Love is in the air, so treat your sweetheart to some tasty MN-made goodies. Local D’Lish owner Ann Yin has recently added a new deli corner and more cooking classes, as well as evolved her line of Local D’Lish products. Her hot-cocoa mixes contain Valrhona chocolate, and a spiced variety includes cinnamon, cardamom, and a kick of cayenne. (208 N. First St., Mpls., 612-886-3047, localdlish.com).
Madi Lommen is an entrepreneurial 17-year-old CBO (Chief Baking Officer) with a mission. Her Madibanani banana breads are sold to support orphans in Thailand, and she has future plans to aid children in need around the world. She bakes up classic loaves as well as two fun variations: Chocolotta, packed with chocolate chips, and Naturally, featuring walnuts, raisins, and craisins (madibanai.com).
Sisters Hope Klocker and Jule Vranian are the candy-making duo behind Sweet Jules Caramels, and their latest line of treats appeals to brew drinkers. Their beer-and-pretzel caramels use Scotch Ale from the Town Hall Brewery, with more beer varieties to come (sweetjulesgifts.com).
Innovative beekeeper Susan Brown cultivates hives atop downtown skyscrapers to create her Mademoiselle Miel honey bonbons, the perfect treat for your honey boo boo (at various metro retailers, mademoisellemiel.com).
