Growing up, we made Lefse as a family each year. And, each year, I was asked "What's Lefse?" Well, I have tried to implement the tradition in my family and have succeeded- minus 1 year, I think. Each time we talk about our up-coming Lefse-making extravaganza, we are still asked what it is, because few people have actually heard of it.
This year, I worked until 11 the night before, and 9-5:30 the next morning, so I had to do the "night before" preparation the afternoon before and we weren't able to start until I got home the next evening... but it all worked out just fine.
So, this year, we did 10 pounds of potatoes... You start by peeling and boiling them the day before
Then, you mash them with cream and butter
And here's what they look like, going into the fridge the night before
The next day (or night), be sure to have PLENTY of flour on hand and plenty of HELPERS... This year, Jeremiah's parents came and helped eat the Lefse... I mean make the Lefse. And, Elijah joined in on the fun, as well.
So, after hours of ricing, rolling and frying we had plenty of Lefse... Didn't get any pictures of the ricing part- which Jeremiah did most of after a lesson from THIS LEFSE MASTER... But, it was a long and tiring process- not to mention the clean-up. I think we worked for a good 4 or 5 hours... Here's me, rolling the VERY LAST piece of Lefse. Okay, so I was being dramatic, but I was feeling this exhausted.
This year, I worked until 11 the night before, and 9-5:30 the next morning, so I had to do the "night before" preparation the afternoon before and we weren't able to start until I got home the next evening... but it all worked out just fine.
So, this year, we did 10 pounds of potatoes... You start by peeling and boiling them the day before
Then, you mash them with cream and butter
And here's what they look like, going into the fridge the night before
The next day (or night), be sure to have PLENTY of flour on hand and plenty of HELPERS... This year, Jeremiah's parents came and helped eat the Lefse... I mean make the Lefse. And, Elijah joined in on the fun, as well.
So, after hours of ricing, rolling and frying we had plenty of Lefse... Didn't get any pictures of the ricing part- which Jeremiah did most of after a lesson from THIS LEFSE MASTER... But, it was a long and tiring process- not to mention the clean-up. I think we worked for a good 4 or 5 hours... Here's me, rolling the VERY LAST piece of Lefse. Okay, so I was being dramatic, but I was feeling this exhausted.
Yay Lefse! I enjoy eating it at our family gatherings on my dad's side, but I have never actually been involved in the actual making of it. From the looks of it, I think I will just continue to enjoy the fruits of the labor of others:) By the way, Michael had never heard of lefse before he met me and he doesn't understand why I like it so much. Oh, and when we were in Texas, finding lefse was out of the question- no grocery store there had a clue what we were talking about!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are passing along such a special family tradition.
ReplyDeleteNo lefse in WA state, DC or AL. I have to rely on my sweet in-laws to fly it in when they come for Christmas.