The Best Lefse Recipe Ever

Today is lefse-making day in my family. This afternoon my kids and I will head over to my sister’s house, where she and my dad have already peeled enough potatoes for a triple batch of lefse for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving dinner.

In honor of the day, and just in time for Thanksgiving, I thought I’d include a recipe from Scandinavian-American chef Beatice Ojakangas’s blog, called “The Best Lefse Recipe Ever.” (Beatrice’s recipes were featured in Viking’s June food issue.) That’s no small claim—I happen to think my dad makes the best lefse ever! Note that Beatrice’s recipe is wonderfully large—it makes about 100 pieces! (Hmmm….could that be what makes it best?) The recipe looks very similar to my family’s recipe, affectionately called “Lena’s Lefse,” (named for Lena Trygestad, who lived near Bellingham, Minn.), although I see that Beatrice’s recipe calls for less flour than Lena used.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to be carrying on this family culinary tradition of lefse making, while teaching the next generation. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. And may you find a plate of lefse on your holiday table!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user little blue hen.

The Arctic Winter Awaits

I may be sitting here at my desk, but my mind is far off in the Norwegian Arctic this week. I’ve been editing the Viking travel issue, including a feature that’s set in Norway’s frozen north.

While Americans are gearing up for Thanksgiving, Norwegians living north of the polar circle are anticipating the onset of mørketiden (literally, "the dark time"), when the sun slips below the horizon on Nov. 25, not to be seen again until Jan. 17. This is the payback for all those glorious weeks of midnight sun that Norwegians bask in during the summer. While the dark winter sounds like a huge challenge to me, the people I know that live in the far north seem to take it in stride, seeking out the company of friends, lighting plenty of candles and enjoying the spectacular displays of northern lights that accompany the darkness.

If you want to experience the Arctic winter for yourself, Visit Tromsø has a website to get you started. Look for more resources and inspiration in Viking’s travel issue, coming your way in January!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user RunarE.

Countdown to Christmas

It was a treat to collaborate with long-time Skogfjorden staffers Elizabeth “Elsebet” Halvorson and Valerie “Magna” Borey on the Holiday Heritage feature in this month's issue of Viking. Magna and Elsebet are highly creative teachers who know how to get kids excited about Norwegian language and culture. Among the fun ideas and resources listed for parents, teachers and lodge leaders in the article, there’s a link to this year’s Barnas Superjul advent calendar. Beginning Dec. 1, I know my own kids will be excited to count down to Christmas with a daily visit to this website, produced by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

NATB on WCCO!

I just got word that there will be a story on WCCO about the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast this afternoon! Apparently the NATB is the winner of today's Good Neighbor Award and it will be broadcast at 12:40 CST! You can listen for yourself by clicking here to stream WCCO News Radio. Otherwise, I am going to try to put a link up to the archived audio when it is available.

This is exciting news, to be sure. But even more, it is a testament to the hard work of the all the volunteers, board members and benefiting charities!

Don't forget! There's still time to purchase individual tickets or entire tables! All you have to do is call (800) 945-8851!

Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast 2010

It's time again for the 2010 Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast! This is one of my favorite events of the fall and this year is going to be even better! Not only will those in attendance be treated to the musical stylings of the 34th Red Bull Division's M-Saxteen Ensemble, but they will also hear MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page give his thoughts on freedom, Public Radio's Krista Tippett's reflections on faith and Margaret Anderson Kelliher's insight into family and friendship.

It's going to be a great event and if you are in the Twin Cities, I encourage you to call and order your tickets now, before they're gone! The deadline for ticket purchase is November 16th! All you have to do is call (800) 945-8851 and place your order by phone to be part of this fall's signature event!

Viking Wins Magazine Awards

Last night I attended the 14^th annual Minnesota Magazine Publishing Excellence Awards. Apparently, our readers aren’t the only folks who like Viking: the judges did, too! Our May wedding issue won two silver awards: one for Best Single-Topic Issue and one for Best How-To Article (that is, how-to add some Norwegian touches to your big day). Our January “Get on Board” feature won a silver award for best use of visuals/photography. And remember the speed skater on our February issue? It won a bronze award for Best Single Cover.

Now it’s your turn to be the judge. Did you have a favorite issue or feature in Viking this year? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts by emailing me at vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.