It’s one of the most wonderful days of the year and, no, I’m not talking about Christmas! This Sunday, September 22, is Hobbit Day! I try to make sure every year to make something special for Hobbit Day and this year I wanted to make something simple yet beautiful and bountiful. The ploughman’s lunch is something I think the hobbit’s in the shire would love to enjoy after a long day out gardening. It’s also especially great when you’re celebrating Hobbit Day with your friends and family because it really feeds a crowd.
All of the components on this spread can be changed to something that better fits your palette. These were just some items I had on hand and that I had access to at the market. Traditionally, the ploughman’s lunch consists of bread, cheese, cold meat, and some fruit. That alongside a nice pint of beer and your Hobbit Day is set! I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a wonderful Hobbit Day!
The Hobbit: Ploughman's Lunch
Ingredients
- grilled bread
- Silton Cheese
- Cheshire Cheese
- cherry tomatoes
- assorted fruit berries, plums, cherries
- cold cut meat ham, chicken, roast
- pears sliced into 6 wedges
- cornichons
- pickled beets
Scotch Egg
- 5 hard boiled eggs peeled
- 8 ounces sausage meat remove the casings if it has it
- 2 whole eggs whisked
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- frying oil as needed for garnish
Instructions
Scotch Egg
- Take the sausage meat and divide it into 5 equal portions. Take on portion in your hand and flatter it out into a thin oval. Lay the egg on the middle and wrap the sausage meat around the egg. Gently press the egg and sausage together. Repeat with the rest of the eggs.
- Roll the eggs in the flour and dust off any excess. Roll it in the whisked eggs and then into the breadcrumbs. Set it aside and repeat with the rest of the eggs.
- Heat the frying oil in a saucepan over medium high heat to 375F. Gently place the prepared scotch eggs into the hot oil and frying for 5 minutes, flipping half way through. Once golden brown and cooked through, place it on a paper towel lined tray to cool. Let it cool slightly before slicing in half and serving.
Grilled Pears
- Heat your cast iron grill on high heat. Once hot, lay the sliced pear wedges on the grill long enough to get some grilled marks, 1-2 minutes. Turn on repeat on the other side.
Assembly
- An hour before you serve the ploughman's lunch, let your cheese temper by placing the cheese on the serving platter and covering it with a towel.
- Arrange the larger pieces on the platter first like the bread, ham, scotch egg, pears, and pickles. Fill in the space with fruit and cherry tomatoes. I added chive blossoms to the platter but you can add any herbs you like.
Notes
- I listed two types of cheese but you can use your personal favorite or anything new and interesting you find at the market.
- It's not photographed, but I served this with a side of honey and mustard! It's a very delicious addition.
So amazing! I love everything you make! Happy Hobbit Day!