Cram | The Hobbit
Cram: A Journey-Proof Biscuit for Your Lord of the Rings Marathon
A tough, practical biscuit made by the men of Esgaroth and Dale, cram is designed to sustain weary travelers on long journeys. While it may not be as exciting as lembas bread, cram is an essential travel food in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings Party Ideas
This recipes make a tasty ‘inspired’ version to use as a cracker for a cheese platter for a Lord of the Rings movie marathon.
For a Lord of the Rings party favor, package up for guests to take for their ‘adventure’ home.
What is cram?
Cram is a type of biscuit that is used for sustenance.
“More of a chewing exercise”, this rather unexciting food is made by the men of Esgaroth and Dale. Many Tolkein forums discuss cram, and many agree it’s a type of hardtack.
Hardtack is a simple biscuit made of flour, water and salt. Throughout history, it’s been taken on long trips to sea, due to its ability to last for months, even years, without spoiling. Also known as “ship’s biscuit” or “sea bread,” hardtack was particularly essential for sailors during long sea voyages in the Age of Exploration (1400-1600s). Known for being hard and flavorless, hardtack was easy to produce and could be soaked in water or broth to soften.
Cram Adaptations
Taking into consideration its rustic origins, I’m taking this recipe semi-back to a ‘less refined’ version by using wholemeal flour and wheat germ, as wheat germ is removed during the milling process when creating flour. To add flavor and nutrition, I’m also adding in nut flour. If looking for authenticity, however, note that nuts due to their oils would likely go rancid on long voyages, so the chances of them being used would be low. Walnut, almond or hazelnut is recommended, nuts that have been used even in the Middle Ages in the UK.
Lord of the Rings Party Serving Ideas
Nut flours make this a tasty ‘inspired’ version to serve up as a cracker as part of a snack table for a Lord of the Rings movie marathon or alongside lembas bread for a full Hobbit experience.
For a Lord of the Rings party favor, package up for guests to take on their own ‘adventure’ home.
Where is cram mentioned?
Cram was used in two journeys as sustenance- the first in The Hobbit (see Chapter 15), and second in The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, see Chapter 8) when comparing lembas bread.
Quote
“But now their hopes were higher; for they had food for some weeks with care–chiefly cram, of course, and they were very tired of it; but cram is much better than nothing—”
-The Hobbit, J.R.R.Tolkien
Cram | The Hobbit
Ingredients
- 2 cups wholemeal flour
- 3/4 cup wheat germ
- 3/4 cup nut flour walnut, almond or hazelnut
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F /220°C (conventional) or 190°C fan-forced and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the wholemeal flour, wheat germ, nut flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the water, stirring until the mixture becomes too difficult to stir.
- Knead the dough with clean hands until fully combined.
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch or less.
- Slice into squares, and use a knife or fork to make even cuts or punctures in the middle of each square.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes on one side.
- Flip the squares and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing.
I love the concept of using nut flour to give the cram extra flavor and nutrition. Great idea!