Today, we are all in for a treat. With help from a local expert, I’ve rounded up 25 board games to play during social distancing.
Right now all of our schedules are being interrupted. Social distancing can have benefits–like spending extra time at home and getting those pushed aside to-do lists finished. But it also has its downside–like extra time at home and having nothing else on the agenda except the to-do list.
It’s hard, there’s no denying it. But this also presents us with an opportunity to connect with others intentionally and get creative with the ways we spend our energy. In my opinion there is no better way to do that than with well picked board games!
On Instagram earlier this week I asked if you all would rather have a round up of board games or books to pass your time and you all overwhelmingly requested games. So that’s exactly what I’ve got for you today. I pulled in my local board game expert, Shar for this one. Shar is a game guru (also a plant and cat guru and overall good person to know) and helped me put together this list of great games with something for everyone.
Game Categories
We broke our quarantine game list into 5 categories:
Classics
Great for 2 players
Easy to Learn
Strategy Games
Gams for People Who Don’t Like Strategy Games
There is some overlap in the games and I’ll denote it along with the description. All descriptions of games come from official manufacturer’s descriptions. All games must be playable with less than 10 people and in a no-contact environment.
Classics
These are games that have been around for a long while and are good for a wide range of players. For players who are intimidated by new games or players who just want to expand their repertoire into the realm of classics–these are a great fit.
(2 players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
**In my opinion everyone should learn to play backgammon!!**
Backgammon is one of the most popular board games. Is a two players game where the pieces, also known as stones, are moved counter clockwise in a horseshoe fashion along triangular tracks, also know as points. Backgammon is one of the oldest and best board games and is believed to have been in existence since the time of the Pharaohs. Backgammon is a game that combines elements of strategy and luck.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games.)
It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s exciting, it’s Sequence! Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board. When you have five in a row, it’s a Sequence. Learn to block your opponents or remove their chips, and watch out for the Jacks – they’re wild! With a little strategy and luck, you’ll be a winner.
(2+ players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
Players use skill and strategy to create stacks of sequentially numbered, ascending cards (2,3,4…) until they have no more left to play. Once everyone is dealt their own personal stockpile of cards, play begins by drawing from a central pile and building up to four “build” piles. The first player to deplete all of his or her Skip-Bo stockpile cards is the winner!
Stratego is the classic game of battlefield strategy that has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. For over 50 years, Stratego has thrilled strategy game fans by inspiring them to challenge an opponent and attempt to lead their army to victory. Two players command Napoleonic armies and devise plans to deploy troops, using strategic attacks and clever deception to break through the opponent’s line and capture the flag!
(2+ players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
It’s really no surprise that Rummikub is so popular – it has all the elements that make a great game: it’s easy to learn and fast moving, it’s different every time it’s played, it combines luck and strategy, and it changes quickly so every player has a chance to win until the very end. Players take turns placing numbered tiles in runs and groups, rummy style. The ‘board’ continually changes as players adjust the tiles on the table. Be the first player to play every tile on your rack to win.
Two Player Games
These games are great for two players. Perfect for playing only in the family.
Played within a medieval walled city, Cathedral is a top notch strategic game of power and position where rivals strategically battle to place all of their buildings on the gaming field and lay claim to their territory. Two rivals battle to gain the most territory, using strategy to position their castle building pieces and block their opponent’s moves. The player who is the best at outmaneuvering the other will claim the victory.
Morels, a strategic card game for two players, uses two decks: a Day Deck (84 cards) that includes ten different types of mushrooms as well as baskets, cider, butter, pans, and moons; and a smaller Night Deck (8 cards) of mushrooms to be foraged by moonlight. Each mushroom card has two values: one for selling and one for cooking. Selling two or more like mushrooms grants foraging sticks that expand your options in the forest (that is, the running tableau of eight face-up cards on the table), enabling offensive or defensive plays that change with every game played. Cooking sets of three or more like mushrooms – sizzling in butter or cider if the set is large enough – earns points toward winning the game. With poisonous mushrooms wielding their wrath and a hand-size limit to manage, card selection is a tricky proposition at every turn.
7 Wonders Duel takes the game play and excitement of the original and adapts it for one-on-one battles. Take control of your civilization and decide to invest in science, military or prestige. Two New ways to win will keep you on your toes and watching every move your opponent makes. If you fail to build defenses your capital city may be destroyed, but ignore technology and your people may be left in the dark ages. It’s a constant tug of war.
(2 Players, cooperative, great for folks who don’t like strategy games)
Work together to play tricks and move through the forest. Use the special abilities of the characters to exchange cards with each other, let your teammate follow with any card regardless of suit, and more. Win as a team by collecting all the gems, but be careful to stay on the path and not get lost in the forest!
Inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-laying game in which players fill in the countryside around the fortified city. As the map grows, so does the opportunity for players to disrupt each other’s plans. With its simple yet rich game mechanics and tiles that can be configured into numerous combinations, Carcassonne appeals to beginners and veteran gamers alike.
Easy To Learn
These next games are perfect to introduce to new players. They’re easy to learn and teach, simple to play and lots of fun for a variety of players.
Dominoes with a Kingdom building twist! each turn, connect a new domino to your existing Kingdom, making sure at least one of its sides connects to a matching terrain Type already in play. The game mechanics for obtaining the tiles is clever: the order who of who picks first depends on which tile was previously chosen. Make sure to secure tiles with crowns- these royal treasures help to multiply the worth of your Kingdom at the end of the game! the game ends when each player has completed a 5 x 5 grid, and then points are counted based on number of connecting tiles and crowns.
Explore and conquer the different terrains, and develop the best and richest territories for your people. Scour lands full of wheat fields, forests, grasslands, swamps, mines, and towns, diversifying your kingdom’s riches along the way. Tax the lands wisely to fund the construction of your towns, pick the buildings you erect carefully, and try to win the Queen’s favor – all while making sure your plans aren’t foiled by the Dragon’s flame. Make sure to strategize and acquire carefully, as others are also competing for the same lands, a stake in the riches, and the heart of the Queen!.
(2+ Players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
In card game SKYJO the goal is to collect as few points as possible over the course of several turns as after every round every player’s points are counted and added to his score. As soon as a player reaches 100 points or more the player with the fewest points wins. Collecting the fewest points means to look for low or even negative numbers. Further excitement is added by several special rules, which for example make it possible to remove several cards (and with it points) from the game – this can lead to unexpected turns. This motivates daring decisions that might even come back to bite, if the other players can counter faster than expected.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Shadows in the Forest is a thrilling, immersive play experience that brings a distinctive twist to game night – you play it in the dark! One player moves the LED lantern around in search of Shadowlings, mysterious creatures who avoid the light. The lantern illuminates the forest and trees, casting real shadows on the game board. The rest of the players work together, strategically moving their Shadowlings to stay out of the light in this innovative board game for kids and families.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Five Crowns is a five suited rummy style card game. This award winning, classic game is a quick favorite for both avid and casual card players. Five Crowns features a unique double deck that contains 5 suits: spades, clubs, hearts, diamonds, and stars. This special deck makes it easier to arrange your entire hand into books and runs. The rotating wild card keeps players on their toes The game begins with 3 cards and 3s are wild, the next round has 4 cards and 4s are wild and so on ‘til the Kings Go Wild Make the right combinations, be the first to go out, then watch players scramble as they get one last chance to cut their losses Five Crowns is loved by everyone, easy to play anywhere and a game that you’ll want to play again and again.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Designed for ages eight and up, this four-player adventure is an action-packed game of mystery that’s ideal for sleepovers, family game nights, and anytime kids feel like playing in a land of strategy and imagination. Players must find all of their objects and characters while moving carefully through the constantly changing maze, and be the first to make it back to the starting square to win.
Strategy Games
These games take a little longer to learn and have more strategy involved. Perfect for fans of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and 7 Wonders.
Players take on the role of ancient Egyptian architects. Over six rounds, they try to transport stone blocks to end up in the most valuable positions at five construction sites, while thwarting their opponents’ efforts to do the same. To win the game and be named the greatest architect, you must get your blocks to the right place places, in the right order, at the right time.
Plot, scheme, and deceive as you build fantastical cities in Citadels, Bruno Faidutti’ s classic game of card drafting, intrigue, and cunning characters. In Citadels, two to eight players must shrewdly draft characters and use their abilities to create the most lavish, profitable city possible.
Hustle and bustle in the bazaar district of Istanbul: merchants and their assistants are hurrying through the narrow alleys attempting to be more successful than their competitors. Good organization is key: wheelbarrows have to be filled with goods at the warehouses and then swiftly transported by the assistants to the various destinations. The goal of the merchants is to be the first to collect a certain amount of rubies.
You take in the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, secret rulers of the city. Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city. Expand the city by purchasing new buildings that open up new actions on the board, and hinder—or help—the other lords by playing Intrigue cards to enact your carefully laid plans.
As you advance through Games 1-7 of Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, you will reveal progressively more challenging adventures and unlock new secrets on your journey to save Hogwarts from the Dark Lord.
**I like this one because it’s a very challenging cooperative game, and not all players need to be HP fans to enjoy the game.**
Non-Strategy
The final category is perfect for players who don’t want to read a long instruction booklet or think too hard about their plays.
The teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first. Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. Their teammates try to guess words of the right color while avoiding those that belong to the opposing team. And everyone wants to avoid the assassin.
Ever imagined you were a bean farmer. Sure, who hasn’t. You got your Red beans, your green beans, your black-eyed beans, your coffee beans. But where to plant them. In this card game, smart sowing lets you reap big rewards. Plant The beans you do want, and trade the beans you don’t want to the other players. Adding to the realism of the game, The one who ends up with the most money wins.
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
Qwirkle combines the game play of Dominoes and Scrabble and is the perfect combination of skill and chance! This easy-to-learn, yet challenging game for children and adults will have all generations on the edge of their seat!
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
Can you turn “dog” into “log”? You can with Upwords! In this high-stacking word game, players place tile letters onto the game board to create new words, or stack and build on top to change existing words. When it’s your turn, easily place your letters by rotating the lazy Susan game board in your direction. Earn points for words a single tile high and points for letters underneath – the higher you stack, the higher you score! If you form two or more words in a single turn, you’ll earn even more points.
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
A sprawling country estate filled with unusual weapons, good hiding places, and craven killers. Killers like you. The object? To kill Doctor Lucky. The obstacles? For one thing, all your friends would rather do it first. For another, Doctor Lucky is aptly named.
**It’s kind of like reverse-Clue. This is one of Derek’s favorites.**
Happy Playing!
There you have it, 25 board games to play during social distancing. Remember to wash your hands before and after play. But most importantly, have fun! (PS, for even more games check out the ones I recommended in the 2019 gift guide.)
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. It’s an awesome guide to living like a local and loving life in Minot. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you totally should. All thoughts in this post are my own.
Derek always gets me the best gifts. I guess that’s what happens when you have lived with someone a long while and been best friends a long while before that. He knows my favorite gifts don’t come in jewelry boxes or in the form of the latest technology. To date my favorite gifts from him have included: a wall-mounted pencil sharpener, new headphones for listening to audio books, a two-player bocce ball set, and (most recently) a wheel thrown pottery class from the Minot Adult Learning Center.
In high school I took all the art classes our small school system offered. Each year I excelled at drawing, multi-media, art history and painting. But when the annual pottery unit rolled around I really started to struggle. The whole thing was very frustrating–because ceramics was what I most wanted to be good at. When it was time to put clay on the wheel things literally fell apart for me.
In my entire high school career I only ever got one piece successfully off the wheel. Ever since, I have wanted a second chance. I’ve longed for renewed instruction, and another chance to spin up a bowl or a mug.
But finding an open community class has been much harder than it seemed at first. We’ve lived in six different communities during our ten-year marriage and never has a wheel thrown ceramics class lined up with our schedule (or been available to me.)
Ceramics Through the Minot Adult Learning Center
I’d all but given up when Derek revealed that this year for my birthday he had enrolled me into a wheel class offered through the Minot Adult Learning Center.
The class I took was offered in five courses. Three nights were spent learning technique and building. The last two nights were spent prepping our pieces for the kiln and glazing.
While the pieces I made are not worthy of high praise, the instruction was phenomenal, the other participants were a joy to be around and I had a lot of fun. And I learned a lot too!
Each night of building focused on a different technique (I excelled most at making plates…even though I wanted to make a good bowl more than anything in the world.) After a time of set up and instruction, participants were free to practice building as many pieces as time would allow. I typically only turned out 2ish pieces per class, but others (some who had taken the class before) could turn out many more in a single night.
I loved that supplies were unlimited for use and that the class size was small enough to allow questions to be thoroughly answered and one-on-one help from the instructor when needed.
This was my first time taking a course from the Minot Adult Learning Center and it was a wonderful experience. If you are thinking about taking a class (or teaching–they’re always looking for good instructors!) here are some things to know.
Get the Course Flyer Early
New classes start in the fall, winter and spring. Get the course offerings early from their website so you can check your schedule well in advance.
Sign Up Promptly
Some classes fill up fast. (The wheel thrown pottery course always sells out.) If you know what you want to take sign up early. Don’t risk losing your place. For example, Derek signed me up the day registration opened through the Minot Adult Learning Center. Within two days the class was full.
There Are All Kinds of Classes
Classes aren’t just limited to arts and crafts. The community education program offeres courses in technology, art, wellness, and community enrichment. Their technology courses include classes in PhotoShop, Canva, and using Google apps. Art classes include drawing, painting, ceramics, and rosemaling. Wellness courses include all kinds of fitness classes (including Zumba and aqua aerobics.) And community enrichment includes things like retirement planning, book clubs and drawing social security.
In addition to these classes the Minot Adult Learning Center also offers GED prep, English courses and college/career prep.
Most Classes Have a Fee
Most classes have a fee to cover instruction and supplies. I think the cost is reasonable (especially for the fitness classes–they usually end up being about $4/class!!) However, some offerings are free and open. Check their website and schedule for details.
If you are looking to get out and try something new, I hope you’ll keep the Minot Adult Learning Center on your radar. For more on places to take classes here in Minot check out this post. And be sure to check out BeLOCAL’s listings of places to volunteer, get involved in sports/fitness and take in the arts around town.
**Please note: At the time of writing classes at the Minot Adult Learning Center have been temporarily suspended following a recommendation by Governor Burgum. Updates as to when classes will resume will be available on their website and social channels.**
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and your should totally check it out.
Happy Minot Monday! Today’s post is all about resources for kitchen cabinets in Minot. If you’re in the market for cabinets or a kitchen remodel is on your horizon, this is going to be a good post to bookmark. Even if you aren’t, it’s still a good post because you’ll get a sneak peek at my {nearly} finished kitchen remodel.
If you follow along with me on Instagram (which you should, because we have lots of fun over there), you know I’ve been busy remodeling my kitchen. Things got a jump start in there after most of the upper cabinets fell off the wall in the fall (read about that ordeal here.) After that, we put our second floor remodel on hold and tackled the first floor living spaces instead. The kitchen, dining room and living room are all intertwined, so it’s been chaotic and messy in our most lived-in rooms. Needless to say, I’ll be happy to put this one behind me.
Finding Our Kitchen Cabinets in Minot
Working on an old house presents lots of challenges. Derek and I take a “restoration-without-making-a-time-capsule” mindset when it comes to changing things in an old home. We aren’t out to create a museum piece–perfectly authentic to the time period of the house. However, we do try to be respectful of the original design. When all is said and done, we hope the house looks like it’s “always been that way.”
A major challenge for us during the kitchen remodel was finding cabinets that we loved and also stayed within our budget. We spent about a month visiting with different retailers and designers around Minot until we finally put in an order.
All in all, I have nothing negative to say about any of the places we visited. At the end of the day though, we had to decide which retailer best fit our vision, budget and personality.
The following list is not totally comprehensive, but it contains many of the places in town that provide kitchen cabinets in Minot. Like I said, if you’re in the market, this is a good list to bookmark. Hopefully it’ll help you as you start your search.
Minot Lumber & Hardware
I’ll start with Minot Lumber. Ultimately, this is where we purchased our cabinets. Minot Lumber came to our attention as a cabinet dealer late in our search, but I’m so glad we checked them out. Here are some of the things that we love about working with them:
Super nice staff
FREE design consultation and renderings (we were sent 3D renderings of our layout before placing an order). The designer I worked with was so knowledgeable and tweaked our design several times to get it just right.
Multiple cabinet lines available (at different price points)
They also deal countertops (we purchased those too), hardware and accessories.
Helped us stay within budget. This is what really sold me on buying from Minot Lumber. Our designer took lots of time to work with me on small ways to trim the cost of our cabinet order. (For example, ordering a stock color, getting cabinets in common sizes–even though everything “can” be customized, doing our own install, etc.)
No overselling. I’ve never been pressured to buy something more extravagant than what I needed. Our designer listened to me and respected my vision–never pressuring me to buy something fancier than what I wanted.
We have had a great experience with Minot Lumber. There were a couple hiccups with our order–but those were on the distributor’s end. The staff at Minot Lumber has been quick to help and get things right.
Scherr’s Cabinets & Doors
We were so impressed by the staff at Scherr’s. Everyone was so kind and helpful. To us, the most impressive part about Scherr’s business is that everything is custom made and created right here in Minot! This is truly a business of craftsmanship. The biggest set back for us ordering from Scherr’s was timeline. Because everything is made-to-order there’s a bit of a wait. Here are some great things about Scherr’s.
Locally made
Completely custom
All their cabinets are frameless–which gives you the most access and space to the inside of the cabinet boxes
Loads of door options
Staff will help you design your layout
Staff will help trim your budget (for example, you do painting/finish, they explain install, etc)
See more on their FAQ page to learn about their offerings.
Souris River Designs
Souris River Designs is my recommendation for anyone wanting a fairly hands-off approach to a remodel. While the other retailers also offer installation resources and design resources–Souris River offers especially high quality design services. Their show room is gorgeous, and full of options and accessories. If you don’t consider yourself a semi-savvy DIYer or designer this is my recommendation for you. Here are some perks we liked:
Huge, inspiring showroom
Beautiful 3D renderings of your project
Designers on hand to help with every step
Offer counters, tile, backsplash, hardware, sinks, accessories, contractors, etc all in house
It’s a one-stop-shop for a remodel if you want to outsource your project
Big Box Stores
We have two “big box stores” for kitchen cabinets in Minot. Both have cabinets in stock that you can buy and take home today. Both have custom order cabinets available. Our experience with both places was positive. Here’s a little more about what we likes about each regarding custom cabinet orders.
Free design consultation and layout help (the design center is usually pretty quiet when I’m there, so you can get in and out quickly.)
Printed designs with basic 3D rendering
Several cabinet lines and lots of colors/door styles available
Sometimes they have sales on cabinets (note the store’s military discount does NOT apply to cabinet purchases)
Sinks, hardware and everything else you need is in the same store.
I hope this helps! Starting a remodel (especially a remodel of the heart of your home) can be intimidating and overwhelming. Hopefully, having a few recommendations from a friend who has already done some leg-work will take the edge off. For more recommendations that feel like they came from a friend, remember to check out BeLOCAL! Have you ordered kitchen cabinets in Minot? Where’d you get them? Do you have other businesses to recommend?
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! Today I’m answering the burning question: What is lefse? And why the heck is it such a big deal? Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL helps newcomers to live like locals–check them out.
Most do not envision North Dakota–or Minot— as a cultural hub. But let me tell you, the culture and traditions can be as thick as pudding around here. And it doesn’t get much thicker than the weird allegiance and allure folks around here have toward lefse.
What is lefse? Glad you asked. Let me tell you. But first, as always, a quick side-anecdote.
Our Introduction to Lefse
When we moved to Minot the first time back in 2012, we were just starting to feel settled when the Norsk Hostfest rolled around. If you want to sound like a local, just call it the Hostfest. You can either say “host-fest” or “hoost-fest” and not look like an idiot. (For more on the Hostfest and other annual happenings, see the listings here in BeLOCAL Minot.)
Since we didn’t know what to expect or what it was all about, we did what any good tourists do: ask the locals.
Everyone (and I do mean everyone) told us the best part is the food. “You’ll love it!” they said. “You have to try the aebelskivers,” they told us. “Be sure to save room for rømmegrøt, it’s my favorite.”
And over and over and over, we were reminded not to forget the lefse. We heard so much about the lefse, it was on our definite list of things to do at the Hostfest.
When we asked our friends the question, “What is lefse?” We got a variety of answers. To sum it all up would be something like this: It’s a flatbread thing, made from potatoes. We roll it up and eat with butter. We all eat and love it, especially around holidays and if you want to fit in here, you’ll love it too.
Confusion
So we got the lefse.
And it was okay.
But we were left feeling like we were missing something. As if everyone was in on something that we didn’t quite get. (A lot like how the character Ben Wyatt doesn’t understand the hype about Li’l Sebastian on Parks and Rec.)
I mean, come on. To our novice, non-Norwegian tongues, it tasted like nothing more than a tortilla with a lot of butter and cinnamon/sugar on it. We didn’t get it.
Appreciation
But as the years went on, something shifted. Gradually, lefse became more and more important to us. I became interested in it. I didn’t just want to eat it, I wanted to make it. And a couple times each year (namely Thanksgiving and Norwegian Independence Day) I had a hankering for it.
As I gave in to my inner desire to conform to all things native North Dakotan, lefse took hold of my heart.
And that’s the thing. Lefse is a big deal to the locals. It’s a tradition that is deeply engrained in life here. So much so, that even a friend who rarely cooks or bakes–and doesn’t even like potatoes–still owns all of the required tools for making it. It’s another weird and wonderful quirk of this place I love so much.
Making Lefse
I had dreams of learning to make lefse. Sadly those dreams never came to fruition while we were living in Minot. However, just over two years ago while we were living in Rapid City, our friend Ben came for a visit and taught us to make lefse.
Ben comes from a family of very talented bakers–especially in the bread realm. His family typically does a big annual lefse making day. They run multiple griddles, have several people rolling, and turn out enough to last through all the major holidays–Thanksgiving, Christmas and Norwegian Independence Day.
In hindsight, I think this is what makes lefse so special. It’s not necessarily about the taste or it’s splendor, but about the nostalgia it stirs. Lefse is holidays. It’s time with family and a recipe that has been used for as long as anyone can remember. That’s what we didn’t get the first time we had it. We had no history with it–and truly that’s what gives it its great flavor.
Over the weekend Ben and I got together again for a lefse making extravaganza. And I knew it would be the perfect Minot Monday post.
What is Lefse?
Okay, okay. I realize I haven’t given you a straight answer.
Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread. It is made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk or cream. It is cooked on a large, flat griddle. Special tools are used to prepare lefse, including long wooden turning sticks and special rolling pins with deep grooves.
Lefse is a lot like a tortilla, but it’s base is potatoes, not flour or corn.
How do you eat lefse?
Good question. According to the Internet, there are lots of ways to eat lefse. I’ll only tell you how people around here eat it. You have three options.
Slathered in butter and rolled up.
Slathered in butter, sprinkled with sugar and rolled up.
Slathered in butter, sprinkled with a sugar-cinnamon combination…and rolled up.
I’ve only had it served slightly warm or a room temperature. No utensils required–like eating a taquito.
What do you need to make lefse?
As mentioned, you’ll need some special supplies if you want to make your own lefse. Honestly, it’s better to have a friend who already owns the stuff. If you live in North Dakota, you probably won’t have to look too far. It’s seriously crazy how many people we know who personally own their own kit. (If you want to invest, here’s a kit.)
Otherwise, you’ll need:
A lefse griddle.
A cloth covered pastry board.
Lefse sticks–used for lifting and turning
A grooved rolling pin and sleeve.
A potato ricer.
At least two linen dish towels–I call these church kitchen towels.
What’s the process?
First, you make the dough. (There are a million recipes out there, here’s a link to one at Sons of Norway–it seemed most appropriate.) Then let it chill over night.
Set up your griddle and pastry board. Get the griddle hot and thoroughly flour your board and pin. Flour is key in lefse making.
Next, you’ll roll out some dough. Ben–my resident expert uses 1/3 cup at a time. He says his mom can roll a perfect circle. Mine, however were always pretty misshapen.
Once the dough is circular and thin (we say thin enough to see the writing on the pastry board through the dough), lift it up with a lefse stick and place it on the griddle.
Let it cook on one side, then turn it with the lefse stick. Once both sides are slightly browned remove it (with the lefse stick) and place it on the dish towel. Cover it with the second towel to keep the moisture in.
Once you are done, you can eat them or store them. To store them, fold each piece in quarters and put them in a gallon zip bag. Then keep them in the fridge or freeze them.
Can I just buy it?
Yep. Grocery stores around here carry lefse. No shame in skipping the process. But you should really make some local friends so you can have the homemade variety at some point.
Conclusion
Now, when someone asks, “What is lefse?” You’ll have all the information they ever wanted to know. The love folks around here have for lefse is deliciously weird and quirky. Which is what makes it so darn great. Have a great week!
Happy Minot Monday, all! Today we’re setting aside lists and laws to dive into a delicious world of anecdotal bliss. No recommendations (okay, well maybe one)–just a look inside a quirk of North Dakota living. Today a new chain restaurant is opening in town. Anywhere else this would be only mildly exciting. Not here. Here in Practically Canada the arrival of chain food is cause for celebration and throwing all logic to the wind. Don’t believe me? You obviously weren’t here when Sonic opened. Read on to see what I mean.
Things Move At A Different Pace Here
Sometimes I allude to the fact that North Dakota is a place all its own. It’s a magical land that seems to transcend space, time, seasons and trend.
Derek and I joke that in many ways North Dakota runs about 8-10 years behind the rest of the country. I don’t mean that in a negative, “aren’t-they-a-bunch-of-bumpkins” kind of way. I love it here and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is a place where church potlucks reign supreme, salads only have lettuce in them 70% of the time, and roller blading is a very acceptable pass time.
Things move slower around here.
When we moved here the first time in 2012, the 2011 Flood was still fresh in minds across the city. Things were being rebuilt, but because of a boom in construction and oil, it was hard to staff the “minimum wage” jobs. Fast food places closed early because they didn’t have enough employees. (Those same places were paying their employees more than what I made at my first job out of college…like $12-15 to work at McDonald’s!)
At the time, I worked part time as a fitness instructor. In my senior (as in 65+) class I’d hear the ladies comment on how much the town had changed since the flood. “Really, how?”
“Oh, you know–there are all these chain restaurants now. And new stores. It’s crowding things up. It was better before.”
Oh, really? At the time there was only a scant smattering of fast food joints and chain restaurants in Minot compared to every other town I’d ever lived in. Those comments gave me a crucial look into the minds of North Dakotans.
Things change slowly…and any change is a big deal.
That Time Sonic Opened
Flash forward a year.
It’s summer and the highly anticipated, much awaited Sonic has finally opened. Several days after the grand opening I thought I’d stop in for a quick Happy Hour drink. Wrong choice. The line to get in is miles long. A parking attendant tells me it’ll be at least an hour to get in. Bye.
Things continue like this for weeks. Finally, in the fall I get my slush.
Then there was that time Long Horn Steakhouse opened. Derek and I knew from experience trying to get in to a “fancy” new restaurant would be a terrible idea for at least a month. About two and a half months after their grand opening we decided to give it a try. “Would you like to put your name in? It’s about a two-hour wait?”
This past summer Slim Chickens opened and needed parking attendants for weeks just to keep things in line.
Every other fast food opening I’ve witnessed has been a similar tale.
I’m telling you, talk of new chain restaurants in Minot is a big deal. News articles run and there’s a buzz all over town. From church lounges to the customer service desk at Menard’s (let’s me honest–that’s my entire scope) small talk moves away from the weather and the wind to, “Do you know when _______ is going to open? “Have you heard we’re getting a ________ on North Hill?” “Have you been to ______ yet?”
It brings us together in a unique way. For natives it’s a taste of something exotic–the Sonic shake you had on vacation that one time. For imports, it’s a taste of familiar–the Panera soup you like to have when you’re sick.
Culver’s Grand Opening
Today a new chain opened. This one happens to be my very favorite of fast food, the pinnacle of quick eats: Culver’s.
Gideon and I got to Culver’s today less than an hour after the doors opened. The drive thru was only 5-6 cars deep and inside we were at the counter in a few minutes. It only took about 10 minutes to get our food (to-go…due to a certain toddler being very sleepy.)
By the time we left, the
drive thru was wrapping around the building. Suddenly that “prime”
parking spot by the door looked more like a trap. The drive thru wait was not
blocking us in. Exiting the lot took longer than pulling in and getting our
food.
My best guess is this will be the last time I have a Butter Burger for quite some time, while we wait for the hype to die down. But at least I feel like I’ve done my job best to be a “real” North Dakotan–and gotten in on a new chain on opening day.
And if you want to live like a local you’ll need to start thriving on the excitement that new chain restaurants in Minot can bring.
It’s all part of the charm. It’s something to do and something to look forward to. I really love living in a place that knows how to get excited–even about the small stuff.
But God bless us if we ever get a Chick-fil-A. That will be madness of an indescribable magnitude.
What chain restaurant would you wait way to long for?
Minot Monday and this post about Kroll’s Diner in Minot is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local. See other eateries listed here. All thoughts and opinions seen here are my own.
Happy Minot Monday! I thought it was high time I start adding some food profiles into our Minot Monday posts. When I move to a new place I like to explore eateries. So mixed in with tips on things to do and how to navigate life in Minot, I’ll start adding in some of my favorite places to eat. Today, because I’m a huge fan of diners and dives, I’m profiling Kroll’s Diner in Minot.
Where is Kroll’s Diner in Minot?
Kroll’s Diner is an adorable 50’s style diner that specializes in German and American food. It’s got a pretty chrome exterior and the inside is decked out with checkered floors, vinyl seats and neon lights. Kroll’s Diner in Minot is easy to get to. It’s just off of 20th Ave SE. From Broadway, you’ll drive all the way until 20th starts to turn by the Sierra Inn. By that point you’ll be looking right at Kroll’s.
Kneophla Soup
For nearly a week now, I’ve had a hankering for Kroll’s. It’s been cold (obviously, it’s winter in Minot), and temps have been fluctuating above freezing. Snow has melted a bit, leaving me damp and chilled to the bone. When I get cold like that I want a good, hot bowl of soup.
Particularly knoephla soup.
Kneophla soup is a German dish, and in my opinion Kroll’s has the best. Oh, wait. You don’t know what kneophla soup is? Let me enlighten you.
Kneophla soup is potato soup with little doughy dumplings in it. It’s broth is thick and creamy. If you are into doughy textures, you’ll love it. If that thought makes you gag, you better skip it.
Last night, we went out and I finally got the big bowl of kneophla soup I’ve been craving so long.
My Other Favorite Menu Items
Outside of the soup, I’m also a big fan of another German dish called, fleischkuekle. It’s meat wrapped in a pastry and fried. At Kroll’s Diner it comes with mashed potatoes and choice of side (obviously, I think you should get the kneophla.)
Besides that, I love the grilled cheese, any of their burgers, and anything off of the breakfast menu (which is served all day.)
Dessert
Lots of folks rave about the milkshakes, but I prefer their sundaes or root beer floats. Sometimes when the shake machine is really busy, the shakes can start to taste machine-y. (Just my opinion, like I said, most people love the shakes and malts.) Also, you should know the pastries and baked goods are top notch.
Last night when we were at Kroll’s Diner in Minot, they were busy and understaffed. However, the service was spectacular–especially when I mentioned that I was with a hungry (boarder line hangry) toddler. Guys, our food came our lightning fast. It was incredible.
Eating With Kids
Pro tip–if you’re with a hungry kid, take a look at their kids menu online and put that order in when you order drinks. Then you can get the littles settled and eating before your food comes and yours will still be hot when you are ready to eat. (Pssst–BeLOCAL has a list of places in town where kids eat FREE!)
Tips and Specials at Kroll’s Diner in Minot
If you really want to eat like a pro at Kroll’s Diner in Minot, take advantage of their specials and these tips.
It’s a great and often overlooked breakfast spot.
All items are available to go.
Weekdays they offer a $5.99 lunch special, it’s really good value.
Mondays are 2-for-1 milkshakes
Wednesday is 2-for-1 root beer floats
Sunday after 3pm is 2-for-1 root beer floats
Happy eating! For other Minot eateries, see the listings in BeLOCAL Minot.
I know it looks like I’m pulling up carpet, but I’m actually “reading.”
Are you ready for book recommendations? Here are eight Christian nonfiction books to read this year!
Some people think winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. I think winter is the perfect time to plug in my ear buds and get stuff done. That’s right, I’m an unapologetic, audiobook junkie. And yes, I consider listening to books reading. So when you hear me say, “I just finished reading ______…” It’s safe to assume I mean listening. No matter how you like to take your stories, I know most of us kindred “readers” like recommendations from friends. Today I’m sharing eight great nonfiction books read this year.
If you want different genres recommended, by all means let me know! I’ve got a million books on my “have read” list I’d love to share with you.
I find faith journeys and memoirs endlessly fascinating. Stories are wonderful, and often the true tales are those most perfectly written. The following list of Christian nonfiction books to read is in the order of most recently returned to the library (app.) All of the books below are among those I read in 2019. Descriptions have been pulled from their official blurbs.
Gay Girl Good God
In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless and experienced gender confusion. She embraced masculinity and homosexuality with every fiber of her being. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above. But was she supposed to change herself? How was she supposed to stop loving women, when homosexuality felt more natural to her than heterosexuality ever could?
At age nineteen, Jackie came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new. And not in a church, or through contact with Christians. God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom in light of His gospel.
Read in order to understand. Read in order to hope. Or read in order, like Jackie, to be made new.
Why I like it: Jackie Hill Perry is a poet and you can tell the minute you start reading. The language might be a little flowery for some, but I found her poetic style perfect for understanding the emotion she conveys as she explains her story.
Becoming a Welcoming Church
Most church members don’t see their churches clearly.
In almost all of Thom S. Rainer’s consultations, church members perceive their church to be friendly. But as he surveyed guests, he found that the guests typically saw church members as unfriendly. The perception chasm existed because the members were indeed friendly . . . to one another.
The guests felt like they crashed a private party.
Bestselling author Thom Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has a game plan for churches to become more hospitable. In a format that is suitable for church members to read individually or study together, Rainer guides readers toward a practical framework for making a difference for those who visit their church. Churches may use Becoming a Welcoming Church to assess and audit where they are on a spectrum between welcoming and wanting. Additionally, churches can use the companion book We Want You Here to send guests home with a compelling vision for what pastors want every guest to know when they visit.
Why I like it: As far as Christian nonfiction books to read go, I loved this book and plan to reread it again soon. As a self-described “church lady” I love the Church and want others to love it too. However, as an individual who has moved frequently and been a visitor to many churches, I understand the hurt that can come from an “unwelcoming” church.
This book is well studied and backed by lots of data. It offers solutions for becoming welcoming on both a corporate and individual level. Best of all, it sees being welcoming as something that may have eternal impact–a perspective I deeply appreciate.
Forensic Faith
Forensic Faith will help readers:
• understand why they have a duty to defend the truth • develop a training strategy to master the evidence for Christianity • learn how to employ the techniques of a detective to discover new insights from God’s Word • become better communicators by learning the skills of professional case makers
With real-life detective stories, fascinating strategies, and biblical insights, Wallace teaches readers cold-case investigative disciplines they can apply to their Christian faith. Forensic Faith is an engaging, fresh look at what it means to be a Christian.
Why I like it: Years ago a friend and fellow high school youth group volunteer told me he’d asked his student small group, “Why are you a Christian.” He said hardly any could articulate a reason. At that moment I was convicted. Could I articulate the reason for my own faith? Since then, I’ve been intentional about feeding my mind “facts for my faith.” I’m not talking deep apologetics or even being able to debate someone. Just easy, consice items I find compelling reasons for my faith.
I’m a huge J Warner Wallace fan. His writing style is engaging and the information he presents makes sense and is easy to apply. I think it’s important for all Christians to be able to give reasons for our belief and J Warner Wallace’s books are a great place to start.
Lies Women Believe
Satan is the master deceiver; his lies are endless. And the lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of their struggles.
“Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation,” says Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. “Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners.”
In this bestseller, Lies Women Believe, Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women—lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God’s grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan’s deceptions: God’s truth!
Why I liked it: I have gained so much mental, emotional and spiritual freedom by identifying lies in my life and dispelling them with God’s truth. (See a post all about this here and here.) Lies Women Believe helped me see commonalities in the deception in my life. It also let me know that I’m not the only one who believe hurtful lies. The truth presented is easy to understand and apply to daily living.
Unveiling Grace
From a rare insider’s point of view, Unveiling Grace looks at how Latter-day Saints are “wooing our country” with their religion, lifestyle, and culture. It is also a gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism, found their way out and what they can tell others about their lives as faithful Mormons.
Why I liked it: This is one of my favorite Christian nonfiction books to read. I liked this book so much I listened to it twice in a row. (All within the allotted fourteen day loan period from the library.) Seriously, I thought it was that good. Unveiling Grace is the best book I’ve read regarding Mormonism. It’s not scandalous–no plural marriages, or abuse here. The pages explore a “normal” family’s life in the Mormon church and how/why they all eventually left and turned to Christ and the God of the Bible.
As a Christian, I’m deeply interested what draws individuals of other religions to Christ. This book cleared up misconceptions and left me less ignorant about a religion that is mainstream in America.
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert
Rosaria, by the standards of many, was living a very good life. She had a tenured position at a large university in a field for which she cared deeply. She owned two homes with her partner, in which they provided hospitality to students and activists that were looking to make a difference in the world. In the community, Rosaria was involved in volunteer work. At the university, she was a respected advisor of students and her department’s curriculum.
Then, in her late 30’s, Rosaria encountered something that turned her world upside down–the idea that Christianity, a religion she had regarded as problematic and sometimes downright damaging, might be right about who God was. That idea seemed to fly in the face of the people and causes that she most loved. What follows is a story of what she describes as a train wreck at the hand of the supernatural. These are her secret thoughts about those events, written as only a reflective English professor could.
Why I liked it: This is another Christian testimony memoir (are you seeing that this is one of my favorite genres?) Rosaria’s testimony is a great reminder that kindness and hospitality are some of God’s best evangelism tools. Rosaria’s heart wasn’t won over by a debate or deep apologetics. Genuine love from a Christian couple softened her heart to God’s truth.
For Christians who think they need all the answers before reaching out to someone of a radically different mindset or culture–this is a great read. Her story is a clear picture of how Jesus still transforms lives–even in our secular culture.
Escape From Camp 14
North Korea’s political prison camps have existed twice as long as Stalin’s Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. No one born and raised in these camps is known to have escaped. No one, that is, except Shin Dong-hyuk.
In Escape From Camp 14, Blaine Harden unlocks the secrets of the world’s most repressive totalitarian state through the story of Shin’s shocking imprisonment and his astounding getaway. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence—he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his mother and brother.
The late “Dear Leader” Kim Jong Il was recognized throughout the world, but his country remains sealed as his third son and chosen heir, Kim Jong Eun, consolidates power. Few foreigners are allowed in, and few North Koreans are able to leave. North Korea is hungry, bankrupt, and armed with nuclear weapons. It is also a human rights catastrophe. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people work as slaves in its political prison camps. These camps are clearly visible in satellite photographs, yet North Korea’s government denies they exist.
Harden’s harrowing narrative exposes this hidden dystopia, focusing on an extraordinary young man who came of age inside the highest security prison in the highest security state. Escape from Camp 14 offers an unequalled inside account of one of the world’s darkest nations. It is a tale of endurance and courage, survival and hope.
Why I liked it: This isn’t strictly a Christian nonfiction book to read. Shin Dong-hyuk’s story isn’t a conversion story. It’s an escape story. I think believers should be invested in prayer toward the priceless men, women and children of North Korea. After his escape, the book does indicate he encountered and embraced Christianity.
Christian NonFiction Books To Read
There you have it! I hope these recommendations of Christian nonfiction books to read come in handy this year. Happy reading (or listening). What books did you love this year?
Welcome to the last post in the godly goals series–it’s all about what it mans to work for the Lord. I’ve had such a sweet time digging into what the Bible has to say about goals and working toward them. In case you’ve missed a post–I’ve linked them all here:
The previous posts will explain the premise of this series. Today we’ll just dive in. The last “goal-y” word we are going to examine is “Labor/Work.” When we think about goal setting it’s hard not to think about work. These words will help us see what it looks like to work for the Lord.
Ergon
Ergon: business, employment, that which any one is occupied
We’ll start our discussion of doing work for the Lord with a straightforward word. Ergon directly correlates to our modern understanding of “job.” When it comes to goals–our career ambitions (keep last week’s discussion of ambition in mind) tend to be near the top of the list. This is especially true when I speak with young adults leaving high school, or in the throws of deciding “what to do” with their life.
While I cannot give tell you what type of career you should pursue. I can point you to Scripture. Throughout the Bible, God tells us what His will looks like and what He wants us to focus on. He doesn’t tell us specifically to be a nurse or a designer, but He does tell us to love Him, cultivate peace, love each other and tell others about the Salvation Jesus offers. If you are running after godly goals, you are pursing God’s work–no matter what your 9-5 might be.
In addition to describing jobs/tasks, Ergon can also mean deeds that we work at and “works” of art. This word is used well over 100 times throughout the New Testament. For this study, we are looking specifically at how ergon is used to describe jobs/tasks. (If you are interested in its other uses, follow this link to see the concordance page with all of its uses.)
The Work of the Lord
Many of the verses below reference “the work of the Lord.” This primarily refers to the work God has for all believers. There are many references to this type of work that can give us specifics–but Jesus summed it up with the Great Commission.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
Our godly goals should ultimately align with Jesus’ commission to us. No matter what we are working at, everything should point back to Jesus, the Christ, our Savior. As you work for the Lord your day-to-day work may look different than mine. Together as members of the “body of Christ” we are all working toward this common goal.
Ergon in Scripture
Now that we’ve got an understanding of the word, let’s see how ergon is used in the Bible and what it teaches us about our duty to work for the Lord. The word translated from “ergon” is in bold in the verses.
God is glorified when we complete the tasks He gives us. Some God-given works are able to be completed. (Be sure to understand this verse in context as the speaker is Jesus Himself. See the full chapter here.)
I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
Godly work can be collaborative. When carrying out godly goals and work, we should us discretion about partnerships.
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.
We should be all-in when pursuing godly work. When we work at godly goals, our labor is not in vain.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Kopiaō occurs in the New Testament 28 times. Whereas ergon refers to something more akin to employment or a job, kopiaō speaks of the effort and toll working can take on us.
Kopiaō describes the utter fatigue labor can bring onto us. It’s usually used in the realm of physical exhaustion–being spent after an outpouring of effort.
Kopiaō is something I relate to every day as I drag myself out of bed and work on our remodel while also being a stay-at-home-mom to a toddler. I get it. You probably do too. The work of our daily lives is exhausting. God understands. Let’s see what Scripture can teach us about this kind of labor. The word translated from kopiao is in bold.
God knows work is tiresome. He understands our limits. And most of all He knows that labor of all kinds (whether after godly goals or worldly goals) leaves us exhausted. When understanding labor, it’s vital to believe Jesus offers us true rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This kind of effort should be used to supply our own needs and those who cannot work in this manner themselves.
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
One goal of our work is to supply for our needs and share the excess of our labor with others.
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Energeō: to be operative, be at work, put forth power
Does the word energeō look familiar? It shares a root with our modern, English word for energy. It’s a no-brainer that pursuing godly goals will require us to put forth energy. However, when I looked in to the words I’d be covering for today’s final post in this series–I was surprised to see who is putting forth energy in Scripture.
Unlike ergon (a job) and kopiaō (tiresome effort), energeō is typically reserved to describe the work of God or another un-mortal force. God cannot grow weary–therefore kopiaō will never describe him. Let’s look at a couple verses to remind ourselves that pursuing godly goals is not a lonely walk. God is alongside us, pouring out effort in the things that truly matter most.
God is at work in our gifts.
[After a discussion on spiritual giftings.]…There are different kinds of working [literally activity/effort], but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Thanks for joining me and please tell me your thoughts on this series–or shoot me ideas of other topics you’d like to see here on the blog. What are you godly goals? I’m praying that you are fining lots of joy as you align your personal goals with God’s heart.
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