A Tolkien Ranger

“’There lie the woods of Lothlórien!’ said Legolas. ‘That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not til the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey.’“

Trail Cakes

1 1/2 cups oats

1 cup flour

1 cup powdered milk

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped dates

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

1 to 1 1/2 cups honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine ingredients (dry, then honey and vanilla), and form into palm-sized circles on parchment paper. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

My first attempt at a tasty and nutritious trail bread, and a successful one in my opinion. These cakes are very dense and very filling, and provide a lot of energy for hiking. I haven’t yet tested their longevity, but I suspect they will easily keep for several weeks or more. They are chewy, but not tooth-breaking as hard tack can be without soaking. As far as Tolkien/historical accuracy, probably half of the ingredients are a bit off the mark - vanilla and cinnamon for sure, and likely dates and almonds as well. Eventually, I would like to have a waybread that uses only accurate ingredients, but for completely experimental trail food, I’m satisfied!