A couple of weeks ago, I discovered a fantastic blog on Tumblr and it very quickly became one of my favorites! That blog is Middle-earth Recipes and it features many yummy recipes and photos of food I wish I could grab through my laptop screen. There is honestly something for everyone on Middle-earth Recipes — whether you’re a hobbit, from the race of Men, an elf, anything — you can be sure that you’ll find something you want to make yourself! Looking for something to warm your insides? Try this Dol Amrothian Tea. How about something sweet? Check out this recipe for Beorn’s Honey Cake. Going on an adventure? Make your own dried apples to take along!
Hearty Breakfast Scones
I asked Hannah, the person behind the blog, what came first: her fascination for cooking or Tolkien? “I fell in love with Tolkien’s works (read: Legolas) when I was about 10 years old, and I didn’t really have the opportunity to hone my cooking skills until college – so I would say Tolkien. I did enjoy making Ramen as a kid though.”
She says that she’s the type of person who loves to learn new skills and thanks to Middle-earth Recipes, she’s been able to broaden her culinary horizons as well as her photography. “Having been deep in the Tolkien fandom for many years, I wanted to create a new resource for people that may be unfamiliar with food and cooking.” The ingredients and directions for all of her dishes and drinks are clearly laid out which makes it easy for anyone with all types of cooking skills to follow along! I’ve already decided that I need to try out one or two (or three) of the recipes!
Meduseld Porridge
I was curious to find out which location in Middle-earth she thinks has the best food and she replied with, “Tough one! It’s easiest for me to do Rohirric food (Team Rohan!), and I really love the hearty and down-home sorts of stuff that I feel that they would eat. But I feel that Elven food would be really special, with thousands of years of practice and creativity — I personally struggle to find recipes that I feel would be ‘Elven’.”
Going through Hannah’s blog, I had a hard time deciding which dish I wanted to try out first, but in the end I decided on the Shire Stew. Hannah even said that the stew is without a doubt one of the most delicious things that has ever passed her lips. That just makes me even more determined to cook it!
Shire Stew
Some other favorites of Hannah’s includes her Spiced Harad Lentil Stew (which she makes for her family about twice a month), her Dol Amrothian Tea (a great alternative to hot chocolate in the winter), and her Baggins’ Brown Bread. Now that I’m looking over her blog again, I have to admit that I am eyeing those Gondorian Cheese Cakes! I guess it’s time to go grocery shopping.
