The Norwegian side of my family immigrated to the Dakota Territory in the late 1800s, eventually settling on a farmstead in north central North Dakota. They brought with them their work ethic, agricultural expertise, and cultural staples, which included a heavy emphasis on food and family.  While many generations of my family have come and gone since then, several of these Norwegian customs remain. Each holiday season, our extended family gathers to make lefse, a traditional Norwegian tortilla made from potatoes, butter, cream, and flour. Lefse requires specialized grilling tools, including a griddle, grooved rolling pin, cloth sleeve, potato ricer, and flipping stick, as well as significant teamwork due to the delicate nature of the dough. Baking starts 24 hours in advance as ingredients are combined and chilled overnight.  The following day, family members divide into teams of dough ball makers, dough rollers, and grillers, and everyone works together, often for the entire afternoon, to grill multiple batches.  Younger children get involved by rolling dough balls while adults pass down techniques for rolling and grilling. Teenagers try their hand at flipping under the watchful eye of parents and grandparents, and everyone secretly delights at a "ruined" piece, as these mistakes are quickly eaten by bakers! For me, the lefse griddle symbolizes family, community, and connection to my roots.

– JS

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more