From Norway - Lutefisk
by Edward Stave Boitano

It is said that about half the Norwegians who immigrated to America came in order to escape the hated lutefisk, and the other half came to spread the gospel of lutefisk's wonderfulness.
- Norwegian-American joke

he Lofoten Islands consist of stunning mountain peaks that seem to come right out of the sea, and sheltered inlets populated with little fishing villages. For centuries, fishing has been the very foundation of life on the islands. While on the deck of a vessel outside a Lofoten fishing village, I overheard an American passenger ask a Norwegian what those things were hanging on stilts. The Norwegian replied that it was air-dried cod for making Lutefisk. The American exclaimed, "And the birds don't eat it?" The Norwegian shrugged, 'No, they don't seem to like It.'

Everyone of Scandinavian heritage knows of Lutefisk (pronounced lou-tah-fisk), but for many it is more a source for jokes than actually eaten it. Lutefisk is a traditional Nordic food of dried cod or stockfish - today mostly made with dried ling - prepared in lye. It is soaked in cold water for five to six days (changed daily). In some recipes the fish is also hammered with a wooden mallet to soften it before its first soaking. It is then soaked again in another solution of cold water and lye for an additional two days. When this treatment is finished, a final treatment of yet another four to six days of soaking in cold water (also changed daily) is needed. Eventually, the lutefisk is ready to be baked in the oven for 40-50 minutes. Once cooked, the lutefisk has a very mild flavor and rather pronounced odor. People have mixed opinions of the deliciousness of the dish; some loving it, others feeling sick just from the smell of it.

Never-the-less, Lutefisk is a popular Christmas dish in the U.S. that graces the holiday table for many people of Norwegian ancestry. It is generally served with baked potatoes and potato lefse - a flat and dense potato bread.