Submission: Beorn's Honey Cake

From The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 

I'm super excited to present Geeky Chef's first submission post! This recipe was created by Alex Muensch (thank you, Alex!) and it was submitted just in time for the release of the new Hobbit movie based on the book by Tolkien. In The Hobbit, these cakes were made for Bilbo and the rest of the crew by the bear shapeshifter Beorn. The recipe is mostly a secret, except that everyone knows it contains honey like most of the foods Beornings eat. You know, cuz they're bears and bears eat honey... Anyway. Beornings are known throughout Middle-Earth for their wonderful baking skills, but especially for their honey-cakes, which are almost as filling as Lembas Bread. However, they are supposed to make you very thirsty. Alex's recipe is delicious and full of honey flavor and sweet enough to make you really want a drink; It would make any Beorning proud. I know I'm going to make this and bring it with me when I see The Hobbit! I suggest you do the same.


Ingredients: 

 For the cake: 

 2 eggs

2/3 cup clover honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

A small pinch of baking soda (to counter the honey's acidity)

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup heavy whipping cream


 For the frosting: 

 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts


Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 8 or 9 inch cake pan. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl until thick. Add the honey and vanilla, mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. In three parts, add the dry mixture alternately with the cream to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix each addition well. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool. To make the frosting,  mix butter and sugar until creamed. Add vanilla, honey, and whipping cream and mix. Lastly, stir in walnuts. Spread the finished frosting on top of the cake once it is cooled.

Photo and recipe by Alex Muensch