How to Host a Lord of the Rings Themed BBQ!

As summer approaches, our minds are turning to backyard barbecues and neighborhood cookouts. Are you a fantasy fan who loves socializing and good food but also wants a chance to let your geek flag fly? Or maybe you're planning something specifically for Father's Day and your dad happens to be a huge Lord of the Rings nerd. Or you want to host a more intimate dinner for your Lord of the Rings re-watch party.

Either way these Lord of the Rings themed recipe ideas are for you!

You can find a lot of options for these around Pinterest, but the main thing is Hobbits are always snacking. Keep a tray of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers available at all times to satisfy your guests at the long expected party. Serve on a rustic wooden platter or if you have one, a round door marked with a secret symbol.

Combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), salt, and black pepper. Fill white button mushroom caps with the mixture and bake until golden and bubbly.

You can substitute other varieties of mushroom, such as cremini, for the white button if you prefer.

According to Gimli what is required for the fabled hospitality of the dwarves is roaring fires, malt beer, and ripe meat off the bone. Sounds like a party to us!

Whether you decide to smoke a brisket or use a slow cooker for juicy pulled pork, we suggest making a large hunk of meat the center piece to your Lord of the Rings cookout.

If you're feeling a little dark, don't tell people what meat you are cooking and just let them know "Meat's back on the menu!"

A meal so good it's worth drawing Ringwraiths to your hidden campsite is also super simple. We suggest cooking the bacon first then setting aside so you can cook the remaining ingredients in the bacon grease for extra flavor without worrying about committing the ultimate sin of burning your bacon.

Drain off some of the grease, leaving just enough to coat the pan, then brown your sausages. Follow this up with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning of your choice. Press the tomatoes with a wooden spoon to encourage them to burst

Serve this with crusty bread!

You can't get simpler (or sweeter) than this favorite of Sam's. After all that cooking, this easy to prepare but still delicious treat will give you a break at the end of the preparation. You can even pre-slice the strawberries so all you need to do is top with whipped cream and serve!

If you want to show off your baking skills, try Beorn's Honeycakes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk or an electric mixer until light and frothy. Add the honey, hot water, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

If you don't want to go through the trouble of a full cook out but want to get that vibe of a backyard barbecue, light up the Looks Like Meat's Back on the Menu candle and fill your home with delicious, savory aromas. This limited edition candle will launch May 19th. 

Shop New Arrivals.