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Organic Salad Dressing

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I can’t stop thinking about @stephaniemarch — spec I can’t stop thinking about @stephaniemarch — specifically her “Which Came First” column in the July 2026 issue of @mspmag . The article doesn’t appear to be online. You’ll have to check your eye doctor’s waiting area or the magazine rack where you get your hair cut if you pass through periodicals in a more timely fashion than I do. In this installment of her regular column in the magazine March addresses the thorny issue of pricing. She refers to a pair of NYC chicken dishes that top $70 and $80 on their menus. These articles kicked off a debate “about why a chicken could, in fact, cost so much: sourcing good birds, the costs of paying a living wage, tariffs, inflation, rising rents, gentrification, balancing lost bar costs, the insane hunger for protein, all the things.” March’s article sets off alarm bells about the precarious position of those in the middle as we settle into a K-shaped economy. The middle is where many of our makers, growers, artists, producers, and innovators live. The squeeze of their bottom line, their narrow margins, and the challenge to compete against the sprawling behemoth promising same day delivery has consequences. There’s a conversation to be had about the actual cost of non-subsidized food grown by people in a real farm. There’s a conversation to be had about the pressures small businesses balance to keep their account sheets in the black. There’s a conversation to be had about the notion that you can find “it” cheaper on line. The middle is a place of ingenuity. It’s a space of neighborhood restaurants, the cottage baker you call for your kids’ birthdays, the artist you look for each summer at the fair to stock up on greeting cards. As March states in this article, “Costs matter no matter what shape the economy takes.” Your small business colleagues feel this squeeze. It drives them as they wear all the hats from chief marketing officer to customer support to make their business move forward. Maintaining the middle is a group effort. This is why I keep bringing the spotlight to our state’s makers, growers, and doers. I hope you’ll be there too.
We cordially invite you to join us at the Taste Ma We cordially invite you to join us at the Taste Makers Fair Faire at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Saturday, August 29 from 10am-12:30pm. Gather around to hear the makers’ stories, ask them your questions, and taste the results of their creative culinary delights. Lutunji’s Palate from Minneapolis, MTRY & Co from Mankato and Red Wing’s own Sturdiwheat will gather together for one morning only to share their stories. This is the 12th class that Beth Fisher and Michelle Sharp have dreamed up to celebrate our local bites and sips and the people who make them possible. Each class literally has its own flavor. Whether this is your first class or your twelfth, you’ll learn something new and maybe find a new favorite dish to make at home. We’ll do our best to fill your cup. This is a unique way to gather in community. Invite a friend, spend a morning with us, and learn more about our regional food system. Registration includes daily admission to the arboretum and a chance to explore the Farm at the Arb and the gorgeous demo kitchen. Register through the Arboretum’s website: https://arb.umn.edu/learn/taste-makers-fair It will definitely be chic!
Thank you to KSTP’s @minnesotalivetv for inviting Thank you to KSTP’s @minnesotalivetv for inviting me to share a State Fair preview of a few local makers and growers you’ll find at the Fair. Chris was happy to discover that Nashke Native Games, a past show guest, will be a part of the Indigenous People’s celebration on August 30.   Elizabeth was already a fan of Sebesta Apothecary’s soaps and Chris learned about the luxury of their wet shave. We highlighted four unique corners to explore at the @mnstatefair . A few highlights from the segment: Elizabeth’s observation that @nashkenativegames brings a new dimension by serving as “a beautiful reminder of a joyful people” with what you’ll experience at Dan Patch Park and take home from Native Roots Trading Post in the West End. Chris discovered the healing power of magnesium, available in a topical spray from @sebestaapothecary who will be in the Grandstand as part of a collective of woman-owned businesses organized by @grandmaskills . Celebrating the Clear Water text that brings @shopgoodgraces social justice exhibit to life in your hands. Find Melanie’s common ground art informed by her background in advertising to get us talking. Shop in the West End. Sharing about the 20 year history of @renewingthecountryside the Countryside’s interactive exhibits in the EcoExperience building. This year’s exhibit highlights the beneficial relationships possible with Bird Friendly Farming. This Minnesota non-profit brings together chef demos, volunteer-led exhibit challenges, and daily sustainability-focused product sampling to bring the topic to life. Sampling fresh mozzarella marinated in @smudeoil Tomato Basil sunflower seed oil. With their cold extraction process, this seed oil is a heart healthy diet swap recommended by St Cloud’s Hospital for its cardiovascular patients.   Watch the full segment and plan your fair stops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTMDv3lhsC8 Our makers’ stories, commitment to excellence, and unique approaches deserve to be shared. I’m grateful to Minnesota Live and their engaged audience for supporting our local businesses.
It’s my birthday today. I want a gift from each It’s my birthday today. I want a gift from each and every one of you. 🎁 Yes, this includes you. 😉 It’s a milestone birthday, so that makes my little request mean to ignore…🎂 Go support a local business today (or sometime later this week. I’m a Leo. My family accuses me of celebrating birthday months. I might as well lean into it.) Here’s how this works… 1. Go support a local business. If you’re not in Minnesota right now, pick one wherever you are. Examples include: Stop by a farmers market, try an independently-owned coffee shop, pop into a locally-owned grocery store and take something new to you home. Try a local artist or artisan for a gift or a festive greeting card. Book a cooking class, go pick blueberries, eat local ice cream. 2. Share the name of the local business or product in the comments or post what you got in a story to let me know what you picked. Multiple local purchases welcome. 😍 3. Ask a friend to celebrate my birthday too. 4. Repeat. Thanks for being here. Thanks for loving our local businesses as much as I do. I’m delighted to celebrate with all of you. If you’re looking for inspiration, we have lots of suggestions for you over at meettheminnesotamakers.com 😊
Know your Neighbors. It’s always the right time t Know your Neighbors. It’s always the right time to shop local at Meet the Minnesota Makers. Our Shop Local series introduces the real makers, growers and doers from our “Shop Minnesota” guide and makers directory. These are just some of the small business owners who make Minnesota an amazing place to be. 🖌️Who: Melanie Walby of Good Graces Paper Co. 💕Where: Minneapolis, MN 🖼️ What: Designer of art prints with social justice messages *Artist and graphic designer with fourteen years of experience in nonprofit media arts and advertising creating research-driven designs sparking conversation and advocating for change *Creator of the Clear Water Exhibit, an art installation critiquing racism and white supremacy culture centering the experiences of Black women *Creator of the “We Want to Vote” project, a collection of postcards to send to your reps and prints to display in your home advocating for voting rights 🎁How You Get Involved: Visit Good Graces Paper Co. at the @mnstatefair August 27th-September 7th in the West End near the Big Blue Barn *View the prints designed to be experienced in-person and flip through the Clear Water coffee table book *Explore all the designs and the Clear Water exhibit in a book at https://goodgraces.store/ *Learn about the layers of meaning behind Good Graces Paper Co.’s designs at https://meettheminnesotamakers.com/good-graces-paper-co-designing-justice-and-healing-for-your-living-room-and-beyond/ *Follow @shopgoodgraces for a closer look at the designs *Visit meettheminnesotamakers.com and follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover small business owners building community through their everyday missions. 💙Meet the Minnesota Makers is a news site that connects you to the local food, farms, artists and artisans that make Minnesota thrive.
What a thrill to be a “celebrity” judge at the @mn What a thrill to be a “celebrity” judge at the @mn_arboretum Taste and Toast. The true celebrities of the evening are our local food and beverage innovators who brought their top bites to share with hundreds of foodies and fans. I was honored to spend the evening with the discriminating palates of @bethdooleyskitchen and @h_rap_sky . We had tough decisions at hand to choose among the more than 50 vendors there. It was my honor to present: Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage to @drywitdrink — truly elevated N/A pairings for every course Best Sweet Bite @patisserie46 — a strawberries and cream dish with a true cloud of cream Best Bubbles/Wine @moussewinery — the perfect summer wine cocktail to toast the evening We also selected best presentation — @chowgirlscatering stole the show with their edible flowers and checker board display, most surprising bite for Rootstock’s chilled zucchini soup, best savory bite for @heathersmtka amazing watermelon gazpacho and best beer to Omni Brewing. The evening was a perfect balance of floral garb, gentle breeze, live jazz music, and a celebration of our local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and caterers. We are so lucky that Minnesota is such a delicious place to be. I’m delighted to officially add celebrity judge to my resume. :-) I’m ready to encourage to mark your calendar for next year’s event as soon as they announce the date. Thank you to @chefbethfisher and the Taste and Toast Planning committee for inviting me to have a role in this wonderful event.
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