Coffee was a rarity in the north, with much of the coffee growing areas under the dominion of the Dark Lord (Khand, Harad), and some could be managed on the south slopes of the white mountains, but not nearly enough. Sure, there wwere smugglers and free traders that managed to get some of the good stuff into Gondor, but still a rarity until after the war when it became more widespread.
Now... on to Taters!
Samwise was fond of them as we know, and his travels brought to him new ways to prepare them. Here was one that was popular with the southern areas of Gondor that Sam had at one of the many feasts in Minas Tirith...
Twice-Baked Potatoes with Salsa- 2 large baking potatoes (8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup low-fat (1.5%) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
- 2 scallions, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeņo pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 pound tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup minced red onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Prick potatoes in several places. Bake for 45 minutes, or until tender. When cool enough to handle, halve potatoes lengthwise. With fork, fluff potato flesh inside and transfer to a bowl, leaving enough potato attached to skin to form a sturdy shell, about 1/8-inch thick.
2. Add cottage cheese, buttermilk, cream cheese, scallions, 1-1/2 teaspoons of jalapeņo pepper, and the black pepper. Mix well to combine, then spoon into potato shells. Return to oven and bake until stuffing is piping hot, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, vinegar, sugar, salt, and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons jalapeņo. Spoon salsa over potatoes and serve.