The spooky ones have had their fun and as we enter November, thoughts turn to bonfire parties. Make the most of those chilly nights by getting together friends and family in the great outdoors around a roaring fire.
The building of the bonfire can be an event in itself. Encourage everyone to get outside and gather sticks and twigs and maybe old pallets from your local building supplier. You don’t necessarily need a large space - a firepit will work equally well. The key is to create a warm and happy atmosphere with a festive spirit and relaxed vibe.
Next up plan your menu. Keep it traditional with warming soups, baked potatoes and marshmallows. Again, we like to get everyone involved. Children love to make sausage rolls; mixing herbs and sausage meat, rolling pastry, and glazing with beaten egg. Add chilli jam, mustard, or apple to make the sausage rolls extra special. Spinach and ricotta rolls are delicious for vegetarians.
Soup is essential. Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook has a staggering 40 different soup recipes using seasonal produces available from farmers markets, your local greengrocer or supermarket, or better still your vegetable garden. Warm your guests with flavoursome squash and cumin soup, sweet and earthy chard and coconut soup or the winning combination of celeriac and apple. Serve your choice in cheerful mugs with a country theme; bone china mugs with amusing messages will add to the party spirit.
Pile a basket with fresh, crusty bread and wrap large potatoes in foil and nestle in the embers for a truly authentic baked potato.
Make a batch of parkin, much loved for those squidgy oats combined with spicy cinnamon and ginger or a treacle tart pre-cut into small slices so it can be eaten in the hands.
Finally, piles of marshmallows are a must for toasting or making s’mores. Provide squares of kitchen foil large enough to wrap the treat in. Add a biscuit and a square of chocolate flowed by a marshmallow and a second biscuit. Wrap up the parcel tightly. Warm by the fire for about 2 minutes until the chocolate and marshmallows have just melted. Yum!
For a final sugar rush, offer rich, indulgent hot chocolate made with milk, high quality chocolate and a dash of single cream. A glass of mulled cider is a great option for the adults.
Dig out a few camping chairs, wrap up in cosy coats, scarves, hats and gloves and grab a torch ready for the fun. Bisley Key Ring Torches are ideal for attaching to little children’s coats as there is far less chance of both the children and the torch getting lost!
Finally, cross your fingers for a dry night and enjoy the party!