Coffee!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Maybe the Dwarves were more "Americanized" than the Hobbits, who, in English-fashion, drank tea?

Actually, tea doesn't grow too well in temperate regions either. Like silk-making, the idea was imported from China, and the leaves are grown in Africa and Asia. In fact almost every aspect of the Hobbits' life is an anachronism; but for me that adds to its appeal.

In wartime Germany, they used to drink ersatz coffee, which was made from acorns. Perhaps that's what Bilbo gave to Thorin's company, although he hated guests if it was. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]