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Lefse

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Lefse - a Norwegian Tradition

Serving Lefse (pronounced "lef-suh") during the holidays is a tradition in my family.  Having lefse on the Thanksgiving or Christmas table was always a given, and it wasn't until the last few years that my grandma stopped making it (and I really miss having it!). 

Lefse looks like a tortilla, but is in fact a Norwegian potato flat bread.  It can be used as a sweet treat or as part of a savory course of a meal.  There are several variations of the lefse recipe, each handed down from one generation to the next.  I happen to think my family's recipe is best.  And I tell you - of all the dishes served for our family's Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, lefse is my absolute favorite.  It even beats the turkey stuffing, in my opinion!

Keep reading for more information about Lefse, as well as some products to help you include lefse into your family's holiday tradition. 

My Family's Lefse Recipe

The best lefse recipe - thanks to my Great-Grandma Alice!

Well... I'm not sure I can reveal this recipe yet. I need to talk to Grandma first, just to see if she minds.

Now, I don't anticipate any problems because our family really isn't one to keep secrets. Well, there ARE some secrets, because someone might threaten another that "I'll never talk to you again if you tell..." But we eventually find out anyways because the aunts all have loose lips. Grandma can keep a good secret, though.

Grandma didn't threaten me when she handed over the recipe, but since this is the best lefse recipe in the world, I just can't reveal it... yet. Check back!

What You Need to Make Lefse

Heat up that lefse grill!

Making lefse is a fun cooking activity that can involve the whole family. The kiddos love to roll out the dough, and they love playing "swordfight" with the lefse turning sticks.

Any way of passing down our familiy heritage is a good thing. And I suspect my kids will pass the swordfighting turning sticks to their kids!
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Yummy Ways to Eat Lefse

Fill your belly with lefse!

In my family, lefse is enjoyed as a sweet treat. We spread softened butter on the lefse and then sprinkle it with either white or brown sugar. One of my aunts simply spreads peanut butter on it, and some people spread it with jelly. Then it needs to be rolled up to eat (a piece of lefse is often around 10-12" in diameter).

Some savory ways to eat lefse include wrapping it around the more traditional lutefisk (lye-preserved whitefish - NOT liked by this Swedish/Norwegian girl!) or sausages. Also, meatballs can be wrapped in lefse, as can beef, ham and eggs, and anything else you can imagine.

Norwegian Food for the Holidays

Lefse is a must for the holildays!

Don't let this lens fool you. Norwegian food for the holidays is not just about lefse and lutefisk - as good as lefse is! Check out these cookbooks for a variety of foods that Scandinavians enjoy - including lefse!
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Learn Norwegian so you can Eat Lefse in Norway!

Uff Da!

If you try lefse and you find that you love it, perhaps you have a bond with the Norwegian culture that needs to be strengthened by learning some Norwegian.

Or, perhaps you want to travel to Norway to taste some genuine Norwegian lefse (not that the lefse made by Norwegian-Americans is any less genuine, but there is something about eating ethnic foods in their native lands!).

These instructional books and CD's will have you saying "uff da!" like a true-blue Norwegian!
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Norwegian Clothing

Eating lefse may make you feel like a Norwegian, so you should dress like one. Here are some articles of clothing from some Norwegian companies. Warm and cozy, for sure, and quite perfect for Christmas gifts!
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Lefse Grills on eBay

Time to make some lefse!

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Norske on CafePress

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Lefse Lovers Unite!

And you don't even have to be Norwegian!

Leave me a note so I know you were here, and feel free to leave a link to ONE of your lenses that you'd like me to visit.

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Thanks bunches!

  • debnet May 28, 2011 @ 7:23 am | delete
    Blessed by a Squid Angel ;)
  • kathysart Mar 24, 2008 @ 12:50 pm | delete
    ~~*~~
    OMG... I cannot believe someone made a lens on this! I am so happy! Wow!
    FIVE THANKFUL STARS!
    I grew up knowing my grandma would bring lefsa for the holidays. I used to hide a bit from the rest of the family I confess.. yes I confess all these years later. lol. I have made it several times since as well.. ahh your remind me to again.
    Aloha, Kathy
    Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
    ">http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

    ~~*~~
  • VenniCaprice Jan 16, 2008 @ 2:28 pm | delete
    I have that when I go to Norway at Epcot in disney world!! its so yummy :)
  • juliekatherine Nov 26, 2007 @ 9:16 pm | delete
    This is a great lens. Very informative and different. You have wonderful heritage and it is great you are sharing it here.
  • rockycha Nov 24, 2007 @ 12:19 am | delete
    excellent lens! high fives!
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NicholeB

Hi, there!  I'm a Mom and FT Student, and my interests are as varied as my lenses.   I'm working on a few lenses that aren't quite ready... more »

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