Journey to Scandinavia for lunch

• Jane Dahlin making sandbakkels

Jane Dahlin admits to being of German descent, where you just roll out the cookie dough and cut it; however, for years she has leaped into the sometimes tedious task of making sandbakkels, which involves pressing the dough into tins, baking and then tapping the cookie out as Dahlin is doing. Photo by Margaret Ontl

Talk about it

You don’t have to leave Hudson to find a first class cultural experience. Bethel Lutherans hosts its annual Scandinavian Food Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17.

The event was founded in 1991 by Joyce Johnson and Marilyn Henderson after Johnson visited a Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa. While Johnson and Henderson are generally credited with getting the ball rolling, many originating members, including Henderson are still part of the volunteer force of nearly 200 who make the event happen.

“I was in it from the start,” said Lori Jacobson. “The original goal was the raise enough money to purchase round tables for the fellowship hall.”

Since then the event has grown, drawing people from throughout the region. All of the food is homemade, including the lefse, aebleskivers, rommegrot, rullepolse, rosettes, kringle and open faces sandwiches.

The event creates fun and fellowship between the volunteers as they gather on various days to make the specialty items. Last week, the ladies gathered at the Bethel Highlands campus to make sandbakkels. Each volunteer had to bring a batch of dough. When all was said and done, the team had made nearly 600 of the delicate desserts.

“The event has a life of its own,” said Betty Hansen, one of the original volunteers. “I am English and Dutch but it has been amazing to see the event grow. It’s been fun to be a part of it.”

The event also features demonstrations, music and a bake sale. Vendors will offer Scandinavian jewelry, clothing and gift items.

Bethel Highlands Lutheran Church is located at 504 Frontage Road, just east of Target. The road runs parallel to I-94 on the north side. Profits will be used for church and mission projects.

Tags: church news, scandinavian food fest, bethel lutheran church, lifestyle, food