Are you a slow, golden toaster or do you like yours a little bit charred?
Most of our food comes out of a microwave, a toaster or a packet. Quick and easy, but rarely something we pause to enjoy.
This week, why not take 15 minutes for a little hygge moment and toast something over an open flame? Marshmallows, bread, crumpets or a banana with chocolate. Slow food, in the best possible way.
A slightly burnt marshmallow still counts.
Make it cosy
Before you start toasting, gather:
- A safe flame, a fire pit, campfire or wood burner with the door open under supervision
- Long toasting forks or skewers
- Something to toast, marshmallows, thick bread or crumpets
- Butter, jam or chocolate biscuits for afterwards
- A blanket and a warm drink
Your 15 minutes of toasting
- Wait for the embers. Glowing coals toast far better than tall flames.
- Load your fork. Push your treat firmly onto the end of the skewer.
- Hold it near, not in. Keep it just above the heat.
- Turn it slowly. Rotate gently until it is golden all over.
- Savour it. Let it cool a moment, then enjoy every warm mouthful.
Slow it right down
Toasting cannot be rushed. Hurry it and it burns. That is what makes it such a lovely little lesson in patience.
As you toast, try to notice:
- The colour changing from pale to golden brown
- The sweet, smoky smell drifting up
- The heat on your hands and face
- The crisp outside and soft middle when you bite in
Finish gently
Stay by the fire a while once you have eaten, warm hands wrapped around your mug. For a lovely spot to do it, see how to create the perfect cosy campfire setup.
You could also:
- Make s’mores with chocolate and digestive biscuits
- Wrap a banana and chocolate in foil and bake it in the embers
- Toast teacakes for a fireside afternoon tea
- Hold a family competition for the most golden marshmallow
Watch little ones closely around the fire, let toasted food cool before eating, and check for any food allergies when sharing.
Your 15-minute challenge
This weekend, give yourself 15 minutes.
Light the fire. Find a fork. Turn it slowly.
Then enjoy something warm, sweet and golden.
It does not have to be fancy food. It does not have to be perfectly toasted.
It just has to be this weekend.
Good things come to those who toast slowly.
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