Fall in Middle Earth

Let us travel to fall in Middle Earth, as golden hues spread across the foliage, for an autumnal feast.

Autumn in Middle Earth

As the fall season is upon us, we can imagine the transition from bright florals and vibrant green botanicals to the golden hues and burnt colours of autumn in JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. We can’t help but wonder, what would Gandalf drink to wind down on a crisp Autumn evening? Or what enchanting autumnal delicacies would the Elves enjoy amongst the falling leaves of Rivendell? Let us explore together some of the culinary delights from different lands for an Autumn Feast in Middle Earth.

Sweet Potato and Sage Pie in the Shire

The halflings’ love for po-tay-toes is well known – and what better way to enjoy this humble ingredient than in a decadent savoury pastry. Encased in a buttery crust, this potato pie is a celebration of fall flavours with the addition of sweet potatoes and fresh sage. Layered with sharp cheddar cheese and a dash of cream, this autumnal pie is the perfect dinner to warm you up on a cold and dreary fall day.

Whiskey Glazed Onions with Bacon and Blue Cheese in the Misty Mountains

The dwarves’ love of simple and hearty food is reflected in this rustic and earthy side dish. Pulling from their stores of harvested root vegetables, the humble onion is slowly cooked until tender in a whisky and honey laced glaze. Creamy blue cheese and bacon add a savoury and slightly salty flavour to these sweet and tangy roasted onions – the perfect side dish to adorn the great feasting tables in the halls of the mountain kings.

Butternut Squash Soup with Fennel and Apples in Rivendell

Earthy squash is paired with fragrant fennel and sweet apples in this warm and nourishing soup. Simmered with shallots, leeks, and herbs, this soup is puréed until smooth and then topped with roasted squash seeds and a dusting of aromatic fennel pollen. Perfect for a cool fall day, this comforting soup is a celebration of autumnal flavours.

Molasses Brown Soda Bread in Mordor

This wholesome and filling brown soda bread is quick and easy to make and has added nutrition with the addition of whole grain flour and wheat germ. Dark molasses adds a rich colour and hint of sweetness to this nourishing bread. With its craggy crust and dense crumb, this molasses brown soda bread is hearty enough to fuel the tireless marches of an orc raiding party.

Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions in Rohan

From across the windswept plains of the Riddermark, the riders of Rohan come to Edoras for a great autumnal feast. The crowning jewel of the grand feast is a rustic and flavourful roast pork tenderloin. Glazed with a rich maple mustard sauce and nestled on a bed of sweet, caramelized onions, the pork is roasted until blushing pink and tender. Served with an earthy parsnip and apple purée, this roast pork tenderloin is a delicious and flavourful entrée perfect for a fall feast.

Parsnip Apple Purée in Rohan

As the riders of Rohan gather in Edoras from across the Mark, they look forward to a great autumnal feast. The tables in the great hall of Meduseld are laden with a bounty of seasonal produce and roasted meats. Earthy parsnips are blended with sweet apples for a velvety smooth purée that is ideal served alongside a hearty meat dish, such as our Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions.

Orange Cardamom Fig Cake in Gondor

As the feasting comes to an end, the kitchens of Minas Tirith send out all manner of sweets – the highlight of which is this fragrant fig cake. Sweet figs and oranges are gathered from sun-warmed orchards while aromatic cardamom hints at trade with far-off lands. Topped with a tangy, citrusy cream cheese frosting, this lightly spiced fig cake makes for a delicious ending to an autumnal feast.