“Ah, cherries!” Bilbo’s eyes gleamed as he examined crocks, bottles, and bags. “In syrup to garnish hams, candied to go atop small cakes, and dried for use in fruitcakes and mince pies. Oh!”
He’d spied a small tin behind one of the crocks. Smiling with anticipation, he reached for it, then shook it by his ear. His smile widened as he opened it and peered inside. “Oh, yes, just enough chocolate, once the party’s over, for my dear lad and me. And with just a dab of cherry syrup—what a treat with which to welcome the new year!”