded potato skins
Another autumnal recipe you could serve for Bonfire Night is loaded potato skins.
A great thing about this recipe is it can be tailored to your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions, loading them with pretty much anything you want.
One tasty suggestion is a soured cream and chive dip with shredded ham on top and a sprinkling of melted cheddar cheese.
These can be kept warm under the grill, so there’s no time pressure when it comes to serving them, which is ideal when you’re trying to manage a home firework display at the same time as serving food.
Kids are sure to love this recipe, and it’s a great way to get some fibre, protein and dairy into them before they seek out all the traditional Bonfire Night desserts you might want to serve, from Yorkshire parkin and treacle to smores and toffee apples.
For some healthy Bonfire Night recipes kids will love to eat, look at our other blog here.
Youngsters are sure to love helping you to prepare your party dishes, so don’t be afraid to let them in the kitchen. They can really improve their skills by attending children cooking parties, clubs and workshops, making them very useful sous chefs for all your future social events.