Lutheran Church Basement Women: Martin and Todnem's Newest and Funniest Book!

I have heard this book on tape and then ordered the book so that I could give it to my mother. We both have enjoyed it immensely. We, Lutherans, do have fun!

As I read this book, and browsed through the recipes, I remembered when I happily consumed many of these delious edibles (as well as tactfully avoided the equally noxious ones) in blissful ignorance. I still consume many of these traditional Lutheran dishes at church functions, now usually held in the Lutheran School building. Today, though, I am required to feel guilty about consuming them, can very nearly HEAR them clogging arteries. That basement holds many fond memories of more innocent times!

At one time a Lutheran and now a Catholic--I know these women and they are alive in every church kitchen in the world,and we have a sense of humor!!!!! The recipes send my mind scurrying back to my home town of Ada, Minnesota and I can once again enjoy the companionship of my family.

My grandmother was a Norwegian immigrant who lived in a apartment down the street from our Lutheran church in Wisconsin. This book covers every recipe and nuance I remember from life in the Lutheran church, right down to the aprons. The explanations and footnotes about life as a Lutheran church basement woman are accurate and delightful. The descriptions of rituals and preparations for events are accurate to a fault, right down to the dead spreads. The hints about gossip and the social structure of these women are perfect. This book is a joy!!

A light hearted look at the traditional role of women and their work in Church kitchens. While I am a lifelong Lutheran, I appreciated it more after moving to the Midwest. The only book I have seen that pays homage to red Jell-O.On a more serious note, I am glad that the mores honored here are changing. At my church the men join in the cooking and cleaning, and the women have many other roles too.