Ja, I think maybe I'd better explain the whole lutefisk thing here. The mug in my last post is kind of an inside joke, doncha know? It's made to look like a can of Campbell Soup, the most common brand of soup in America, but no one would ever really eat lutefisk soup. (I don't think!).
Lutefisk is made by reconstituting dried cod by soaking it in lye. It becomes gelatinous and reminded Scandinavian immigrants of the homeland, I guess. My mom boiled it in a mesh bag that kind of held the quivering mass all together until it got to the table in a large tureen.
Lutefisk is pretty tasteless by itself but it is served with a large amount of melted butter poured over it. Many of us can't get past that the texture and smell of it cooking, however!
Many Minnesota and Wisconsin (and probably Iowa, too) churches still have lutefisk suppers that are extremely popular, often sold out weeks in advance. And some families serve it on Christmas Eve, which my family sometimes did until my grandma's generation was all gone.
Thank goodness, most churches also serve a variety of other dishes for the non-lutefisk generations. We can fill up on lefse and oh! those meatballs and mashed potatoes!
Prise Herren, it wouldn't be November without a good lutefisk supper in the church basement.
Posted with Blogsy
It is a tasty treat for some folks, but I know that I will pass it along to those who are more deserving!!
ReplyDeleteI first smelled it and tasted it on a Christmas Eve back about 1965. The churches around here have Lutefisk suppers in the fall. I am not sure how anyone can eat it:(
ReplyDeleteNow I understand your previous post. We will definitely visit a fishing village when you are over here but I promise no Lutefisk!
ReplyDeleteMy Danish, South Dakota raised husband would probably think this is absolutely normal. I've never had the lutefisk, and I think Jerry is not a fan either. I do enjoy the lefse.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, now all is clear. Because I was looking for this word in the English dictionary what does mean Lutefisk and I wasn't sure about the meaning. It is very interesting post for me.
ReplyDeleteAw, such lovely memories ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell I couldn't find it in the supermarket yesterday and after reading your blog of today,
ReplyDeleteI won't be going looking again. I'll just stick to the Smoked Trout and Salmon that is available here in the cold section - the Danish exported product. Excellent value and cheaper than the Australian product!!!!!
Cheers
Colin
Now I know..
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Lutefisk. It sounds awful. I enjoyed reading about it though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the explanation, although I don't think I will ever need that information!
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia, I found you via 3 blog friends, FarSide, Gosia and WhiteAngel). I've never heard of Lutefisk. Very interesting to read about it here. I grew up and live in Georgia, about an hour from Atlanta. I am your newest follower and look forward to browsing back thru your posts. Mildred
ReplyDeleteDear Cynthia, I lived in Minnesota for 38 years and never once ate lutefisk. I admit that during 28 of those years I was a vegetarian and I don't eat meat, fish, or chicken. But even for those first 10 years the whole idea of lye just made me want to steer clear of lutefisk. Peace.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting and the mug is a lot of fun!
ReplyDelete