Savory aromas from the kitchen warm our hearts and minds every winter. Now, let the new L.C. Finn’s Extracts excite your taste buds. Created by Lee Zwiefelhofer and Chad Gillard, these three unique, additive-free flavors—vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom—enhance desserts, breads, and your favorite recipes. Find them at Local D’Lish (208 N. First St., Mpls., 612-866-3047), Golden Fig (790 Grand Ave., St Paul, 651-602-0144), and online at lcfinns.com.
Judy Malmon’s artisan, organic, whole-grain, gluten-free Cooqi mixes result in the most delicious pastries, pizza, pitas, pancakes, and more. Use good-quality local butter and you really won’t be able to tell they’re gluten-free. To order these St. Paul-made mixes and for recipes, go to cooqiglutenfree.com, or visit one of the Mississippi Markets (622 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-310-9499; 1500 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-690-0507; msmarket.coop).
Stevie Ray does more than improv. His delicious, all-natural “Steve’s Bees” Minnesota Honey is harvested in Inver Grove Heights, extracted in Pelican Rapids, bottled by hand in Minneapolis, and sold at Gourmet Oil and Vinegar (3840 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-303-4220).
For all you beet lovers, you’ve got to try Karyl’s handmade beet and horseradish relishes—they are simply over-the-top delicious. She also makes jams, butters (caramel-apple is my personal favorite), and 15 fudge flavors in Frost, Minnesota. She’ll even do custom gift baskets and special orders (507-878-3415).
Sue Zelickson is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center’s Kid’s Cafe. She is the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.
