Irene Sandvold grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in 1960. She went on to become a doctor of public health, a public health nurse, and a certified nurse-midwife and is a leader in her field. To those who know her, she is an extraordinary chef and hostess in the tradition of her mother, Gudrun. She lives in Washington, DC. Irene’s daughter, Ingeborg Hydle Baugh, is a freelance writer with a background in finance. She lives in Washington, DC. Edward Sandvold graduated from the University of Wisconsin. His love of food and cooking began in his mother’s kitchen, and he delighted in replicating the unique tastes and flavors of her food. He passed away in 2005. Eddie’s son Quinn Sandvold has been a lifelong cook in the tradition of his father and grandmother. He is a designer for snowboarding gear and equipment and former national amateur snowboard champion, professional snowboarder, and fly fishing guide. He lives in Longmont, Colorado.

"Gudrun's Kitchen is a heartwarming recollection that will remind many of their own upbringings in Norwegian American households. Gudrun's personality, her foods, what she values, and her love of family are all captured for generations to enjoy in this wonderful book. Tusen takk!" (Jon M. Grinde, President, Idun Lodge, Sons of Norway)

"This is a delicious family album filled with snapshots of the many chapters of an ordinary woman's life — Norwegian immigrant, independent working woman, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend — expressed through the recipes and food for which she is lovingly remembered. It is as much Gudrun's personal history as it is a cultural history of America." (Joanne Raetz Stuttgen, folklorist and author of Cafe Wisconsin and Cafe Wisconsin Cookbook)

"If you've never known a gifted old world cook, one who cooked just for the joy of it, then pick up a copy of Gudrun's Kitchen. . . . It's charming. It's enlightening. And the recipes are wonderful. I read every word and felt teary when Gudrun's story ended, but perked up as I went over each recipe. They're real treasures." (TableConversation.com)

"Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend of Norwegian descent, or whether you want to try out some luscious new recipes, do take a look at Gudrun’s Kitchen. I can almost promise you’ll be hooked!" (Joan Sanstadt, Agri-View)