Prompt: The Shire: The cuisine of the Shire is unsurpassed. Write a story or poem, or create a work of art, featuring food.
But as Sam worried over supper their third night, Pippin suddenly perked up. “Beechnuts?” he exclaimed, gazing, puzzled, at Strider. “When did you stop in Chetwood?”
“These I bought in Bree, ere I met you,” Strider explained.
“Bitter fare,” Frodo remarked.
“Depends,” Sam replied. “Need a pan, Mr Strider?”
“I like their bitterness,” the Ranger said. “But if you prefer...”
“Bitter, eh?” Sam chuckled. “I'll drink to that! Coffee, anyone?”
Beeches produce beechnuts, which are bitter if they are European beechnuts, and which are apparently able to be prepared and made into a coffee-like substitute. Hey, it's cheaper than importing from Harad!