There are two ways to survive election night: heading out for a meal, a movie and not turning on any media until Sunday. Or, holding a party and getting into the real spirit of Election 2017.
Every three years, voters get to see normally sane people standing on street corners with loud-hailers seeking your vote.
Some lucky voters will have people knocking on their doors begging for support. Pamphlets are strewn around neighbourhoods like confetti and people argue a lot, criticise incessantly, and write letters to the editor complaining of bias.
But it all comes down to Saturday, September 23. You have voted, you are hugely confident your team, sorry party, will win. Why not celebrate that with some friends?
• Beg or borrow some party rosettes to brighten up your party room. Banners will be available as no party can advertise on election day.
• Choose a cross-section of guests. No point filling your room with supporters of just one party. Diversity is the key to a fun night, and that includes a range of ages.
• Consider themed political food choices. Blue cheese, red peppers, a green salad, black aubergine — use your imagination. Lay on appropriately coloured drinks — red wine, green smoothies, Blue Lagoons, Guinness and Black Russians. A non-alcoholic punch and black coffee are probably essential. (And make sure those who have been drinking get home safely.)
• Run a sweepstake. Forget the opinion polls, go for your gut feeling. A sweepstake will maintain interest in the results right until the last minute. How many seats will one party get, how many women will be elected, will the Greens get over 5%, will Winston Peters be in the box seat for the next government and the most unlikely person not to get into Parliament?
• Sort out some phrases and when they are called, tick them off a white board. Some suggestions are: Jacindamania, stardust, landslide, too close to call, Winston’s back, Boring Bill, fiscal hole . . . you get it.
• If you spot two guests having strong differences of opinion, step in before it is too late. Ban the word coalition immediately.
• Do not forget what you are celebrating. New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote. We are a true democracy and have one of the fairest voting methods in the world. Sure, there could be changes, but MMP is what it is. Enjoy Saturday night.
Snacks for Saturday
Election night food can be fun. Try some of these recipes to cater for most (political) tastes.
Blue cheese strawberry bites
Ingredients
water crackers, or any kind of cracker
strawberries, hulled and sliced
blue cheese, softened to room temperature (not crumbled)
good-quality honey
Method
Set out the blue cheese 30 minutes before serving. Top a cracker with a small slice of softened blue cheese (or spread it). Place a few strawberries on top, then drizzle with honey.
Green salad
Ingredients
Choose at least one from the following groups:
Watercress, red and green lettuce, baby spinach
Cos lettuce, iceberg lettuce, rocket
Mint, basil, parsley, thyme
Spring onion, red onion, cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, carrots, avocado
Croutons, feta cheese, pine nuts, mixed nuts or seeds
Toss in salad dressing
6 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp dijon mustard
cracked black pepper
Right wings
Ingredients
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 large bay leaf, crumbled fine
2 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp coarse salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp crushed dried red chilli flakes
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
2kg of uncooked chicken wings
Method
Crush herbs together, or use a kitchen whizz. Put wings and curry paste into a plastic bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill at high heat.
Red velvet cake
Ingredients
2 cups white flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs 1 cup or 338g of vegetable oil/melted butter
1 Tbsp white vinegar
4 Tbsp red food colouring (best to get natural)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup of buttermilk / milk mixed with yoghurt
Icing
1 cup cream cheese at room temperature
3 cups icing sugar
½ cup butter, softened
Method
Preheat oven to 180degC. Sift all dry ingredients (up to cocoa) into a bowl. Beat sugar and eggs together then incorporate other wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients together until smooth, using a kitchen aid or an electric mixer to make it easier. Place in a round, medium-sized cake tin and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes (until a toothpick inserted in middle of cake comes out clean). Let it cool completely.
Icing
Add all the icing ingredients together and beat until thick and creamy. Spread two layers on the cake.
