In The Hobbit, when Bilbo and his companions find refuge at Beorn’s home after fleeing the orcs, the man-bear treats them to toast with cheese from his goats and honey from Mirkwood.
Ingredients
- 4 small or 2 large goat cheese logs
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 4 slices bread
- 1 handful fresh herbs (basil, marjoram, thyme)
- 1 T honey
- 1 seasonal lettuce (batavia, mâche)
How to Make It
- Using a very sharp blade, cut each small cheese in half lengthwise, or each large cheese into slices ½ inch thick.
- Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle lightly with nutmeg, and lay the pieces of cheese on the bread slices.
- Pick some herbs growing south of the gate. Rinse, drain, and chop them finely. Sprinkle the slices with fresh herbs and then drizzle with honey.
- Place them under a broiler for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts, the honey caramelizes, and the bread becomes crusty. Serve with seasonal salad.