Footy On A Cold Night

On a chilly Saturday night, what could be more quintessentially Kiwi than tucking up to cheer on the All Blacks as they take on South Africa?

Evening sports games need late-night snacks – it’s almost as much a part of the tradition! Footy fodder needs to be three things: basic, plentiful, and tasty.

Drinks

Some favour a quiet ale or glass of something grown-up whilst cheering on the lads, but if you have small fans staying up late, it’s hard to go past a steaming, warm mug of hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows.

Tip: Froth milk using the wand on your coffee machine, and then put the milk in the microwave for a few seconds – it creates an even frothier result! Sprinkle a little extra chocolate on the top to garnish. Don’t have a coffee machine? A coffee percolator can work just as well at frothing warm milk

For a top-class mulled wine, which warms the cockles of adults’ hearts in a similar way, gently heat one bottle of your chosen red wine until it dissolves 2 tbsp brown sugar, and add a cinnamon stick, 5 whole cloves, 1 star anise, 2 bay leaves, and some orange or lemon peel. Take care not to let the wine get hotter than 60°C, or it may lose some of its other ‘qualities’. Allow the wine to sit afterwards so the flavours develop.

Nibbles

Cheese on toast has to be number one on the list! Choose the most basic incarnation, with a swipe of Marmite and a sprinkling of your favourite cheddar, grilled to golden deliciousness, or get more adventurous: take a slice of sourdough, smear on some fruit paste, and melt a tangy blue cheese over the top. Alternatively, slice a croissant, layer on some ham, top with a béchamel sauce with a smear of mustard, and then grill.

A good old reduced cream chip ‘n’ dip combo is always welcome in front of a sports match (the healthier fans may appreciate some vegetable sticks and hummus too).

Keep it simple. Make it about the cheering, the heroes, and the flashes of genius. Enjoy your Saturday night!