“Remember, remember the 5th of November, Gunpowder, Treason & Plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason should ever be forgot.” Traditional British Rhyme A lesser known holiday to Americans, tonight is Guy Fawkes Day, aka Bonfire Night, celebrated across the United Kingdom marking the failed attempt of Guy Fawkes to blow up English Parliament on November 5, 1605. Bonfires were set alight on that night when the plot was revealed, celebrating the safety of the King James I and the tradition has continued. For four hundred years, the anniversary is commemorated fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on huge bonfires, and of course lots of warming foods and drinks. Today‘s traditional bonfire treat are flapjacks. Flapjacks in the UK are not the same as pancakes. They are a delicious granola bar which are as addictive as they are nutritious. You can imagine tucking into this treats around the bonfire, sharing insights on this season of Downton with friends, family and neighbors.
The Gunpowder Plot
Guy Fawkes was part of a group of 13 Catholic conspirators who plotted against James I, who was less tolerant towards the Catholic religion than this Mother Elizabeth I who had died a few years earlier. The plan was to blow up the House of Lords, killing the King. Barrels filled with gunpowder were stored in a cellar just under the House of Lords. When it became apparent that innocent people might be killed, an anonymous letter sent to Lord Monteagle warning him to stay away from Parliament on November 5th reached the King. Guy Fawkes, who was in the cellar of the parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, was caught, tortured and executed. The Gunpowder Plot had a profound effect. Since then reigning monarchs only enter Parliament once a year for the State Opening of Parliament. According to custom, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster prior to the opening.
Food and Drink
Downton Dish
ITV is currently broadcasting the latest Season 4 in the UK. In the US and Canada, PBS launches in January (see the countdown clock above). Each week I share Downton news, but if you haven’t seen all seasons (1-4) beware of spoilers below.
- Did you know that Downton has an official Tumbler account? Check it out.
- The History Behind Downton: Chatting about Downton Abbey with Alastair Bruce
- Rob James-Collier’s Thomas on His Role as Thomas: Kissing a Man on Downton
- The Fresh Face of Michelle Dockery: Lady Mary Leads Celebs In BearFaced Campaign For Children In Need
What I will Say about Season 4 Since Downton fans span the globe I am watching along with the UK fans, but promise not to divulge major spoilers before January. I did keep quiet last year (although it was really hard) so I think I can be trusted, mostly. There are a few things I will say about Season 4E7:
- Lady Mary actually cooks…scrambled eggs. I am still in shock.
- Daisy and Ivy are still feuding over Alfred.
- Anna has been harboring a secret, but as Mrs. Hughes says “Its not my secret to tell”
- Lord Grantham travels to America.
With 220 traditional Downton era recipes with a modern twist, this is a great book to have on hand when planning a Downton cocktail party, a romantic dinner, or hearty downstairs meal with family and friends. Book sales help offset my costs in food, equipment and time to keep bringing you new dishes. While the book is available on Amazon, you can only get a signed copy here on my site. If you don’t have an eReader I would suggest the PDF version which allows you to print recipes as you go, if you wish.
Traditional Flapjacks
The British Flapjack is different from the thick pancakes we know in North America. It is amazing comfort food dating back to the 1700s. Lots of flapjack recipes have been handed down from mother to daughter and ongoing debate about whether they should be crunchy or chewy. Some cooks add a pinch of flour to help bind, others reduce the syrup but use chopped dates to bind and provide the sweetness. It always comes down to how your mom made them at home. You can add nuts and dried fruits to make it more nutritious. For me the key ingredient is the golden syrup which is a UK staple with a wonderful lovely mild taste which corn syrup just can’t deliver. Sometimes the best recipes can be the most simple and the one I love has only three ingredients, one pot and a square baking sheet…sort of like our beloved Rice Krispie Treats first developed in 1939 as fundraiser.
Traditional 3 Ingredient English Flapjacks
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup golden syrup *Treacle (see below)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups porridge (quick) oats
Instructions
- Prepare a 9″ square pan by liberally greasing. You can take the extra step of lining with parchment paper to ensure your flapjack comes out cleanly.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Heat the butter and syrup in large saucepan until the butter is thoroughly melted.
- Take off the heat and add most of the oats, coating well, and adding the remainder (reserving some if the mixture looks too dry) so you have a oats that are equally coated with the melted mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly to fill the tin, pressing with a spatula to ensure the top is level.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cut the flapjacks into squares while still warm, and then let cool before removing from the pan.
- You can add a handful of fruits and nuts to create your own family favorite, just make sure you ensure you aren't adding too much so that the flapjack won't stick together.
Notes
Golden Syrup/Treacle
