Foreword

Recently I was informed that our great library, The Brandywine Library, has absolutely no cookbooks.  This I simply had to see for myself.  I just couldn't beleive this would be true, especially in The Shire of all places!  I can't begin to tell you how aghast I was to be walking through aisle after aisle of empty and dusty shelves.  Where once stood hobbitkind's greatest wealth of knowldege on the fine and civilized art of cuisine there are now 58 empty aisles with not a single cookbook to be seen!

Well, of course, this type of news couldn't be kept a secret for long. All it took was one small leak and panic began sweeping across The Shire like a wild fire out of control.  I quickly fell into action by calling together all those influential persons I could find.  We were soon meeting in the Green Dragon with an agenda to restore peace and calm, and, of course, the cookbooks.  The meeting started off on rather a bad foot when Mayor Dimpletoe accused our Head Librarian, Mister Blisterheel, of being a thief and of selling the cookbooks on the black market (to orcs, no less!) in an effort to supplement his salary.  After a few aperitifs and appetizers things began to settle down and we were able to get down to the business at hand.  Although there was still much concern and agitation it became clear that finding fault was certainly not going to resolve the problem.  That must have been just after the 5th course.  It was not until much later, after the 3rd dessert, that I finally was able to offer a perfect solution to our dilemma.  It was actually quite simple!  We will simply collect recipes from everyone and make the ultimate cookbook of our age.  True, it is only one book to replace the great many that are missing, but what a beginning!

With that in common agreement, I spearheaded the operation.  I was able to galvanize a committee for collection purposes and they posted on all the village boards, near and far, requests for recipes.  Soon the post was overwhelmed and I found it necessary to hire an aide.  Her name is Sauve and she travels to places I have never heard of, all the while delivering news of our predicament to lands and countries abroad.  If you should meet her on your travels she will gratefully accept a written copy of your favorite cooking recipe.

At this time, I am happy to be able to present to you a small sampling of some of those recipes that we have already received (and tested).  We do so hope that you will enjoy this first small edition and accept it as a small token of our thanks for your efforts to support this worthy and noble cause.

Sincerely,