What is "krotekake"

Krotekaker is a traditional flatbread from the Hardanger region of Norway. Outside of the region it is often known as hardangerkaker. The dried krotekaker can be made in quantity and stored without refrigeration for extended periods of time. Krotekake is a kind of lefse thin pastry. The name lefse covers many different kinds of thin or thick, soft or hard pastry. In the Norwegian language krote means "a scroll" and kake is a cake or pastry. A common misunderstanding is that all kind of lefse contains potatoes.

The making of krotekaker is more than a recipe. t is an opportunity for small gatherings of neighbors in this largely rural fjord coastline. There are typically three or four participants in this activity. The preparation and assembly can take much of the day and provides plenty of time to share stories and catch up on neighborhood information while producing a bounty of staple foodstuff.