Sue Z. Says

This year, consider giving your favorite foodie a gift with some local flavor. It might be a cast-iron pan, a special steel turner, and a box of Aunt Else’s Aebleskiver mix. Chad Gillard and his family churn out the fruit-filled treats at the Mill City Market all summer long. Now, with the right equipment and pre-made mix, you can whip them up at home. Order at Auntelse.com.

For those who swear by the food at Hell’s Kitchen, you’ll want to order up Damn Good Food, the new book by Hell’s Kitchen chef Mitch Omer and former Minnesota Monthly food writer Ann Bauer. It’s filled with fun history and family tales as well 157 recipes. For the extra health-conscious, check out Robin Asbell’s New Vegetarian (Chronicle Books).

Have you tried the sprouted, 100-percent flourless bread and bagels at French Meadow Bakery (2610 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-7855)? They’re healthy and tasty and great toasted. Alternatively, if you’d rather dine on chocolate, Caribou Coffee has teamed up with Guittard to offer a line of squares and chocolate-covered grahams.

Planning to root for the home team at the U of M’s new TCF Stadium? Then grab a bite at the Purple Onion Café (1301 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-252 -0217). The homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, not to mention the coffee-cup popovers and omelets, are worth a time out.

Sue Zelickson is host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.