Ready for some summer heat? We’ve found some local hotties with sophisticated, fiery taste: Try the Haute Habañero Paste and the Haute Chocolate Sauce produced in Stillwater by Jim Aronson and Jennifer Foreman of Kayak Kitchens (618 W. Rice St., Stillwater, 612-208-8032, kayakkitchens.com). Get some at Local D’lish (208 N. First St., Mpls., 612-886-3047, localdlish.com) or Golden Fig (790 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-0144, goldenfig.com).
Speaking of hot dishes, Betsy Price and Tom Wirt, creators of Clay Coyote Pottery (17614 240th St., Hutchinson, 888-737-4014, claycoyote.com), have a gallery full of hand-thrown, high-fired, functional baking and serving dishes that they make themselves. I own a French butter dish and hope to get some chili bowls soon.
With outdoor farmers’ markets opening this month, be sure to check out what Lucille’s Kitchen (651-387-3218, lucilleskitchengarden.com) has added to its collection of pepper jams, showcased at the Mill City Farmers Market (704 S. Second St., Mpls., 612-341-7580, millcityfarmersmarket.org). The market, located between the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater, runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Try Lucille’s garlic-pepper jam over cream cheese—num!
If you are interested in vintage winemaking antiques, check out the new location of Lori Anderson’s EuroNest (5700 W. 36th St., Mpls., 952-929-2927, euro-nest.com). You’ll find genuine old wine barrels, boxes, baskets, holders, glass and wicker jugs, openers, presses, racks, and more.
Who can’t find a use for some extra dough? Well, get yourself to the Extra Dough Gourmet Goodies shop (5757 Sanibel Dr., Minnetonka, 612-867-9825, extradough.net), open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See if you agree that the Key lime candy bark tastes like springtime in your mouth.
