Traditional homemade treats: Revisiting the oatmeal cracker recipe from yesteryears
In the world of community cookbooks, recipes often pass from hand to hand, with their origins sometimes becoming blurred over time. This is the case with Olga I. Gryde's recipe for Havre Kjeks (Oatmeal Crackers), a Scandinavian delight that bears a striking resemblance to those found in Julia Peterson Tufford's "Original Scandinavian Recipes," first published in 1940.
Gryde's recipe, which can be found in the 1985 church cookbook "The Joy of Sharing" published by the Oak Valley American Lutheran Women of Velva, North Dakota, is not attributed in the book. However, it is clear that Gryde has made some adjustments to the original recipe, adding oven temperatures but removing Peterson Tufford's evaluative comments.
The Havre Kjeks recipe requires common ingredients: oatmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, shortening, and milk. The dough may become too dry to adhere, in which case more milk and shortening should be added. The dough can be rolled out thin using the bottom of a heavy glass or the base of the palm, with a concussive movement from the center. The crackers are baked in a moderate oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Julia Peterson Tufford's purpose for her cookbook was to preserve simple 'folk recipes' from the past. Tufford, who is associated with the original recipe for Havre Kjeks, was inspired by traditional Norwegian cookbooks. Her cookbook, now in its 44th printing in 2022, is a testament to her success in this endeavour.
Gryde, like Tufford, was a contributor to the preservation of Scandinavian recipes. She is quoted in and contributed images to H. Elaine Lindgren's book "Land in Her Own Name: Women as Homesteaders in North Dakota." Gryde, who was one of the thousands of women who took advantage of the Homestead Act and "proved up" to become a landowner, shared her Scandinavian dishes in "The Joy of Sharing."
While the Havre Kjeks recipe is the focus of this story, it is important to note that "The Joy of Sharing" is filled with a variety of delicious recipes, from Italian Sausage Chili to Minty Bean Salad. Each recipe, like Gryde's Havre Kjeks, has its own unique story and history.
Recipes, unlike other works, do not receive copyrights. It is allowed for recipes to be shared without attribution in community cookbooks. However, it is always important to respect the original creators of the recipes and, where possible, acknowledge their contributions.
In the case of Gryde's Havre Kjeks, while the recipe bears her name, it is clear that it has roots in Peterson Tufford's original work. The simple yet intricate instructions, the use of common ingredients, and the distinctive Scandinavian flavour all point to this connection.
As we enjoy these delicious crackers, let us remember the women who preserved these recipes, the stories they tell, and the communities they bring together. The legacy of Julia Peterson Tufford and Olga I. Gryde lives on in every bite of Havre Kjeks.
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