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Lutefisk, O Lutefisk
Published 6:00am Sunday, November 22, 2009Driving several miles to Stavanger Lutheran Church, north of Fergus Falls, was well worth it for Marcy and Earl Hillstead of Hitterdal. Their daughter, Melanie, and son-in-law, David Berg, are members of Stavanger Church.
“The lutefisk today couldn’t be better,” said Earl, “and the smoked turkey is good as well. It’s a good time here, today.”
Directing the cooking of the lutefisk just outside the church was Ron Betlach, assisted by Don and Nancy Anderson.
Betlach said the secret is to cook about five pounds of lutefisk in boiling water for about eight minutes. You know it’s done when the lutefisk is flaky, and not overcooked.
“If you overcook the lutefisk you’ll get mush,” said Betlach. “Then you’re at the point of no return.”
The Andersons said they enjoyed cooking the lutefisk with Betlach Saturday afternoon.
Cooking the smoked turkey for the annual feed was Morrie Haugen.
People also were treated to mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, lefse, pickles, cranberry, cake for dessert and beverage.
Napkins and placemats read, “Love that Lutefisk.”
“People are enjoying good food and fellowship,” said church member and server Betty Sterling.”
Retirees Don Person and Arnie Gunness drove all the way from Alexandria to Stavanger Lutheran Church to partake of lutefish, turkey, and the trimmings. Like the Hillsteads from Hitterdal, they weren’t disappointed.
Duane Jensen and his parents, Vernon and Bernice, also drove to Stavanger for the dinner. But only one of the three, Vernon, ate the lutefisk. You either like it or you don’t.
