The Old Torkelson Century Farm: Downhome Norwegian Recipes

This Norwegian cookbook is dedicated to my grandmother Myrtle (Torkelson) Overland (b.1903, d.1987). Myrtle shared memories of feeding the poor who would stop by the farm during the Depression. The hardworking farmers needed high protein and fat in their diets to maintain their energy. She said they would always have food from growing their own vegetables and fruit, raising their own chickens, pigs and cattle. There was always fresh eggs, milk, and cream from their small dairy and poultry operation. The 250 indexed recipes use the Norwegian language as references to many old time favorites. Myrtles's family history of the immigration from Norway to America is included. The women immigrants were an important part of the survival of pioneer farmers. As I witnessed my grandmother's role in supporting her family through every day cooking, cleaning, nurturing, and working side by side with her family, I realized her strength of character. She took pride in her work and place in society. My grandfather, uncle, and farmhands would come in from a hard day's work and know there would be a hot meal waiting for them.