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The Hobbit; An Unexpected Party Menu and Recipes

For fans of the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings or J.R.R. Tolkien, celebrating Hobbit Day on September 22 is a must. Known for their love of food and good hospitality, the truest way to honour a Hobbit is by providing good food for your guests (and enough of it!)

This is the hub for all the recipes seen served at Bilbo Baggins’ during the Unexpected Party. The recipes are well-researched from historical British cookbooks, so you know you’re recreating a Hobbit experience for your guests.

Missed Hobbit Day? You can also use the following menu when holding a Hobbit movie marathon, hosting a Hobbit games night, throwing a Hobbit themed birthday, or celebrating J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday [January 3] or April 25-26, when fans estimate this Unexpected Party took place, marking the beginning of the quest.

Here we go, into Bilbo’s pantry!

Hobbit Dates to Celebrate

January 3 [J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday]
April 25-26 [Estimated date of the Unexpected Party]
September 22 [ Hobbit Day]

HOBBITS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR LOVE OF GOOD HEARTY FOOD AND DRINK.
SO WHAT DO YOU SERVE WHEN YOU DECIDE TO HOST A HOBBIT-INSPIRED PARTY?

Fill out your pantry with authentic food with the six recipes straight from Bilbo Baggins’ pantry, including:

  • 1800’s English seed cake
  • Authentic Melton Mowbray pork pies
  • Tips for perfect fluffy buttered scones every time
  • PLUS a shopping list and scheduling tips for prepping recipes in advance
  • AND menu shortcuts for that last-minute party!

After all, a good hospitable Hobbit will have their pantry stocked, and ready for any unexpected guests.

Download recipes from Bilbo’s pantry

“Now we are all here!” said Gandalf, looking at the row of thirteen hoods- the best detachable party hoods- and his own hat hanging on the pegs. “Quite a merry gathering! I hope there is something left for the latecomers to eat and drink!”

The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien

THE COMPLETE HOBBIT UNEXPECTED PARTY MENU

  • Eggs
  • Cold chicken
  • Pickles
  • Cakes
  • Tea
  • Ale
  • Porter
  • Coffee
  • Red wine
Seed Cake

‘A little beer would suit me better, if it is all the same to you, my good sir,” said Balin with the white beard. “But I don’t mind some cake – seed-cake, if you have any.”
“Lots!” Bilbo found himself answering, to his surprise; and he found himself scuttling off, too, to the cellar to fill a pint beer-mug, and then to a pantry to fetch two beautiful round seed-cakes which he had baked that afternoon for his after-supper morsel.
“And more cakes- and ale- and coffee, if you don’t mind,” called the other dwarves through the door.

APPLE TART AND RASPBERRY JAM

“And raspberry jam and apple tart,” said Bifur.

Making Hobbit Recipes in Advance

Planning your Hobbit party several weeks out? Here are my tips for making the prep work smoother, making your party more enjoyable for you!

Several weeks before

  • Mix together your mince pie filling and store in the fridge until ready for use.

1-2 weeks before

  • Make the apple tart pie dough and mince pie dough a week or two in advance and freeze.

2 days before the party

  • If not wanting to freeze your apple tart pie dough, make a few days in advance, cover and keep chilled in the fridge.
  • Mince pies can be made and stored in an airtight container.
  • Make the pork pie dough and jellied stock and keep chilled in the fridge. 

Day before

  • Bake your apple tart.
  • Toss together the salad, cover and keep chilled in the fridge. 
  • Cook pork pies and store in the fridge.
  • Mix together scone dough the night before and chill in the fridge.

Day of

  • Bake seed cake first thing in the morning. 
  • Scones are best served hot out of the oven, so leave till last, baking them 1/2-1 hour before guests arrive.
  • Bring the pork pies out half an hour before serving.
Eggs, Chicken, Pickles

“Put on a few eggs, there’s a good fellow!” Gandalf called after him, as the hobbit stumped off to the pantries. “And just bring out the cold chicken and pickles!”

Beverages

“Come along in, and have some tea!” he managed to say after taking a deep breath.

Already it had almost become a throng. Some called for ale, and some for porter, and one for coffee, and all of them for cakes; so the hobbit was kept very busy for a while.

“Quite a merry gathering! I hope there is something left for the latecomers to eat and drink! What’s that? Tea! No thank you! A little red wine, I think for me.”

Last Minute Hobbit Party Menu Shortcuts

Left your Hobbit Party planning to last minute? No stress! Here are some tips if you’re wanting to make some last minute recipes:

  • Make fewer baked goods. It’s better to enjoy one or two Hobbit treats than stress over trying to make everything last minute!
  • While fresh ingredients can’t compare, if making from scratch:
  • Mince pie mixture can typically be purchased in the baking section
  • Pie crusts can be store-bought. Or just buy a store-bought apple tart and mince pies!
  • Premixed salad can be tossed into a bowl before serving.
  • Check the grocery store’s freezer section for frozen pork pies that you can pop into the oven for your guests.
  • Many grocery stores precook chickens you can pick up on the day of your party.

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10 Comments

  4. I absolutely LOVE these posts! Especially this Hobbit one, I’ll have to do this for next year’s Hobbit day! Out of curiosity, have you thought about trying to create elven dishes (lembas bread?) or do anything from Redwall?

    Reply

    1. I tried making lembas bread this year but my recipe failed (not everything goes right the first time!) I’ll make them again next year. As for Redwall, I’ve actually just bought the book to read on my holidays- haven’t read it before! So hopefully there will be something inspirational enough to make 🙂

      Reply

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