Now I have a bit of a confession to make. I went a little bit crazy at the weekend when the new stock came into Get The Label. I thought to myself: “The weather is getting very cold, I’ve not got enough jackets/hats/gloves to help me survive, so I must must must buy MORE!” This thought was swiftly followed by me logging onto the site and getting very ‘click happy’.

But after my little spree, I am satisfactorily kitted out in everything to help me brave the cold British weather, just in time for Bonfire night! There is nothing worse than standing there, holding a sparkle, while shivering like a scared rabbit, so this year I am prepared!

In addition to my outfit (the most important thing of course) I had to think about the food for the evening. Treacle toffee, treacle apples and hot pot are my three favourite things to munch on throughout the evening and all are fairly easy to make at home, especially the treacle apples. I love tucking into a tray of hot pot, warming up my hands at the same time! Sorry everyone around the UK, but this traditional Lancashire version is the best!

Traditional Lancashire Hot Pot….

Serves 4

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 750g diced lamb
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 carrots, cut into chunky pieces
- 500ml lamb stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 750g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 15g butter, optional

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170C, gas mark 3. Heat the oil in a large casserole with a lid. Add the meat and fry over a high heat until browned on all sides (you may have to do this in batches). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onions and carrots to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the lamb to the pan and pour over the stock. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and thyme sprigs and season.
3. Arrange the potatoes over the top and dot the butter (if using) over them. Season, then cover and transfer to the oven.
4. Cook for 1½ hours, then remove the lid and cook for a further 1 hour.

Hectic Mum Top Tip: serve it with red cabbage and lots of tomato Ketchup!

Funnily enough i came across a band called the ’Lancashire Hot Pots’ on the radio the other day so it only seems appropriate to insert a sample of their witty music here(haha!)

If you want to have a bash at making toffee apples whilst listening to the ‘Lancashire Hot Pots’ then this VideoJug ‘How to’ video shows you how to do it!

Enjoy!!