Lutefisk

Brother Ted serving the delicacy to Karen.

In Sweden they call it Lutfisk, In Denmark Ludefisk, in Norway Lutefisk!

What is it? It's Codfish, caught in the spring of the year, headed, cleaned of the insides and hung to dry in the fresh air of Norway, where the wind and the sun turn this fish into something resembling dry wood. Now, it can be reconstituted soaking it in water for weeks on end, this is done in Spain and Portugal, and made into a stew with tomatoes and potatoes, but trust the Vikings to discover something unique! They soak it, still not palatable, so they soak it for days in a 'Lye" or "Lut" solution , afterwhich it is rinsed and soaked repeatily til all the lye or lut solution is rinsed away. You are left with a spongy grey matter, when boiled, shakes like jelly and is served with melted butter and allspice, boiled potatoes and flat bread. Goes well with Aquavit!

Last Saturday we were treated to such a dinner by my brother, you either like it or abhor it. I like it!