Sue Z.'s Local Finds: November 2016

Twin Cities foodie Sue Zelickson shares her favorite new discoveries: Julia Knight’s designs, Chowgirls Killer Catering’s new book, and Gustola Granola

Tasteful food presentation for the biggest meal of the year will make your Thanksgiving even more delicious. Local designer Julia Knight creates gorgeous platters, utensils, and bowls that make even the most plain mashed potatoes look like a succulent crown jewel. The patina on her work ranges from muted rose, green and gray, to vivid hot-pink and lime, with unusual shapes and sizes. Find the collection at Ampersand in the Galleria in Edina, and other stores nationwide. 

Do you want to entertain for the holiday, but doubt your cooking skills? You can call in a caterer such as our local Chowgirls Killer Catering, Heidi Andermack and Amy Lynn Brown, or pick up a copy of their new killer party food book. It includes 85 recipes and cocktails for every season, including Chowgirls’ Glögg. Now you can make their roasted vegetables with saffron aioli or wild mushroom hot dish and bacon pecan tartlets to wow your guests.

Before starting your Thanksgiving preparations, lend some gusto to your morning by adding Gustola Granola to your bowl of yogurt, or simply add milk. Angie Gustafson makes the granola with organic oats and locally sourced maple syrup in four varieties including my favorite, almond cherry coconut. Available in metro co-ops, coffee shops, and select supermarkets.

Sue Zelickson is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center’s Kid Cafe. She is also co-founder of the Charlie Awards and former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.

Illustration by James Kloiber

Sue Zelickson (Sue Z.) is a James Beard Award-winning food media personality, philanthropist, and longtime contributor to Minnesota Monthly and WCCO radio. She has founded the Charlie Awards, the Women Who Really Cook networking organization for women in the local food industry, and the Kids Cafe at Perspectives, Inc., which improves access to nutritious meals for families in need. You can find her buzzing around from event to event throughout the Twin Cities, helping to raise funds for charitable organizations, including some she has had a hand in building.