Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions and Recipes for Making Lefse

About the Book

I was encouraged to write the first instruction book on making lefse after many people approached me stating they would like to learn to make lefse. I could have made a video but realized a book would be easier to follow and I could reach more people in a book form. About six years ago I did just that. Having sold out on that book I am now offering this book, a second edition. By experimenting with recipes I can offer more detailed instructions; thus making the steps more explicit in making lefse. This is an instructional book for making lefse, a delicacy that is greatly welcomed by descendants of Norwegian emigrants that settled in many areas of the United States. It has been discovered and enjoyed by other ethnic backgrounds in recent decades. The purpose of such a book is to renew the art of making lefse back in to the families whose grandmothers made it several generations ago. If one hasn’t made lefse a recipe is needed and the procedure must be simple to follow. Such is this step by step instruction book. Besides illustrated instructions this book contains four recipes, two using potatoes, one using potato flakes and one using mashed potatoes from a previous meal. The potato flake recipe saves the time and toil of preparing the potatoes to a riced consistency which is the primary product in the dough. The book contains countless tips throughout the instructions. It is indeed a complete guide in making lefse!

About the Author

I have been a lefse-maker for well over fifty years. I began this art after receiving a lefse griddle when I first married. Before I acquired a real lefse recipe, I used leftover mashed potatoes from the previous day’s meal. The number of lefse I have made is beyond count. In taking part in the national bake off I prepared my lefse dough at home. An open audience viewed the rolling and frying of many contestants which consisted of young teens to many about my age. Viewers were permitted to ask the contestants questions. I chose one of four of the lefses I had prepared and this was sent to a separate enclosed room made up of a panel of judges. Their search was for taste, texture and appearance. I was overjoyed with their conclusions. I have made lefse for large groups, such as smorgasbords and Lefse Day sales. I enjoy giving demonstrations in various settings. These include retail stores, churches, Norwegian stevnes, elementary schools, Sons of Norway gatherings, craft shows, and homemaker groups. Teaching both large and small groups helps me inspire students of all ages with a hands-on experience. Newspapers, magazines, and periodicals have told the story of the first edition of my book, and I have been interviewed on several local radio stations. I am adamant that families should have at least one member who is a lefse maker, and this person should pass the knowledge of lefse-making to the next generation. I wish to share my experiences and get more families involved in the making of lefse so more can enjoy this wonderful delicacy.