Norwegian Waffles for Syttende Mai

It is almost time to say "Hurra for syttende mai"! I can hear the old ladies in my childhood church chatting and clacking... most of them had dentures that didn't fit quite so well. They had stamina, girth and a love for breads. Yes, these were Norwegian women. They were a tad formal, my Grandma referred to her best friends as Mrs. Otto Andersen, Mrs. Moy, or Mrs. H. C. Andersen. This made me smile, as I can picture these women in sensible shoes, baggy hose, blue suits of every shade, clutch purses and a handkerchief in hand. Each had an open house policy... come on over and have a little something to eat: munke, banana bread, abbleskivers, lefse, poteskage, coffee cake or cold Norwegian waffles. Oh the waffles, served with strawberry preserves and a dollop of cream! And of course several cups of coffee would flow with piece. Morning would zoom into lunch and a genuine invite was offered, but excuses would be made and off we would go to get home and get to work before Pop came home for dinner. Food. Food itself: the thoughts of it, the makings of it, the purchasing and the growing of it were the focus of my Grandma's household. Extraordinary aromas, love of life, and Biblical principles held it together!

 

 

Hurra for syttende mai translated: Happy (Norwegian Independence day) 17th of May. It is a wonderful time to celebrate life... in between Mother's Day and Father's Day... It is my Dad's heritage day. Isn't life good! Have a waffle and enjoy a touch of Norwegian hospitality.

 

Norwegian Waffles
Ingeborg Elizabeth Hansen Johansen

 

Served cold, with fresh strawberries and cream

 

3 eggs, separated
1 c sugar
3.4 c melted butter
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c milk
1/2 t salt
2 t vanilla
3 t baking powder

 

• Separate eggs. cream sugar and egg yolks. Mix flour, salt and baking powder.
• Add melted butter, then milk and flour a little at a time, and last, fold in beaten stiff egg whites.
• Pour 1/2 c of batter onto a hot greased waffle iron. Remove and stack until ready to serve.

Have a fresh pot of coffee brewing, as these dessert waffles are excellent!