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Norwegian Lutefisk
Lutefisk, love it or leave it.Growing up in Norway I had no idea that anyone would find this traditional food repulsive, I thought of it as delicious ... and still do. "Yuk", you say..."how can anyone eat fish soaked in lye"?. I say: "Huffda, how can you say that about Lutefisk? (left) This fish is delicious if you can get past the jelly-like substance. It is actually good, clean cod - that is all - well a little more than plain cod... What is lye anyway? Oh, it is a strong smelling solution made from birch ashes and water. Fish Drying You either love it or hate it -- there is no in-between - me??? An old folk tale about the origin of this Norwegian delicacy, tells about when the Vikings were pillaging Ireland. St. Patrick sent men to pour lye on the stored dried fish on the Viking Long ships with the hope of poisoning the Vikings and However, rather than dying of poisoning or starvation, the Vikings declared "this stuff" a delicacy and it has been a Norwegian delicacy ever since that day. Some Scandinavian descendants claim their strength and longevity are derived from eating lutefisk at least once a year. I personally believe it is from eating tons of fish. It is "sooo" good for you. My mom, almost 90 years old - is sharp as a bell and is still active - cooking up a storm and taking care of her own house. She also keeps the whole family well stocked with beautiful, warm wool socks which she knits. Not one mistake on those socks - you can check them out if you wish. On the picture above, you will see Stewed Green Peas is another traditional Norsk food. It is not only served with lutefisk, but with Norwegian meatballs, pork or beef roasts. 
This little story is to THE PRAISE OF THE NORWEGIAN FISH PEOPLE LOVE TO HATE. Foods of Norway after reading about Lutefisk
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