Bonfire Night Treats

Bonfire Night Treats: A Taste of Tradition

There’s something special about Bonfire Night; the crisp air, the smell of woodsmoke, and the sight of fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s one of those evenings that brings people together, and no celebration is complete without something delicious to eat.

While we might serve up a few modern favourites at our autumn events, we still have a soft spot for the traditional Bonfire Night treats that have stood the test of time. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and full of flavour, the kind of food that feels like home.

Treacle Toffee

Also known as “Bonfire Toffee” or “Tom Trot”, this dark, brittle sweet has been part of November celebrations for many years. Made from black treacle, golden syrup, and butter, it was once an affordable way to make something special for the family before fireworks filled the skies.

For us, it’s a treat that brings back lovely memories, my nan used to make big trays of treacle toffee every year, and we’d have great fun smashing it into pieces with her little toffee hammer. Simple pleasures, but the kind that stick with you forever.

Toffee Apples

A true childhood favourite, toffee apples became popular in the early 1900s when autumn apples were in abundance. Coated in shiny, hard caramel, they’re simple but full of joy; the perfect mix of crisp fruit and sticky sweetness. They’ve been a staple of fairs, school fundraisers, and bonfire parties ever since.

Parkin

If you’re from the North, Bonfire Night wouldn’t be complete without a slice of parkin. This sticky ginger cake, made with oatmeal, treacle, and syrup, dates back to the 18th century and is thought to have originated in Yorkshire.

Our own chef, Ian, happens to be from Yorkshire himself so, of course, he has his own special recipe. It’s rich, dark, and beautifully spiced, the kind of cake that tastes even better a few days after it’s baked. Perfect with a mug of tea by the fire.

Warming Up the Night

Beyond the sweets, Bonfire Night has always been about hearty, simple food that keeps you warm outdoors; baked potatoes wrapped in foil, sausages on the grill, and mugs of steaming hot chocolate. It’s that mix of sweetness, smoke, and community that makes the evening so memorable.

And speaking of warming food… we’ll be serving up our favourites at the Brinscall Cricket Club

Bonfire on Saturday 8th November including hotdogs, pie and peas, and our infamous chunky beef chilli. So if you’re coming along, make sure you arrive hungry!

At The Busy Food Company, we love celebrating these seasonal traditions. Whether it’s a family gathering, a community event, or an autumn menu for one of our clients, we always find ways to bring those comforting flavours to the table.

So this November, light the fire, wrap up warm, and enjoy a taste of the season sticky, spiced, and made to share.