Autumn treats: try this mulled cider recipe with homemade bonfire toffee

Hand out this deliciously comforting mulled cider recipe accompanied by bonfire toffee next time you organise a get-together in the garden and you will be flavour of the month. They're super-quick to make, and are perfect for parties and those special moments around the bonfire or fire pit.

The spiced cider features a mix of cinnamon sticks and cloves sweetened with a choice of either salted caramel or sweet orange marmalade. Serve in mugs garnished with dried or fresh apple slices and add a cinnamon stick (the recipe serves 8). The sweetness of the toffee recipe is countered by bitter orange marmalade and it makes a delicious fireside treat, either indoors or out. The recipe makes about 20 toffees. We suggest using a sugar thermometer for toffee and caramel recipes. They’re not expensive and ensure a perfect result every time.

For more al fresco recipes for Halloween and bonfire night, take a look at our guide to the best BBQ recipes (yep, you can still use them when it's cold!).

• With thanks to Bonne Maman for sharing these recipes

MULLED CIDER RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1.5 litres dry cider
• 2 long cinnamon sticks, quartered, plus extra to garnish
• 4 whole star anise or cloves
• 2 tbsp Bonne Maman Sweet Orange Marmalade or Salted Caramel
• splash of French Brandy, optional 
• fresh or dried apples slices, to garnish

Method

1. Put all the ingredients, except the brandy and the garnish in a large pan. Heat gently over a low heat for 20 minutes. Don’t allow the liquid to boil as this will make the spices bitter and burn off the alcohol. 

2. Pour the cider into mugs and add a splash of brandy, if using. Add some fresh or dried apple slices to garnish and a cinnamon stick to stir. 

3. For a non-alcoholic version use a good pressed apple juice.

BONFIRE TOFFEE RECIPE

Ingredients

• 75g golden syrup
• 75g black treacle
• 50g Bonne Maman Bitter Orange Marmalade
• 125g light soft brown sugar
• 75g butter
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Method

1. Line a shallow baking tray with non-stick baking parchment.

2. Measure all the ingredients into a deep, heavy-based pan and place over a gentle heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the sugars dissolved. 

3. Turn up the heat slightly and bring to the boil. Bubble until the mixture reaches 140C on a sugar thermometer then pour into the lined tray. 

4. Wait until the toffee is cool enough to handle then cut into even pieces with scissors. Roll each piece of toffee into a ball or fat log shape and wrap in waxed paper. Store in an airtight jar and it will keep for up to a month (unlikely to last beyond the day it's made though...)

READ MORE:

• Caramel and apple tart recipe
• The best BBQ recipes 
• The best pizza oven recipes