As a fourth generation Northeaster of Scandinavian descent, hotdish is in my genes. Growing up, I had the chance to enjoy many iterations of hotdish from various relatives and family friends. Being raised by a single mother who worked and went to school full-time, it was important for me and my sister to learn how to cook dinner when our mom was not available to do so. This recipe is inspired by one of the first things she taught us to make ourselves.
I am proud to say that with this recipe, I won the “People’s Choice Award” at the Holland Neighborhood Hotdish Revolution a few years ago. Following the excitement of my first old-school, label-maker embossed trophy, I was honored to pick up a win in each of the “Spicy” and “Tater-Tot” categories at a couple of future installments of our celebrated Northeast springtime soiree.
Feeling happy and humbled with my place in the annals of Hotdish Revolution history, I retired from competition on my own terms, when I traded in my competitive toque for a judge’s apron, to join the esteemed ranks of the Hotdish Revolution judging committee. Every spring, I look forward to our local fundraiser and great community building throwdown with great anticipation. It truly is a unique and engaging event that brings people together with one simple, culture-crossing tenet. Hotdish.
See the March 21, 2018 paper or click here for the recipe.