Imagine a cold night, with wind and leaves blowing. Imagine a cosy corner with a rustic wood stove, and imagine the soft crackle that comes from burning stoves and fires Northallerton. For centuries, human beings have gathered round these flames in search of warmth and comfort.

 

Tell me a story. One day, at a dinner party, my aunt and uncle were discussing how fires aren’t difficult to handle. His brilliant idea was for him to roast marshmallows in a pan on a stove. The result: Just say that the fire alarm ended our family discussion faster than you could shout “fire hazards!”

Stoves have a lot of charm. Stoves have evolved from the traditional wood stove to the modern induction cooktop. Let’s explore the variety of types. Its roots are deep in history. It cooks food, it heats it up and it creates ambiance. Isn’t it the ideal multitasker? The creaky old trees you use could cause unplanned drama, with loud pops and squeals.

Gas stoves have a reputation for being able to be controlled precisely. With just a flick you can have a flame. It’s magical. Keep them clean? Not quite so magical. You will always be fighting against the carbon residue that sticks to the burners. The only way to really clean a gas burner is after a week filled with spaghetti spills and sauteed onions.

Electric stoves come next. When it comes to cleaning, their smooth surfaces are a godsend. I’m afraid there will be no surprises in the hidden corners. However, they can be slow like molasses when heating up. By the time you see your pot start bubbling, grass could have already grown. While you wait for paints to dry out, you could be watching grass grow.

It’s the induction stove. The newest kid on the block is quick and efficient. Like controlling the heat from a thousand Suns! There’s less risk of your home catching fire. Magnets are used to make them work – isn’t it a clever party trick? However, be aware that they are selective. Some pots only get to use these surfaces.

One cannot forget about the classic campfire, when chatting about fires. The warmth of the sun, roasted marshmallows (safely), under the stars, with your friends. Conversations seem to be more meaningful and laughter is more resonant around the orange glow. The funny thing is that there’s some kind of magic when you balance a golden marshmallow on top of the flickers. You can judge whether it’s the right toast for your guests without burning them.

If stories were woven by fires then legends would be cooked on stoves. You can imagine Grandma’s cooking, where the spices were thick with secrets. Her stove was a stage on which pots would sing to the beat she set. Every clang and every sizzle were melodies that promised a satisfying meal.

And to those who believe that cooking is rocket-science, let me tell them – even rocket scientists can burn toast. True story! My neighbor was a literal rocket science and he somehow made his own kitchen look like a catastrophe area. Cooking can be like life: messy, unpredictable, yet often rewarding.

Let’s pay homage to these fiery masterpieces. Each burnt hand, stain or imperfect meal is accompanied by warmth, nostalgia and shared experiences that bring us together. Whatever you do, whatever you cook up or fires you start, there is more to it than warmth and sustenance. Here’s the crackles – the whirs – the hiss… the soundtrack of connection.