Love and Lefse

 

Saturday, December 1, 2012 – Love and Lefse

Typical Norwegian decorations on the Christmas tree at the Norwegian Bazaar

 More from the food front. Since Elliott’s parents came from Norway, we often attend the Norwegian Bazaar, an annual December event sponsored by the local Sons of Norway chapter.  The highlight of our visit today was my introduction to lefse, a Norwegian specialty, which I finally had a chance to try.  Elliott’s friend Bill was manning the lefse stand, rolling out the balls of potato-based dough into paper-thin circles and then cooking them quickly on both sides on a hot griddle.  The finished product is similar to a French crepe and it’s definitely not diet food.  As soon as the lefse comes off the griddle, you smear on some butter, then sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon, or, as Elliott prefers, you spoon on some lingonberry jam.  Then you roll up the lefse, trying not to burn your fingers.  After waiting in the lefse line for a good half hour, I finally presented Elliott with the first lefse he’s eaten in years.  And he graciously offered me the first bite.  Mmm, nothing says love like sharing a lefse.  

There were more Scandinavian treats at the bazaar, including krumkake.  These crispy and delicious cookies are made by pouring batter onto a patterned iron pan similar to a waffle iron.  As soon as they’re cooked (and while they’re still soft), you roll them around the handle of a wooden spoon or some similarly shaped object.  I first had these when Elliott’s aunt, Tante Sally, prepared them for us many years ago.  And Elliott remembers his mother making krumkake at home when he was a child although he doesn’t recall that she made lefse. 

Of course, there was more to the bazaar than food.  For entertainment, there was Norwegian folk dancing and fiddling.  After gobbling up the lefse and krumkake, I took a look at the books, CDs, calendars, clothing, jewelry and wooden items painted in the traditional Norwegian rosemaling style.  I showed remarkable restraint, purchasing only a few lovely rosemaling Christmas tree ornaments.  I also brought home the lengthy recipe for lefse, but I hope Elliott doesn’t expect me to make it.  Sorry, darling, jeg elsker deg (that’s Norwegian for I love you), but no more lefse until next year’s Norwegian bazaar.