Local Video
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| Land of 10,000 tastes |
By: By DAN IVERSON
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Posted: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 11:45 pm
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Local producers spice up the state’s landscape
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook Book signing and discussion led by author Alice Tanghe
WHEN: 11 a.m. May 17
WHERE: Just Food Co-op Event Space, 516 Water St., Northfield
COST: Free. Reserve your seat by calling 507-650-0106 or speak with a cashier at the co-op
ETC: Tanghe will also be on Paula Grandquist’s radio show ArtZany, 9 to 9:40 a.m. May 16 on KYMN |
Minnesota’s largest contribution to the world of culinary arts might be the smorgasbord of laughs produced each time the words “lutefisk” and “hotdish” are uttered — at least that’s a misconception among epicureans.
The truth is a dedicated network of Minnesota farmers, restaurateurs and food suppliers are proving there’s more to locally grown foods than providing a greater number of recipes for “bars” than there are variations for curry.
“The Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook,” published this year by Voyageur Press, proves there’s something tasty going on throughout Minnesota, and farmers, chefs and resellers are helping the environment in the process.
The book began as a project three years ago by Renewing the Countryside, a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to strengthening rural areas by supporting those who practice sustainable initiatives. The idea was simple: gather enough stories from the pockets of green growers around the state to raise awareness for their environmentally friendly endeavors and quell the notion that such practices are only the way of a quirky few.
“I was really amazed at the great things happening out in rural Minnesota,” said Jan Joannides, Renewing the Countryside’s executive director and co-founder. “...These aren’t odd people. These are great people doing really innovative things.”
The stories grew and the project flowered into a book bursting with enaging profiles of farmers and restaurants whose commitment to locally grown, organic and sustainable methods are a part of their daily lives.
“The book shows the broad range of wonderful local food choices we have here in Minnesota,” said Joey Robison, marketing and member services manager at Just Food Co-op, where the book is being sold for its focus on local farmers and sustainability. “Readers will recognize some of our local producers in the pages of this book, from Callister Farm to Shepherd’s Way Farms.”
Each story is accented with stunning photographs of the lands, foods and people that are building a strong base of healthy and appetizing food options in our own backyards.
“Locally grown food is fresher, better for the local economy, and often better for the environment,” Robison said.
And readers will have the opportunity to recreate the flavors made around the state as the book features 100 recipes gleaned from its encyclopedic profiles. Seemingly every type of eatery and food is covered with a special nod to Minnesota’s rich Northern European and agricultural roots, plus a look to its future.
“People often don’t realize how much food can be grown locally,” Joannides said. The book shows an increasing number of farmers are getting back to growing more edible foods rather than focusing solely on corn and soybeans. “I think it’s a real exciting time,” Joannides said.
— Dan Iverson can be reached at 645-1122.
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