Picnics, weddings, and outdoor festivities make for happy campers during summer in Minnesota. I recently found some great fixings for such events at Kitchen in the Market inside the bustling Midtown Global Market (920 E. Lake St., Suite 107, Mpls., 612-568-5486, kitcheninthemarket.com). Co-owners Molly Herrmann and Tracy Morgan dish up items from their Tastebud line, including a creative edamame pesto, and put together such treats as a Star Prairie Farm smoked-trout spread for picnicking pleasures.
Why not add a few homemade biscotti from Linda Canfield’s LindaLicious Biscotti and Sweets to that picnic basket? (651-485-0296, lindaliciousbiscotti.com). Speaking of local eats, the fabulous farmers’ markets are now in full swing. Try them all, as they each sell a unique variety of produce and products. For locations and times, check out Minnesota Grown’s website (www3.mda.state.mn.us/mngrown). Just plug in your zip code and find the market closest to you.
To give the gift of fabulous food, look no further than Fleurish’s gift baskets (701 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-476-2296, fleurishllp.com). Ranging from elaborate to simple-yet-sweet, there’s a basket for every occasion. Or put together your own foodie feast with artisan ingredients and goods from ZZest, LeeAnn and Jerry Zubay’s market café (1190 16th St. SW, Suite 600, Rochester, 507-424-0080, zzestmarket.com). They have wine, craft-brewed beer, locally roasted coffee, and a menu stocked with handmade, flavorful items.
Sue Zelickson is the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.
