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Eating Like a Hobbit: It’s Not Just About Getting Second Breakfast

We all get bored with eating the same old food, every day.


We all want to make the wonderful world of JRR Tolkien more real in our lives.


There is no better way to do that, than to eat more like a hobbit.


 

Hobbits are well known for eating multiple meals a day. According to the Tolkien Gateway, hobbits are known for their comfortable lifestyle, which includes eating at least six meals a day.


Eating like a hobbit certainly could include eating more meals, but it isn't all about getting that second breakfast. Read on to find some tips on finding foods that are more likely to be found deep in the heart of The Shire.


 

A plate with 6 potatoes on it, cooked and covered in a creamy sauce.
Cooked potatoes with cream

Po-Ta-Toes


Samwise Gamgee's iconic line from The Lord of the Rings, gives us some insight into how hobbits like their potatoes. "Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew" may have been an addition to Peter Jackson's film adaptations, but Sam's talk of chips is found within Tolkien's The Two Towers.


Sam talks of fried chips, and putting potatoes in stew, going so far as to call potatoes "rare good ballast for an empty belly." Take it from arguably one of the most passionate cooks in The Shire, potatoes are a hobbit food, and well enjoyed.


 

Seed Cakes


Another food that hobbits apparently keep on hand is seed cake. These cakes, which Bilbo had on hand prior to the dwarves' visit to his hobbit hole (but not after they left), are made with caraway seeds. Though I've never had this version of seed cake, I've heard that this traditional British dish is very tasty when paired with tea. I think it's almost guaranteed that if you make "authentic" hobbit food you're a true fan.


 

Cooked chicken thighs, with tomatoes, lemon, and herbs. A bowl of salt is nearby.
Roasted chicken with tomatoes and herbs

Roast Chicken


A classic hobbit dish you can incorporate into your lifestyle is roast chicken. There are tons of recipes out there, and if you're looking for a tasty, tender roast chicken, I'd suggest using this recipe. Sure, it's not entirely authentic, but we aren't necessarily given a roast chicken recipe from Samwise Gamgee. The key here is to get the feel for hobbit food.


 

Tea Cake


Now, I know that this could be considered in the same vein as seedcake, but hear me out. This is more of a sweet cake, with lemon and cranberries (or currants). And the recipe claims that it will impress Gandalf. This is one of my favorie foods to whip up when I'm feeling extra hobbit-y, so I think you'll find it brings out some longing for The Shire too.


 

I haven't given much info on actual hobbit meals. And there's a reason for that. While hobbit meals are very important to master if you're going to embrace a hobbit lifestyle, I don't want to overwhelm you with the details all at once. But, if you do want more information on how you can eat meals, not just dishes, like a hobbit, NPR has put together a guide, just for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for me to eat elevensies.

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