Roll Out the Lefse!

Since becoming a regular attender at our church, I have been wanting a way to get involved and meet other members of the congregation. A few Sundays ago, a group of ladies filed to the front of the church in aprons and hairnets and started singing about rolling lefse, accompanied with rolling pin actions. It was wonderful. These were my ladies. And they needed volunteers.

As soon as service was over I buzzed over to volunteer my time to make lefse as a fundraiser. I was a little nervous to try to measure up to these seasoned lefse makers, as I had always been an advanced lefse-eater, but still a novice lefse roller. I even did a little homework by watching a technique video with my mom.

Yesterday I was finally put to the test. The operation was a little overwhelming, but I took to it like a fish to water. Learning with these ladies and watching their techniques was such a blessing! They were so patient and kind, even under the pressure to produce. I am so happy to have started to get to know a group of women of all generations at my church community. And rolling lefse is a great way to kick off the holiday season! Here are a few snapshots of the operation.

To get started on your own lefse, follow the recipe below! {Taken from Thor's Favorites}

Liz's Lefse Recipe

Recipe by Liz Gjellstad

Yield: Makes about 24 lefse
Ingredients

• 5 cups packed riced potatoes
• 2 cups flour (1 stirred in, 1 kneaded in)
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Cooking Directions

1. When the riced potatoes are still hot, put all ingredients except the flour in a large bowl. Stir until completely mixed. Cool overnight in a covered bowl.
2. Before rolling, stir in one cup flour. Knead in the second cup flour by hand. Form the dough into balls, using approximately 1/3 cup dough. Flatten the balls into patties. Roll out into a 12-inch round. On a lefse grill heated to 475-500 degrees F, fry both sides until brown spots appear. Cool lefse. When cool, fold lefse and cover with plastic wrap. Store wrapped lefse in plastic freezer bags. To maximize freshness, freeze for 2-3 weeks only.

Vi ses senare!
Emily