Halloween is barely out of the way and it’s time to enjoy the coloured sparks and loud bangs of the fireworks on bonfire night. Local councils across the country will be hosting events with huge bonfires (taking care to keep the hedgehogs safe, of course) and fun fairs for the kids. There’ll be plenty of people marking the occasion at home too, setting rockets and Catherine wheels alight in their gardens.
There’s nothing better than celebrating bonfire night by watching fireworks with a hot dog and a cup of warming mulled cider. Here’s an easy recipe you’ll love for fending off the winter chill.
1 orange, cut into quarters
6 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
2 tsp ground ginger or 3 small pieces of chopped fresh ginger
Pour the cider into the pan and begin to warm gently. Add the orange, cloves, star anise and cinnamon sticks and stir in the ginger.
Heat through without boiling for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid through a sieve into a heat proof jug or straight into mugs.
The non-drinkers can of course use apple juice for a delicious alcohol-free alternative.