When Heroes Eat Together: A D&D Dinner Party

Several years ago, Draculetta asked my sister, Sanswinda, and I, Cyndars, if we would be interested in participating in a Dungeons and Dragons 5e campaign to save Middle-earth. We agreed, and Sans bought a whole bunch of D&D 5e books, including the actual D&D rule books, as well as the ones for the Adventures in Middle-earth we were playing with the group. Over the years since, I have had the privilege of meeting fellow D&D enthusiasts who have become friends. When my son also became interested in D&D, about a year ago, I bought “The Heroes Feast: An Official D&D Cookbook” and it sat on my shelf collecting dust until Pineleaf and I were talking around the beginning of June. I realized the friends I had been planning to have dinner with over the summer break (we are all teachers) were also friends who like D&D, and so I asked the question: What would it be like if heroes ate together? I contacted my friends and together we chose a menu from the offerings in the cookbook, reviewed them, and decided to share our thoughts with you, fellow intrepid adventurers. 

Each race is represented by at least one dish, and 4 of us participated in the evaluation. We used a very simple rating system: EW!, Meh, and YUM! And then provided commentary on the dishes. We followed the recipes to the best of our ability and where an ingredient was difficult to obtain (i.e. Kirsch), we substituted with the closest internet-recommended alternative we could acquire. In the case of Kirsch, we went with Amoretti Kirsch flavored syrup. All alterations we made are noted in the commentary on the dishes. I have also included notes on brand-specific items that could affect flavor, such as wines. We hope you have as much fun reading about this adventure as we had creating and sampling it for you. 

Appetizer: Community Cheeses (Halflings)

This is cheese fondue made with Mifroma Gruyère and Raclette cheeses, white wine (Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc), and Amoretti Kirsch syrup. I was unable to source actual Kirsch (the cherry brandy) or the Emmental cheese called for in the ingredients in the recipe. The dippers were broccoli, red peppers, cubed baguette, diced apples and pears, and beef little smokies.

Verdict: Meh

_____ EW!, __3__Meh, __1__Yum!

Comments: Saltier than expected.-Cyndars

A little more smokier/saltier on its own. Is more enjoyable with the more refreshing dippers  – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version: small broccoli florets, red peppers, cubed baguettes, and diced apples and pears. 

Bread: Yawning Portal Buttermilk Biscuits (Human)

These were made without substitutions, cut into squares, served hot and slathered with butter. A key takeaway was to make batches one at a time instead of all at once, and the bowl needs to be big enough to combine the ingredients without spilling flour everywhere.

Verdict: Yum!

 _____ EW!, ____Meh, __4__Yum!

Comments: Delicious! 

Toddler Version: cooled off, and served in broken pieces (so lots smaller).

Salad: Wood Elf Forest Salad (Elves)

The most difficult item to source for this was the radicchio, but one of the guys was a true hero and searched the grocery stores in their city until he finally found it, and then it was promptly left behind. With brussel sprouts, oranges, and homegrown pansies, nasturtium, and marigolds as a garnish, this was one of the most colorful items we ate. 

Verdict:

 _____ EW!, ___1_Meh, _3___Yum!

Comments: Very citrus flavored-Garnet

The salad was good even without the missing radicchio – though now curious to try with it for next time – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version: none.

Soup: Potato Leek Soup (Halflings)

A second halfling feature, because who can resist comfort food, this soup made up quickly. My favorite part was the bacon. The cookbook called for the use of an immersion blender, and I did not have one. Using one might have helped get the consistency right and improving the eating experience. 

Verdict: Meh.

 _____ EW!, _3___Meh, __1__Yum!

Comments: The texture is weird-JMercy

It has potential to be great – it just needs a little more oomph somehow – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version:.

Main Course: Sembian Honey-Glazed Rothé Ribs

These sticky ribs required a roasting pan borrowed from my mother but were an excellent choice for the main course. The recipe did not specify the type of meat, other than bone-in ribs, so I went with the ribs at my local grocery store which were pork. This particular store purchases a lot of the pork items from students who show and sell pigs at the county fair as either FFA or 4H projects. While these particular ribs are not from the ones purchased during the fair, I appreciate the store’s policy on supporting the students’ and know my purchases help them continue to do so. If you or someone you know is a former FFA or 4H kid, check with your local store’s butchers and see if they do something similar. It’s a win for the stores, the kids, and us. These do need to be served hot or the glaze starts to harden making them difficult to eat, but they still taste yummy.

Verdict: Yum!

_____ EW!, _1___Meh, __3__Yum!

Comments: Highly recommend for all to try, if you are a meat enthusiast – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version: deboned, and cut into small pieces. Offered without sauce. 

Dessert: Barovian Butterscotch Pudding (Uncommon) and Black Pudding (Dwarf) I made the Barovian Butterscotch Pudding first thing after getting ready for the day because it had the longest refrigeration time. It’s important to use a candy thermometer for this one because it requires making a caramel mixture. I used a pan that was too big for the candy thermometer to register properly, so this one did not set. It was more like a caramel-flavored milkshake. I used Paddy’s Irish Whiskey as my local store did not sell scotch. 

The Black Pudding needed at least 4 hours to set, but could only be refrigerated up to 12 hours before serving, so I made it immediately after the butterscotch pudding. I used Christian Brothers Brandy and Kahlua in this one. This time, I found the right pan, and it did set up properly. Both desserts were popular enough to have seconds requested.

Verdict: Yum!

 _____ EW!, ____Meh, __4__Yum!

Comments: 

If you love coffee, the Black Pudding carries the essence of a nice mocha. If you love salted caramel milkshakes – the Barovian Butterscotch Pudding is your bestie – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version: no dessert was offered (egg allergy). 

Drinks: Evermead, Goodberry Blend, and Water

As five out of seven of us needed to drive after our meal together, we chose to only serve virgin Evermead, and of course, Goodberry Blend and water are alcohol-free. Evermead can have vodka added to it if one chooses. The drinks were provided by my friends. Evermead was really popular and all of us plan to make it again in the winter. My son, JMercy, was a huge fan of Goodberry Blend and finished all the leftovers. 

Verdict: 

_____ EW!, ____Meh, __3__Yum!

Comments: The Evermead is a nice, honeyed treat – and can be quite delicious in any temperature. It is also excellent with brandy (was able to try some with it). The Goodberry Blend is also a balanced and refreshing blend – and a great choice for a morning drink if you need to start your adventure off right – Zesty Pizzapasta

Toddler Version: Goodberry Blend was offered in a small bowl. 

Final Thoughts:

It looks like I did a lot of cooking, because I did, but it is not a reflection on my friends’ cooking abilities or their willingness to help. Rather, it reflects their need to drive over an hour for the meal, and as the host, I was able to keep the food at safe temperatures so we could serve it as it was intended to be served. My friends provided drinks, helped with meal prep after arriving, offered advice, or traveled with a toddler to attend, and my son helped get the house ready for company and did all the tasks I asked. I could not ask for better friends, or a better kid, and to me, they are all heroes, and I am looking forward to having them all visit again.