If your pots, pans, and knives look anything like mine after all the holiday cooking and baking, then it’s time for an upgrade. Some of the best options include the new line of professional cast-aluminum casseroles, Dutch ovens, and braising pans with self-basting lids from Nordic Ware (4925 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park, 952-924-9672, nordicware.com). They perform like their cast-iron cousins, without the excess weight.
Get your knives sharpened at the Chef’s Edge truck, owned and operated by TJ Stockdale (chefsedgemn.com, @ChefsEdgeMN, 952-917-9727). His mobile knife-sharpening service truck is also filled with chef-quality gadgets and knives, plus three stone wheels to sharpen well-loved cutlery.
For a unique spin on classic desserts, add the dark-chocolate balsamic vinegar from Susan Hanegan Burdorf’s Gourmet Oil & Vinegar shop in St. Louis Park atop yogurt or strawberries (3840 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-303-4220).
Sue Zelickson is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center’s Kids Cafe. She is the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.
