Preparation

In Tolkien's world, lembas bread was the sacred waybread of the elves, wrapped in mallorn leaves and capable of sustaining a traveler through the longest journey. While we may not have access to mallorn trees, we can create something that captures the spirit of this legendary provision.

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grind the lavender flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spelt flour, almond flour, ground lavender, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and milk until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon more of spelt flour.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Cut into rectangles approximately 3x2 inches and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are golden and the bread is firm to the touch.
9. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar.

These fragrant cakes keep well for several days when wrapped in wax paper or parchment. Perfect for your own quest, whether it's a hike through the mountains or simply getting through a busy workday.