"City officials represent a diverse state. They come from every walk of life and from many ethnic backgrounds, which is evident in their recipes," says the Acknowledgments page.
Here's a sample:
Walnut Potica—Councilperson Marge Peterson of Chisholm
Meatballs for 100—Attorney Charles R. Wahlquist of Lowry
Pink Squirrel Squares—City Clerk Arla Budd of Askov
Microwaved, Baked or Boiled Lutefisk—Mr. "Lou T. Fisk" of the Madison Chamber of Commerce
Tuna Fish Hot Dish—City Clerk Inga Swenson of Lake Woebegon (Just like the Chatterbox Cafe, she says!)
Along the way, city anecdotes and facts are sprinkled in to spice things up. For example, Vesta became home to the country's first electric cooperative in 1917. Lake City is officially recognized as the "Birthplace of Water Skiing."
And just in case you were wondering, the book DOES hold a recipe for good government, submitted by Mayor Roland Habedank of McIntosh:
Government Cake
2 or 3 Citizens
2 issues
1 election year
1 large group of voters
Combine ingredients carefully. The citizens should be fresh, preferably without grudges. The issues should be pertinent, but not too spicy. It's very important to add as much of the last ingredient as possible. For the topping, combine dedication, concern, and the willingness to learn and communicate. The results are guaranteed a good city government.
We'd like to pass on more recipes from the 1988 archives. Here are two to help with all those leftovers!
Turkey Sandwich
6 cups turkey, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
3/4 cup onion, chopped
1 (10 3/4 oounces) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounces) can cheese soup
Mix ingredients as listed. Put in a roaster pan and cover. Bake and 350 degrees for 1/2 hour. Serve on warm buns. Submitted by Fred Cole, mayor of Easton.
Buchtas
1 cup mashed potatoes
3/4 cup flour
Mix well. Drop into boiling salted water. Cook about 20 minutes or until they float freely. Serve with sauerkraut or gravy. Submitted by Eric Sorensen, city manager of Winona.
What's your recipe for good government? Let us know in the comments!
