Bonfire Toffee and Tom Trot: The Delicious History of a British Treat
Bonfire Night is synonymous with the crackle of fireworks, the warmth of bonfires, and a host of traditional treats. One of the most beloved confections of this autumn celebration is Bonfire Toffee, also known as Treacle Toffee. But how did this chewy delight come to be, and what is the story behind its name and origins? Let’s explore the fascinating history of Bonfire Toffee, its possible connections to “taffy” and “Tom Trot,” and how you can make this traditional treat at home.
Key points
The Uncertain Origins of ‘Toffee’
The word “toffee” first appeared in 1825, according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), and is thought to be a variant of “toughy”—a term used to describe a coarse sweetmeat made from brown sugar and treacle. This explanation is supported by Robert Forby’s The Vocabulary of East Anglia (1830), which defines “toughy” as a sweet treat named for its tough texture. However, there may be a connection to “taffy,” a similar confection made from sugar and brandy. The word “taffy” is thought to derive from “taffiat,” a French sweet made from these ingredients.
Interestingly, the term “tafia” also appears in early sources, referring to a cheap form of rum made from molasses. The process of making tafia involved boiling sugarcane, allowing it to crystallize, and fermenting it with water and yeast. This unaged spirit could be consumed as tafia or further distilled to create rum. The word’s roots trace back to the Latin “mel,” meaning “honey,” which may hint at a possible connection to the sweetness of “toffee.” Therefore, treacle toffee, made from treacle (also known as molasses), ties in with these historical references to sugary confections and distilled spirits.
Reviving an Old Tradition: Treacle Toffee Recipe
Bonfire Toffee, or Treacle Toffee, has long been associated with the British celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. Rev. William Carr, in his second edition of A Dialect of Craven (1830), described how young people would “club for making toffy,” a social event where communities came together to make and enjoy this tasty treat.
Here’s a simple recipe to recreate traditional Treacle Toffee at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brown Sugar
- ¼ pint Water
- 4 oz Black Treacle
- 4 oz Golden Syrup
- 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
- 3 oz Unsalted Butter
- ¼ tsp Cream of Tartar
Instructions:
- Grease an 8-inch tin with unsalted butter.
- Combine all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a quick boil while stirring constantly.
- Once the mixture begins to thicken, test a drop in cold water—if it solidifies into toffee instantly, it is ready.
- Remove from heat, place the pan in cold water to halt cooking, and pour the mixture into the prepared tin.
- Allow it to cool before breaking it into pieces and storing it in an airtight tin.
This toffee is also known as “Tom Trot,” a name popularized in literature and folklore.
Tom Trot: A Folk Hero and a Tasty Treat
The name “Tom Trot” not only refers to a type of toffee but also to a folk character who symbolized the virtues of hard work and perseverance. In Benjamin Disraeli’s novel Coningsby (1844), a character asks for “toffy” from a vendor, only to be offered “Tom Trot” instead. Disraeli uses Tom Trot to represent a confection, but it also hints at a moral tale of a hardworking young boy who rises to success.
The first issue of Punch magazine in July 1841 mentions “Tom Trot” as a popular treat among schoolboys, highlighting how closely tied this sweet was to British childhood culture. The name Tom Trot might have been used to encourage children to study hard and emulate the character’s success.
From Molasses to Modern-Day Treats
The tradition of making Bonfire Toffee remains a cherished part of British culture, especially around Guy Fawkes Night. While the exact origins of the word “toffee” may remain shrouded in mystery, the connection to historical sweets like “taffy” and the cultural lore surrounding characters like “Tom Trot” enrich the story behind this beloved treat. So, this Bonfire Night, as you enjoy a piece of Treacle Toffee, remember that you are savoring a small piece of history.
