An Unexpected Feast
BY Alison Wiebe
Join Gandalf, Thorin, and company in Bag End for a hearty feast of delectable hobbit treats from Bilbo Baggins’ well-stocked pantry!
An Unexpected Party
Bilbo Baggins’ world is turned upside down one ordinary morning when he is visited after breakfast by the wandering wizard Gandalf. Despite having fond childhood memories of the wizard, Bilbo is uncomfortable during the meeting, particularly at the suggestion of an adventure. A hasty invitation to tea, meant to send Gandalf on his way, has the unexpected consequence of sending Bilbo on the first of many life changing adventures.
The following day Gandalf keeps his appointment and brings with him a company of 13 dwarves. As the dwarves descend upon Bag End, one by one, they begin to call out their food orders. From drinks to savouries to sweets, Gandalf, Thorin, and company prove to have voracious and hearty appetites. Luckily for the dwarves, Bilbo’s pantry is well-stocked and their unexpected feast turns out to be quite the lavish and indulgent feast!
Pork, Leek and Potato Pie
As Bombur arrives in Bag End he calls out an order for pork pie and salad. This rustic Pork, Leek, and Potato Pie can be served either hot or cold, depending on preference. A minced pork filling is dotted with tender leeks and flavoured with fresh herbs and tangy mustard. Bound together with velvety mashed potatoes, this rustic pie is the perfect hearty and comforting dish to satisfy hobbits and dwarves alike.
Roasted Mushroom and Arugula Salad with Crispy Barley
This rustic, warm roasted mushroom and arugula salad with crispy barley is just what the dwarves ordered when they arrived at Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole unexpectedly! The earthiness of the mushrooms is balanced by the fresh, peppery arugula while a tangy and piquant vinaigrette made with shallots and sherry wine vinegar adds a burst of freshness. Tender barley grains are fried until browned and crispy to add a crunchy bite to this earthy salad. With hearty grains and roasted mushrooms, this robust salad is sure to satisfy the dwarves’ ample appetite.
Seed Scones
As the dwarves descend upon Bag End, Bilbo is beside himself with worry that the two beautiful seed cakes he baked will be finished by the guests before he can have a taste. Unfortunately for Bilbo, his concerns were warranted and the seed cakes are quickly eaten. With the seed cakes gone, the dwarves move on to a plate of buttered scones. These seed scones are a blend of those two teatime treats. The flavour of seed cake is captured in these buttery scones with the addition of caraway seeds.
Scotch Egg
As the dwarves put in their food orders, Gandalf requests “a few eggs”. Although Gandalf was almost certainly asking for plain boiled eggs, classic Scotch eggs with their pork and crispy bread cumb coating are a much more interesting snack. The eggs are either soft or hard boiled, depending on preference, before being wrapped in seasoned ground pork. A double coating of breadcrumbs adds a crunchy coating to this traditional British snack. Served either warm or cold, Gandalf would certainly approve these savoury Scotch eggs.
Cheese, Onion, and Potato Hand Pies
With a golden pastry crust and creamy filling, cheese and onion pie is a popular British snack. Potatoes are sometimes added to cheese and onion pies which makes for a hearty and filling pie. Tender sautéed onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and boiled potatoes are blended with a splash of heavy cream and a spoonful of mustard in these savoury pies. With a flaky, buttery crust, these cheese, onion, and potato hand pies are hearty enough to satisfy a dwarf sized appetite!
Ploughman’s Lunch
After the arrival of Gandalf and a company of dwarves, Bilbo is hard pressed to find enough food to feed them all. Luckily his pantry is well stocked with prepared foods. From aged cheeses and cold meats to savoury scotch eggs and tangy pickles, there is a little something to please even the most discerning dinner guest.
Spiced Apple Butter Loaf
Homemade apple butter adds a delicious spiced flavour to this moist and tender cake. The spiced loaf is then topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and swirls of spiced apple butter. This apple butter loaf cake is a comforting and decadent rustic dessert – perfect for an afternoon tea treat or a very large unexpected party of dwarves!
Raspberry Apple Crumble Tart
Bifur requests raspberry jam and an apple tart. While we don’t know if he intended to eat them together, this oat crumble tart combines tart raspberries with spiced apples for a delicious tea time treat. A buttery oat crumble crust encases the fruit filling for a twist on more traditional pastry dough. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this rustic raspberry apple tart is the perfect sweet and satisfying dessert best enjoyed on the eve of an exciting journey through Middle Earth!
