As the skies explode with shimmering fireworks this Bonfire Night, why not let your tastebuds join the party? Acclaimed food writer Nigel Slater has concocted an irresistible feast that perfectly captures the smoky, spicy essence of the autumn celebration. From sticky-sweet maple glazed sausages to crispy kimchi potato cakes with a kick, warming mulled cider to nibble-friendly chilli cheese biscuits, these recipes are sure to light up your night.
Maple Glazed Sausages: Sweet and Savory Perfection
The star of Slater’s Bonfire Night menu is undoubtedly the maple glazed sausages. Forget boring bangers – these plump, juicy sausages are seared to mahogany perfection, then tossed with a generous glug of maple syrup until they’re gleaming and caramelized. The result is an addictive balance of sweet and savory that will have you licking your fingers.
Bravery and a close eye on the progress of the sausages will be rewarded as their skins turn a rich, burnished mahogany and take on a glossy, deeply savoury note.
Tips for perfect glazed sausages:
- Choose good quality, plump sausages with high meat content
- Cook low and slow to render the fat and caramelize the glaze
- Turn regularly for even color
- Glaze generously at the end of cooking
Kimchi Potato Cakes: Crispy, Spicy, Addictive
To balance out the sweet sausages, Slater pairs them with crispy golden potato cakes spiked with spicy, sour kimchi and warming gochujang chilli paste. The combination of fluffy, floury potato and punchy fermented cabbage is so moreish, you’ll be fighting over the last cake.
They will come with potato cakes, soft and floury, spiked with the sourness of kimchi and the warmth of gochujang.
Secrets to the perfect kimchi cakes:
- Steam, don’t boil the potatoes for a fluffy texture
- Finely chop the kimchi so it disperses evenly
- Chill the formed cakes so they hold their shape
- Fry in batches in fresh oil for maximum crispness
Spiced Cider and Chilli Cheese Biscuits
To wash it all down, Slater suggests a steaming mug of spiced apple juice or mulled cider fragrant with cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. Nibble on his moreish chilli cheese biscuits on the side – crumbly parmesan shortbreads with a warming hint of Aleppo pepper that will have you reaching for more.
Watching the spluttering and banging outside, we will probably want something warm to hold – a glass of mulled wine perhaps or even better, a spot of hot, spiced apple juice.
Spiced Cider Tips:
- Toast the spices first for maximum aroma
- Steep with thinly sliced apples
- Adjust sweetness to taste with honey
- Add a glug of Calvados or brandy for an adult kick
Chilli Cheese Biscuits:
For the ultimate cheesy, spicy mouthful, Nigel Slater’s chilli cheese biscuits are hard to beat. A buttery, parmesan-loaded shortbread dough is spiked with a pinch of Aleppo pepper for gentle heat, then baked until crisp and golden. The perfect little bite to pop into your mouth between sips of spiced cider.
This year, I shall be passing round a plate of crumbly cheese biscuits, too.
So, as you gather round the bonfire this November 5th, skip the same old sausages and beans and elevate your Bonfire Night with Nigel Slater’s warming, spice-filled feast. From sweet and savory maple sausages, to spicy, crispy kimchi cakes, mulled cider and moreish chilli biscuits, these recipes are sure to take your celebrations to delicious new heights. Just be sure to make extra – these dishes are so good, they’ll be gone in a flash, just like the fireworks!
