Page 23 - Nourish.pdf

Bigfork Valley, one of the rst Household Models in the country, welcomed Manda to its community. But Manda was having a hard time adjusting to her new home. The staff noticed that she seemed unhappy and decided to
talk to her to see if there was something they could do to make her feel more at home. She perked right up when she learned she had access to a kitchen in her household. Soon, Manda was in the kitchen baking her now famous enormous, Carmen rolls. At rst staff served as her gofers and dishwashers, but as time went by she taught them to make the rolls and took on the role of supervisor.
Of course the staff and other elders of Manda’s household, Spruce Lodge, enjoyed the rolls, but as people heard about them (and smelled them!), demand grew. Folks in Spruce Lodge began selling the rolls for a dollar a piece as a fundraiser for their household mad money. Twice each year, the Bigfork Lions Club provided funds to purchase the ingredients and came to visit and enjoy the rolls with Manda and the other elders.
The iconic Carmen rolls became a tool for the household and organization to welcome new members of the household. The aroma of the delicious rolls also welcomed tour groups and other
visitors to Bigfork Valley. Even the state surveyors were fortunate to make
a visit when the rolls were being baked. There’s nothing like walking through the door into the smell
of Carmen rolls baking to make you feel at home.
For the seven plus years Manda lived at Spruce Lodge before she passed away she continued to oversee the baking and
teach staff the
recipe. Her
legacy lives on
in the full
bellies and
smiles of all
that continue to
enjoy her caramel rolls today.
Bigfork gathering for Manda’s rolls
All help with Manda’s rolls
©2008 Action Pact, Inc. 23
www.culturechangenow.com
Manda Okerlunds Famous Caramel Rolls
To be absolutely authentic, Okerlund said, the rolls should be made large...very large. The original recipe makes a crowd sized batch. For home use, cut it in half unless there are lumberjacks coming for breakfast.
First mixture
4 cups brown sugar 3 cups milk 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups butter
Bring rst three ingredients to a boil. Add butter. Put pan in cold water to cool.
Milk mixture
Melt together: 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add: 5 cups milk 2 eggs
Place 4 packages of Red Star Quick Rising yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 cup lukewarm water and let it bubble up. Add to “milk mixture.”
Gradually add 14 cups of our and knead until a smooth ball is formed.
Roll out on tabletop to 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thickness. Rub entire surface with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon. Roll into tube and slice into 2 inch rolls.
Pour “ rst mixture” into well buttered big pan. place rolls on top of caramel layer. Let rise 20 minutes. Place in 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. Invert onto foil immediately and enjoy.