HEGE FATLAND
Guest Writer
fatlanha@plu.edu
Close friends of Pacific Lutheran University’s Scandinavian Cultural Center will return to campus this October to share a bit of Norweigian cuisine with the PLU population.
On Oct. 6 the “Daughters of Norway” will host a Norwegian cooking class where students and other visitors are invited to learn how to cook and to taste traditional Norwegian dishes. But besides foreign food, what makes this event so special for PLU?
Elisabeth Ward, Director for the Scandinavian Cultural Center, explained there has always been a strong connection between PLU and the Norwegian-Americans in the area. PLU has been very important to the Norwegian-Americans in the Northwest ever since they first immigrated to the country. She explained that a mission for PLU is to strengthen the ties between these two nations.
Many are also aware of the strong connection PLU has to Scandinavia. The school has always tried to include Scandinavian traditions in campus activities. Ward believes that sharing cultural dishes is an ideal way to do so.
“Food is one of [the] really strong places where people make connections,” Ward said. “I am very excited that we do have a cooking class here, because it keeps people feeling connected to PLU and their own heritage. Even if it’s not their heritage, it’s still very comforting.”
The “Daughters of Norway” will be hosting these three Norwegian cooking classes in October and in March. The first class will take place is happening Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Some of the exciting dishes that will be made include Lake Wraps, Trondheim Lemon Raisin Soup and Glominge Torte.
The event is free for students all who want to participate, and a $5 fee is charged for others who would like to learn more about Norwegian traditions and cooking.
