Strawberries in Moland

Alas - strawberries mixed with yesteryear

Winding country roads, warm sun with a cool breeze, tasty food - topped off with strawberries smothering angel food cake and ice cream. A Sunday doesn't get any better than this.

When traveling to Moland Lutheran Church for it's annual strawberry festival on Sunday, June 24, the entire experience was marvelous. The small country church is nestled amongst corn and soybean fields and with it's welcoming arbor-like iron sign travelers get a glimpse of rural Americana at its best.

When you have 24 enrolled at the church, putting on such a festival encompasses ALL of the congregation. The food draws in the visitors, but it's the workers that skillfully coordinate the 56-year-old celebration.

"We keep this church going one way or another," chuckled Beverly Hortop, who greeted newcomers and hungry patrons in the front landing of the church. Alongside her manning the tables holding melt-in-your-mouth baked goods were LeMae Erler and Arlene Balzer. All three recall the days when families brought in a couple quarts each of home grown strawberries - stemmed and washed - ready to be sliced up. "It was quite a sight," added Beverly, "seeing all those berries brought in the day before." It's people like these three women, who are 50-plus year members, that keep the quaint church lively.

As much as the congregation would love to bring in fresh, garden-picked strawberries nowadays, that's something that went away with small producing farms. However, the potato salad and chocolate cakes are still made in local kitchens - with rules.

Faye Noble, president of their WELCA, had to take training classes for the church to be able to hold its annual function. New state health rules has forced many such church socials to either abide or close down their food fundraisers. Faye in turn, taught those who worked the importance of properly handling food - including wearing plastic gloves for all.

The women of the kitchen - front:  Tonnie Derscheid,
Beverly Hortop and Faye Noble; back: Kim Dressel, Judy
Bauer, Phyllis Derscheid, Stacey Thofson.

When she's not planning a strawberry festival, you can see Faye playing the organ every Sunday. She's a humble, but hard-working soul that proudly tackles the task at hand - just like fellow members. She credits Julie Dressel as the chairperson of the festival, spending time and trips to Faribault and Owatonna pricing food, buying supplies and delivering items to church. She and her husband, Eric,  make the trip the day before to pick up the strawberries, and extra kudos go to him for picking up and installing the new freezer. After that, if that wasn't a lot, he went to Nerstrand Meals to deliver that produce to the church. "Their hours of work are greatly appreciated," Faye said.

As for produce, it takes 100 pounds of strawberries, 75 pounds of pulled pork and 10- 5 quart pails of ice cream to feed the hungry at the festival.

Back to the potato salad, which is one of my favorite foods, so I become interested in every spoonful of summer potato specialties in my personally-appointed connoisseur way. "Every woman brings in their recipe of potato salad, which I've thought about putting out two dishes on the table - one with a little more mustard and another with maybe more white dressing. Everyone makes it different, for myself, I have fresh cutup radishes and pureed onions. It gives people a different taste depending on when they come during the day."

The chocolate cake is simpler but just as scrumptious. "We make just a plain chocolate cake with frosting and German chocolate cake," added Faye. "Can never predict what will happen, but last year we ran out of German chocolate cake, the year before that ran out of angel food cake." Eight pans each of chocolate and angel food cake usually feeds the 275 or so people who attend yearly.

Maggie Peach used to supply the homemade canned pickles but she passed away earlier this year. That may be what decides the future of this wonderful festival - survivors. Since 2005, 25 parishioners have passed away. The pulled pork from Nerstrand Meats is another favorite to pick at the a la carte feast. Strawberries were coming from Northfield this year until the eight-inch rain fouled up those plans, but Hy-Vee came through with the lovely red fruit. And Faye ordered the higher end strawberries to ensure quality and great taste. This year was a little harder since the weather has forced things about three weeks early.

Faye became a church member in 1964 after attending the Methodist church nearby. Moland Church can be found near the Dodge, Steele, Rice and Goodhue county lines - making it a popular worship spot for many farm families over the years.

The younger generation pitching in: Paige Schultenober,
Jenna Engel, Kaylin Hanson.

Years ago, the coffee for the festival was made at the Creamery 1/2 mile down the road. The piping hot java was hauled to the church in creamer cans and handed through the basement window to be served - sometimes so warm it scalded rings into the tile floor when place there. Faye said the first festival was held at a parish member's home until moving to the church, where they built a basement and got running water. In years gone by, Moland had a creamery, gas station, grocery store and a couple smaller businesses. The creamery building still stands - although not so stately anymore -but the rest have since been torn down.

All the commotion on Saturday mornings at the church means it's strawberry festival time - and women and men (and children) pitch in to get the work done. Although most years the money raised goes to kids' camp trips or earmarked church projects, some money was gobbled up before the event started this year when the freezer quit. In the past the Salvation Army locally has also received funds and the festival also donates money in honor of a church WELCA member who passed away during the year to a missionary serving somewhere around the world. "It helps them out for one day, but we think it's worthwhile and honorable to do," said Faye.

'Moland' has Norwegian origins which is fine and proper in where the church sits among Scandanavians. And it is fitting that in 2005 a group of visiting dignitaries from St. Olaf College came down and ate at the festival. "That was during our anniversary year," she said, when the church marked it's 125th year.

Although the date is always the final Sunday in June, the hours change as they work around other goings on in the area. Normally, the festival starts right after the 10 a.m. service until 5 p.m. And in the spring, the men put on a pancake breakfast for all to enjoy. A turkey dinner went by the wayside several years ago.

Pastor Nancy Edwardson came and served coffee at the event, something she's done for 12 years. Moland Lutheran Church shares her services with Kenyon Sunset Home. Everyone makes the Moland Strawberry Festival a success everyone should experience once.

It took me 20-plus years, but I got here - and the adventure was worth every single spoonful!

Added information - Faye  clarified a couple things: the 24 enrollment shown in the picture above is for Sunday School children; Moland church has 150 members total with 42 women's auxiliary members.

Future events:

St. John's United Church of Christ - Strawberry Festival, July 8, 4-7, rural Faribault.
Christ Episcopal Church, Austin - Salad Luncheon, Thursday, July 12, 11:30-1, 301 Third Avenue.
Hope United Methodist Salad Luncheon, Faribault - Saturday, July 14 - 11:30- 1.  3166 197th Street, Faribault
Sacred Heart, Hayfield: Salad, BBQ, Bars, Tuesday,  July 17 - 11-1 p.m.
St. Augustine's Church, Austin: Salad Luncheon, Thursday, July 19, 11:30-1:30.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Basswood Grove (south of Hastings), 8435 South St. Croix Street, Corn and Pig Roast, Saturday, August 20 (located in Denmark Township)- 4-8 p.m.

All dolled up at Faith

Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center

Dolled up for a luncheon

To pull off a successful fundraiser, an organization needs an efficient leader. Someone willing to pull it altogether, utilizing hard-working volunteers, assigning work and overseeing the process long before the day and making the hard decisions necessary for success.

In the case of Faith Lutheran Church's case, Carol Johnson fits that bill.

On Wednesday, June 13, Carol and her loyal volunteer base famously accomplished the 29th Salad Luncheon for their church, filling the dining area of the Dodge Center building with tasty salads, desserts, quilts and dolls.

Carol Johnson and her sister, Janet Johnson,
 stand by "Carol"the doll from their childhoods.

Yes, dolls.

While people waited in line to buy their tickets not only were they free to peruse the quilts, hot pads, coasters and other handmade goodies, there were over 20 different dolls displayed. Oohs and aahs and some chuckles were heard as the stories of shared toys of childhood.

"We decided to have a theme for the luncheon, so this year was dolls," explained Carol. "Luncheon volunteers brought in a doll and with some embellishments (toy high chairs, stools, tables, etc.) we sat them up for people to look at. The last couple years we had hats and aprons - everyone has a story about the selected theme."

The best story probably was the two dolls connected to Carol. The one she brought was hers growing up, dating back to 1952. There attached to her was a note to onlookers, that "if I look a little tarnished, so does my owner." The other, was a gift from her sister and sat in a little high chair and shared the story of when Carol was born. Her older sister, Janet Johnson (no, they didn't marry brothers!), hoped she would get a little sister to play with, so when she got her little sister, Janet named her doll, 'Carol'.

Once past the dolls and handmade items, a person hit the dining room, which had a 25-foot buffet filled with a multitude of vegetable, seafood, jello, chicken, tuna, shrimp, crab, pickled salads so vast the only complaint on the day was the fact that there wasn't a big enough plate to try them all. Being selective meant leaving a delicious option behind, but no one complained. In fact, there were separate plates for desserts, meaning you could pick up a few of those and not mess up any salad space. And if you forgot your drink or couldn't carry it because of all the food you snatched up, it was brought to your table with refills gladly offered.

So many beautiful dolls conjured up tales of
childhoods past.

There was a line of 40 people when 11 a.m. starting time rolled around and 11:15 it swelled to over 70. On the day close to 250 people from surrounding towns such as Owatonna, Pine Island, Hayfield, Kasson and others had got their splendid fill of homespun specialities.

There were at least 24 different salads, deviled eggs, buttered buns: my favorite was the wild rice chicken salad, but the two broccoli salads with a variety of nuts were mighty close. And, there was a salad with shrimp so small I didn't notice it until I was eating it and trying to figure out ingredients. That was yummy, too.

"You've never had nuts in a broccoli salad?" the satisfied visitor next to me said. "That's a staple around here." So I guess you can add another staple to either the Lutherans or Scandinavians - or both. "These desserts are to die for," she continued. "It's a shame you have to wash them down with coffee." The desserts were the most moist concoctions I've tasted this year.

Karen Ingvaldson and Breanna Simmons manned the
money table.

One thing I hadn't noticed yet in my church social visits was the use of paper plates - which is a smart idea that saves time. There's no worry that they weren't strong enough, these were top of the line plates. With the simple, elegant table decoration of small carnations in a vase, the dining area was very inviting.

It's easy to see how things flowed easily for the volunteers. Not only are they seasoned at serving and working at Faith Lutheran Church functions, Carol knows her stuff. As a licensed food manager, she is adamant on food servers using plastic gloves and pleasing the customers. That's not hard, because it appears in all their natures to be polite and welcoming.

Proceeds for the luncheon in the past have gone to purchasing a new stove, tables and chairs and other vital equipment needs and repairs, as well as donating to the youth for trips and special occasions. Faith Lutheran Church added a significant building addition in 2009, and its beauty is not only apparent when driving into the parking lot, but entering the building with the spectacular stained-glass entrance doors and solemn but respectful sanctuary, chapel, music, library, dining areas. The church congregation itself is quite young compared to many, starting in 1943.

Perusing through their women's aid news since inception, it is evident the church is proud of its service to God, the parish and community. And they have had wonderful, imaginative church fundraisers over the years including the newest this spring, when ladies of the parish chose a theme to decorate a table. From there, they put together inspirational and fun ideas and had to sell off each setting - usually a table for eight. Then they were served a meal for the night. There were 18 such themed tables. With that kind of creativeness, one figures out how there can be that many different, but delectable salads at one function!

Karen Ingvaldson is another long-time volunteer of the church and appeared to be training in the next generation of worshipers at her cashier's table in Breanna Simmons. Ever humble, Karen recalls many functions over the years and is glad the new church has a bigger dining area. In the fall, she also helps out with he Meatballs and Ham Supper the first Wednesday in November. The salad luncheon at one time was the Soup and Pie Luncheon and back if the early 1980s, lunch could be had for $2.50. It still is reasonable for the $6 price tag today.

My favorite was the Scandinavian Fling they had for many years, where the leftover potatoes wasn't a negative, just an opportunity to make more lefse! "There's not too many leftovers from the luncheon, but if there is we have a leftover night the following Thursday where church members or members of the community can come in and finish them off free." Carol and friends whips up some ham sandwiches to go along with the leftovers and in that hour, food disappears at warp speed. What a great idea!

Each of the service group leaders are responsible in getting its members to donate items to fundraising events. It's more difficult nowadays with busy schedules but as much as technology should help with the onset of cell phones and e-mails, many people have trouble contributing time anyway. And don't kid yourself, the men of the church also play a big role in all the fundraisers.

 "We have such a great loyal core bunch who enthusiastically and diligently work to get participation.," said Carol. "We are very proud of the effort and results."

And that they should be.


Colorful Fiesta Salad - made by Kristi Faber

This is good fresh, or overnite it's even better; makes a lot but can be used for chips, baked potato or as a wrap with chicken!

3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans corn, rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained
1 each chopped up: green, yellow, red peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion (vandalia if possible)
3/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Mix together, set aside

the secret dressing -

2 cloves minced garlic
3 TBSP lemon or lime juice
3 TBSP white vinegar
3TBSP rice (Asian) vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp cumin
(can also have 1 tsp crushed red pepper to add more pep)

Mix these ingredients and pour and mix into vegetables.

Best part Kristi said, is it's only 130 calories a cup!

Let me know of any church socials you would like me to attend by emailing me through my blog.

Next up: Moland Lutheran Church Strawberry Festival, Sunday June 24. Someone's gotta do it!

Blooming strawberries

Strawberries in the Country

You can't beat fresh strawberries in the summertime.

Add to that sloppy joes, beans, potato salad, not to mention a mouth-watering bake sale, beautiful handmade quilts for sale and plenty of broad smiles and warm saluations, the 71st Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church's Strawberry Festival was all it is hyped to be.

Ann Rudland serves up the festival specialty - strawberries
with your choice of shortcake, angel food cake or ice cream.

"As soon as I got here, I heard people tell me, 'wait til the strawberry festival' as far as what kind of congregation this was," said Pastor Lindsay Stolen said, who started last fall in her first call to the church. "I didn't have to wait that long to find out what kind of people there were here, but when this (the festival) came closer I could see the well-greased machine go to work. I just stepped back, let it happen and offered help where needed."

She was right. A visitor gets to the parking lot and it greeted by attendants directing traffic and guiding one towards the side door of the 153-year-old church. Once inside, many lovely ladies shower you with information, whether you want just a meal, purchase food, quilts or raffle tickets, or just sit quietly in worship area. The small, country church is located halfway between Blooming Prairie and Austin, amongst the corn and bean fields of Mower County. It doesn't get much more inspiriting than this - especially Tuesday, June 12, when the 65-degree weather couldn't be matched for event planning.

Mary Kittelson and Doris Draayer co-host the event.

Red Oak Grove's WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Church of America) have been organizing this event, the primary fundraiser for the church for more than seven decades. Last year they cleared $5,000 (the first $1,250 is matched by Thrivent Financial) with proceeds divided for youth and church needs, which usually includes a few repairs or purchases for kitchen equipment. Like most church socials of this kind, it started out just as a congregation gathering and has erupted into serving close to 700 people a year. A steady stream of hungry people waited patiently as volunteers took their a la carte orders, topped off by the sugar-free strawberries blanketing either shortcake or angel food cake - and a scoop of ice cream.

The angel food cake and shortbread are made the day before, with the potato salad and strawberries prepared earlier. It takes awhile to hull 300 pounds of strawberries and a peel few hundred spuds, not to mention laboring over the hot stove but the women - and men - take great pride in their event and do the work happily together.

There was a time that the strawberries were picked by hand by the women of the congregation from strawberry patches from farms in the area. Most women supplied a few quarts each. As years pass that labor intensive project - and less farmers raising strawberries - forced the festival committee to look to local vendors to purchase the red fruit.

Judy Wambeam could be found behind the bake sale table
and helping with the quilt sale.

Doris Draayer has enthusiastically worked the festival for over 40 years. "It just is a lot of fun to work with these women, who also enjoy participating. It really is a whole congregational effort." Proof, as they say, is in the strawberry (not pudding) because Doris is one of several three-generation festival working families working this year. She said after church the Sunday before the event, volunteers gather to peel potatoes and boil/shell eggs, placing them in the cooler for mixing the next day. The well-oiled machine then goes in full throttle, whisking along smoothly and if there are any hitches, they are meant with a chuckle and little extra elbow grease.

"There is such a nice group of young people working here - and that's been true over all these years," said Doris. "It definitely is a generational effort. We do what the people ask for. This year we had the suggestion of adding quilts that the women of the church make during the year for missions, so we thought that was a great idea." Also added in the last couple years are take-outs, where people from as far away as Albert Lea, Dexter and points east have come to take the yummy foods home. Official serving started at 4 p.m., ending at 7 p.m., but earlier in the afternoon St. Marks Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie and other facilities had residents bussed in for a meal.

Judy Wambeam, head quilter of the Red Oak Grove women, was proudly representing her group, with a few of her quilters also in attendance. Prices for the tied-quilts were amazingly low for such great quality. "Last year we made 103 quilts for the church missions, and 43 were baby quilts given where needed - this is just from last fall," she said. They take a couple months off in the summer before gathering their sewing skills for another year, where about 20 women collect to stitch. It's another fellowship opportunity for the 200-member church.

Mary Kittelson is another parishioner who rolls up her sleeves and digs in - enjoying every minute. Her sister and kids also help out. "It was a family tradition. My grandma, my mom, now me and my kids have helped out. We just enjoy doing it. And it helps to have a great role model like Doris to inspire us. We just want to continue what the earlier generations started."

That's unusual for church socials. Although everyone talks for hopes in perpetual continuation of their social gathering, lack of volunteers and higher food prices, drive many to the graveyard. Not at Red Oak Grove. They welcome newcomers and younger generations for their ideas and energy. However, Red Oak Grove did see its annual lutefisk dinner come to a halt several years ago. But all the energy is in the strawberry festival, something the whole congregation is most proud of.

Even in times of stress, the festival keeps going. Mary laughed when she recalled a few years ago that the power went out at the church during the festival. "We blew a transformer, but just kept going at it. We talked about maybe charging more when we got out candles to sit on the tables for light. We thought ambience should be worth a little more."

Take Madaline Collette, who now lives in Austin, but a former congregation member. She sat chatting in the landing area but recalled many wonderful memories of attending/working the festival - something she's done since 1946. "You just can't beat the food and people here," she said smiling.

It's obvious how Red Oak Grove integrates the whole family through service, fundraising and fellowship and fun with this one event. Many churches could learn a lot about the love these people have for their church.

Strawberries come to the surface, but it's the hidden work that built such a strong foundation that will span many more years in the rural landscape of Minnesota.

It's definitely an event full of history - and calories!


RECIPE TIME!

Marlys Peterson is one of the main cooks
in the kitchen.

Here's the recipe - direct from the 2009 cookbook - for the best shortcake you can make to share your strawberries with. Marlys Peterson cooks many panfuls for the festival and also put together the congregation cookbook where it can be found:

ROL Festival Shortcake (Red Oak Grove)
1 box (8 cups) Pioneer Brand Biscuit Mix
3 1/2 cups milk
1 stick butter, melted
1 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients until blended, do not over mix. Put into a well greased/or sprayed 11x17 pan. Bake 350 degrees in oven for 25 minutes or until done. When slightly cooled take out of pan and place on cooling rack. When cool, cut the cake into 28 pieces.


Future events:

United Methodist Church, Dover - Ice Cream Social, Thursday, June 14: 5 to 7 at the Fire Hall. BBQ, chicken salad, potato salad, baked beans, chips, bars and ice cream.

Sunday, June 24 - Moland Lutheran Church Strawberry Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rural Kenyon, MN

Signs of the times

As I await for another church social to attend next week, I come across two that I have been to in the past that will no longer be held.


Signs of the times, I guess.


Hegre Lutheran Church, located between Kenyon and West Concord on Hwy. 56 in southern Minnesota, will no longer be having it's Salad Luncheon, held in June. After talking with a friend of mine, whose husband is the interim pastor there, it has been decided by higher-ups that the church will combine with another local church and forever cancel that fundraiser.


The other one is the Swissfest, held at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne, found between Pine Island and West Concord, for 59 years. They have decided it was too big for it's 125 members to handle - and too expensive. They will instead hold weekly events at the church.


The two-day festival featured dancing, yodeling, Swiss food and Swiss craft demonstrations. It attracted thousands of guests in its heyday, but now, with the dwindling number of Swiss farmers in the area it has caused financial stress on the little church.


Apparently the little church still needs financial support to stay open as it is struggling to survive. Now they will be building a wood-fire pizza oven and changing over the stage and garage to serve the food. This will allow them to feature weekly Tuesday pizza and entertainment, starting in August and hopefully, regularly next year.


Can you image a small church like this handling 22 tour buses at their annual fundraiser? That's what Zwingli did - and for almost six decades. That is quite an accomplishment.


Remember, the purpose of this blog is to bring to the forefront the wonderful tastes, offering and  heritages of churches around the state of Minnesota. Isn't it sad that slowly, one by one, church socials like these are falling by the wayside. Despite the fact that Zwingli apparently made $5,000 on it's wonderful Swissfest last year, putting money upfront for entertainment - rain or shine - cuts into anyone's budget. Too much risk, too little help and money.


Next week I will be attending Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church's Strawberry Festival, held Tuesday, June 12 from 4-6, one of many such 'red fruit' socials on the horizon. Attend your favorite one and add another to your list! Keep them going - it's all our heritages we celebrate at these church functions!


Also up is Moland Lutheran Church's Strawberry Festival, Sunday 24, located southwest of Kenyon from 11 to 5. Yum Yum!!!


United Church of Christ Strawberry Festival, Cottage Grove, Sunday, June 17 10-4


And, another that I learned about - Memorial Lutheran Church of Afton, 129th annual Strawberry Festival, Saturday, June 18, from 4 to 7 at the church. It is located on Hwy. 18  west of downtown Afton at 15730 South Afton Blvd, for those GPS punchers.


The festival started out as a potluck in 1883 and grew to be a community affair and reunion for many who attend, and ha always featured strawberries because they were among the primary crops in the area.


Trinity Lutheran Church Rhubarb Festival, Tuesday, June 14, 205 South Broadway, Crookston, featuring turkey salad, rhubarb salad, rhubarb desserts.


CHUM - Churches United in Ministry of Duluth - Rhubarb Fest Sat. June 23 at 102 W. Second Street Duluth.


St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Sturgeon Lake is holding a Polish dinner from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 10.


St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Winona, 22nd annual Strawberry Festival, June 10 in Sinclair Park, at 328 East Broadway. There will be chicken or rib dinners.

Lutefisk at Lands

Lovin' Lands Lutheran Lutefisk 

Did you know that a  genuine uffda is using lefse as a napkin?


Overhearing Norwegians joke (about their heritage) and choke (down the lutefisk) is not only a learning experience, but a tasty one as well.

Do you love your lutefisk?

Lands Lutheran Church of Zumbrota, located one-half mile west of the Hwy. 52/Hwy. 60 junction, held it's 12th Lutefisk/Meatballs Dinner on Friday, May 18. Despite the hot, windy weather outside, close to 400 people gathered during the three-hour feast in hopes of satisfying their Norwegian tastebuds until the next Scandanavian spread comes around.


This was the first time Lucille Root of Rochester has made it to Lands' dinner: She made five southern Minnesota lutefisk dinners last year and wanted to try out this one. She's one of those 'other' heritages (she's German and Bohemian) who married into the ritual. That premise seems common at lutefisk get-togethers and most outsiders develop the same love for the lye fish as those born in their blood. Let's just say it's the second time I've had the Norwegian treat and the taste will never be a top '10' food item on my plate, but that doesn't mean everything else didn't slide down with great liking. The gathering in the church basement thought it was the best they've had in a while - for me, it was better than the last time I had it so there is truth that lutefisk tastes different depending on who prepares it and where it's bought.


Lands Lutheran Church set the Norwegian dinner tradition in conjunction with Syttende Mai, the Norwegian independence day. In 1814 the Norwegian constitution was signed, giving the country independence from Denmark after a 500-year union. Syttende Mai (Seventeenth of May) grew into many colorful, family-oriented celebrations not only in Norway, but followed immigrants to America and Canada. 


Since 2000, Deb Johnson, Betty Bailey and Darlene Johnson have spearheaded the celebration dinner at the church. After being held two years at the school in Wanamingo, the event went to the Trinity Church there then to Lands. Lois Bjorngaard and Sharon Bjorngaard of Wanamingo were instrumental in its beginnings, but passed the baton once it traveled at Lands.

Judy Hoffeck, Bonnie Greseth, Wanda Hofstad, Deb Johnson
and Audrey Viseth tackle the lutefisk responsibilities in
the kitchen.

To serve the expected crowd of about 400, the women have special local sources they go to with the grocery list. And it's not your average family of five food list. Their list includes 250 pounds of lutefisk, 125 pounds of meat for meatballs, 125 pounds of rutabagas, 50 pounds of butter and 500 rounds of lefse. The grocery supplies come from the likes of Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Pine Island and Rushford. As many lutefisk dinners of today, the lutefisk and lefse are prepared mostly in the store. But the other delicacies are made on site or homemade.


Once the food arrives, preparation begins on the Wednesday before, peeling the rutabagas and potatoes. Rommegrot, a Norwegian porridge dessert, is made from scratch as are Norwegian treats sandbakkels, rosettes, krumkaka. It's Bonnie Greseth's job to make the lutefisk, which used to be boiled using cheesecloth in the kettles for straining, but  pasta kettles with the inserts are used for draining now.

Brandi and Danielle Blakstad are the
younger generation volunteering for the
Lands Lutheran church dinner.

"My lutefisk is eaten like a Norwegian burrito," laughed Lucille. "I lay out the lefse, add lutefiskin the middle, add mashed potatoes and butter, roll it up then eat it." While melted butter was in creamers on the table, I was informed that Swedish lutefisk dinners often have a cream to cover the fish. There certainly is no wrong way in eating lutefisk - my way was the first thing on the plate and as fast as possible! I'm not the only one, Lands Lutheran Pastor David Krinke announced a couple weeks ago at Sunday service that the annual Lefse and Meatball Dinner was in a couple weeks - avoiding lutefisk ton his tongue as long as possible, but eating lots of the other tasty offerings.  "I eat enough lutefisk to get credit," he chuckled while talking to parishioners at my table.


For those new to lutefisk, it translates from "lyefish", referring to the early process of soaking where a lye solution made of birch ashes was used in the luting process, utilizing dry cod or stockfish. Today, lutefisk means family, fellowship and good times.

Mary Brummund is set to
 serve Norwegian desserts.

For sisters Danielle, 15, and Brandi Blakstad, 12, they enjoy helping out at the dinner, assisting where they can, whether it be an elderly diner who needs help carrying their plate, refilling coffee and food platters. ""I just decided I wanted to help out," said Brandi. "I enjoy talking to the people and doing what I can." Although she and her family aren't big lutefisk eaters, volunteering is just as important.


Money made from the dinner help in a variety of church projects, whether it be youth, capital projects or facility upgrades.


It was a Norwegian gathering pulled off splendidly, filling tummies to the brim and filling the basement with fellowship. First ones in were senior citizens from Pine Haven Nursing Home is Pine Island. It didn't hurt that the air-conditioning was on, as temperatures outside were close to 94 degrees with 25 mph winds.


"I enjoy visiting other churches that have these lutefisk dinners, " said Lucille. "This is such a beautiful church," she said while waiting with me in the pew with 40 or so other people. "You don't get to see what a church looks like just driving by."


Did you know:


*Madison, Minnesota is the 'Lutefisk Capital of the World'?


*Olsen Fish Company in Minneapolis has a lutefisk hotline in case you need to help or directions on how to cook the fish?


*Don't cook lutefisk in aluminum pots/pans - it will darken the kettle.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, June 12 - Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie, 71st Strawberry Festival, 4-7

Sunday, June 24 - Moland Lutheran Church, Moland, Strawberry Festival - 11-5

LeCenter lunchin'

Lunchin' in Le Center


Between the 11 dozen deviled eggs Ellen Erkel whipped up and the 12 dozen cookies Doris Tiede baked, there were scads more volunteers participating at the salad/hot dish luncheon at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in LeCenter this past Thursday, May 3.

Ellen Erkel and Cheyl Bulver
co-chair the spring event

Another delicious and stupendous event was pulled off, finishing off the 26th year of the spring event. "We didn't have as many as we have in the past, it's been down at all the area luncheons we've found out," said Doris. "Maybe it's the economy, I don't know." Those diners on hand enjoyed 35 different salads or hot dishes on a cool, rainy day. Over 280 people indulged either at the church basement or ordered take out - one of the larger delivery services in the area, taking out 80 this year but as many as 150 in the past.


There are five men from the congregation that delivered the meals locally, enthusiastically waiting for a list of customers to deliver to. "We make sure the meals are good by sampling en route," chuckled one of the drivers. All in all, their efforts are one reason why the faithful followers of LeCenter's 127 year-old church has run not only this successful event, but their fall Election Day Supper in the fall - which has been going on over 70 years. The fall event has over 500 takeouts and serves 1,000.


Ellen has been co-chair with Cheryl Bulver for the past few years. "I was an educator, retired and traveled a bit, and then started helping out here," Ellen said of the luncheon, now her sixth year. They put in seven hours Wednesday morning preparing the main turkey hot dish and preparing the basement for the dinner, and more time prior to the event. The tables lighten up the atmosphere with their peony centerpieces and lavender tablecloths. Other women of the congregation  filtered in to help not only at the church but in their own kitchen preparing food. "We don't have circles anymore, so the women just volunteer to help out," added Doris. A few women call women of the congregation soliciting their tasty salad or dessert recipes. Close to 25 people volunteer the day of the event, allowing it to run without a hitch.

While one part of the kitchen was busy for the basement diners, the adjoining room had eight people scooping up takeout orders. "I've been doing this most of my life," chortled Courtney Kukucka, Doris' granddaughter. "I just grew up helping out and still enjoy it." She's part of the take-out crew.


Doris' strong German heritage and cooking skills provides a huge cooker full of German potato salad. At 75, she is proud of the church women's commitment to raising money for the variety of church activities the money goes toward. "I'll be doing it until my health forces me not too, but for now, I enjoy getting together and seeing people. We (her husband and her) used to know just about everyone in town years ago, but now, new people and our less involvement with kids, you just don't get to know that many outside church. And I think lots of congregations are slowly losing members, young people just aren't going to church as much." Although other area churches decided to increase their prices to $7 for adults, St. Paul's kept their's at $6 this year. That could change if numbers continue to slowly decline.


Like most church social events, the money could go to building repairs, Bible camp stipends for youth, mission work. As most budgets, it takes a lot longer to raise the money than spend it!


It's a calculated guessing game at how many will attend each year, but the co-chairs plan on about 300. Any leftovers are dished up into containers and taken to the local retirement facility to be used as they wish. There usually isn't that many. Even Pastor David Aakers ate with the crowd and then dug in washing dishes in the kitchen.

Take-out dinners comprise of
about 40 percent of the meals
served on the day.

By 11:40 a.m. there were 72 people seated with a line forming. It may have been stormy outside, but inside there were throngs of smiling, satisfied diners inside. Among them was a group of four sister-in-laws who sat with me, shared laughter and stories and told they make this an event each year. The four widows filled their tummies then were setting out to play some hand and foot (a card game). Over toward the front table was a local law enforcement officer, taking lunch hour amongst the patrons.

St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church
is 127 years young.

"It's something we do for the church and each other," Doris said. Ellen added, "I've learned a lot and met new people doing this. Hopefully, it will continue for many years to come."


Doris' German Potato Salad (made for a crowd)
10 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cooked enough to slice up
2-3 lbs. bacon (keep grease)
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup onion
1/3 cup bacon grease
                                                        1/3 cup corn starch


Cook bacon and onions in grease until tender. Add water, vinegar, sugar and thicken with corn starch. Pour dressing over sliced potatoes and bake for about an hour at 350 degrees.


Thanks Doris for the recipe (one she got from her sister).


Upcoming Events:
May 12, Ev. United Methodist Church, Waterville, Spring Luncheon/Bake Sale (11-1)
May 18, Lands Lutheran Church, Zumbrota - Lutefisk/Meatball Supper (4-7)
June 12, Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie - Strawberry Festival (4-7)
June 24, Moland Church, rural Kenyon - Strawberry Festival (11-5)

Biscuit lady

It's all in the biscuits -

At 84, Connie Bicknese of Wykoff is proud to be known as the biscuit lady.

Her mother's biscuit recipe has been eaten by thousands since the Wykoff United Methodist Church women have held the Chicken Pie Dinner each April since 1959. She even uses the same bowl her mother did all those years ago when she makes the biscuits.

"My mother perfected that recipe with a friend of hers, Vera," said Connie. The secret ingredient is non-rendered lard, something not found in many places nowadays. Today, Connie has her daughter, Marilyn Erdman, and daughter-in-law Dianne Bicknese helping out at the meal, held this year on Wednesday, April 25 at the Wykoff Community Center. The weather cooperated and brought over 200 people this year, greeted by chickens and roosters of all sorts adorning the stairs, outside landing and tables inside.

Jettison back five decades ago when the Methodist men and women would go out to a local farm, herd up and load chickens in crates and bring them into town, where Mrs. Miller would cut their heads off and the rest would scald, pluck, bag and freeze the birds for the dinner, which was held within a couple weeks of the chore. "Back then it would take two days to get the birds and food ready for the dinner," said Connie. "The younger women of the church thought that was too much work, but the older women didn't want to change it. A few years of doing it the hard way gave way to buying the chickens." Last year was the first time the group bought the meat and gravy for the event, with workers getting older and scarce. "This year's (chicken and gravy) were very good," she said. I would agree!

About six women cook up all the food - only Connie makes the biscuits. Many people have confused the dinner to chicken and biscuits, but she explained the process. "We put the (unmade) biscuits on top of the chicken and gravy and bake them for about an hour. Had some ministers and people we've had to explain to them it's not chicken and gravy over biscuits - they're cooked together. Along with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, buttered buns, cranberry sauce and your choice of cake, the $8 meal fills up the hungriest of those attending.

Connie Bicknese, Ruth Link, Irene Jacobson and
 Dianne Bicknese, serving up Chicken Pie Dinner.

Money raised goes for church functions - wherever the need. "It started out as just our women's group but now the men are involved, helping us out," she added.  Something additional, there is take-out service for the meal as well. Last year they served close to 50 people this way.

She took home just a gallon bag of chicken/gravy mixture this year, meaning the women got the planning down pat. "It depends on the weather, too, how many people come," she added.

Connie was born and raised in the Wykoff area and along with her husband, Bill, live in town now. On the trip down from Faribault, farmers were taking to the field - getting ready for another spring planting season. Just east of Spring Valley is Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, as well as a huge white barn that looked suited to fill up with antiques. Just before turning into Wykoff from Hwy. 16 to Hwy. 80 was a biggest concrete Holstein bull I've ever seen on the Boettcher family dairy farm. It was another successful drive - about 1 1/2 hours from Faribault - through Minnesota farm country.

At my table, were five delightful women from Spring Valley and Lanesboro, taking in their annual chicken pie dinner. There never were more accommodating and friendly people to sit by, as they reminisced with me about previous dinners, other local church functions in the area and their favorite stories of the day.

Connie was more than glad to share her tales of the Chicken Pie Dinner over the years, and thankful she's been a part of it. "I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing it, I am the oldest right now."

And not missing a beat.

Connie shared her biscuit recipe, but be warned, it's for huge crowds, so you may want to quarter it down:

8 cups of flour
1/2 cup lard (home rendered lard)
12 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 gallon of milk

"This makes 5 bowls, three times," said Connie. "Just stir in the milk to the same consistency and thickness, don't want it too runny but if I do, I just add a little more flour."

Thanks Connie and Wykoff United Methodist Church for the great meal and fellowship!

Upcoming Functions:

• May 2 - Kasson - Presbyterian Church, Spring Luncheon, 11-1 (101 6th Avenue NW)
• May 3 - LeCenter, St. Paul Lutheran Church - Salad/Hot Dish Luncheon, 11-1 507-357-2212
• May 18 - Zumbrota, Lands Lutheran Church Lutefisk/Meatball Dinner, 4-7 (Hwy. 60 just west of Zumbrota)