Hobbit Sauce

Since J.R.R. Tolkien looked to the legends and landscapes of Scandinavia for inspiration in creating Middle-earth, it isn't surprising that hobbits, tiny gourmands that they were, adored mushrooms. Finland's forests alone offer more than 200 edible varieties of wild mushrooms – a veritable feast whether served up with bacon, as Mrs. Maggot prepared them for Frodo and company, or sautéed as the base for a rich sauce to accompany grilled or roasted lamb.

Wild mushroom sauce image ©2008 Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com.

Virtual Cookie Exchange- Our guide to Latin Carribean food suggests Besitos de Coco (Coconut Kisses) which are a favorite treat in the Spanish speaking islands. The Cooking for Two guide swears by his Applesauce Cookies and tells us the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make more. They have a delightful "holiday" flavor of apples and spice.