Issuu

Angie Nelson and Gilbert Junge work to develop allergenfriendly meals

A SAF E R P LATE

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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“We’re so inspired by how many generous people there are out there who just want to make Maple Grove better … These people are truly making a difference in their own backyards.” —Taya Brodin-Hanson of Maple Grove Giving Connection, page 14.

PAG E 2 0

November/December 2023

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65 Years and Counting The Lookout Bar and Grill continues to serve the community.

12 Crokicurl, eh? Hybrid Canadian sport gains fans in Maple Grove.

14 See a Need, Fill a Need Local giving group continues to grow and welcomes anyone with a passion for helping others.

THE HOME OF

Five Star SERVICE

F E AT U R E S

16 Eat, Drink and Cranberry Welcome the powers of a Thanksgiving superfruit.

20 The Family that Plays Together … Think outside the (gift) box when planning holiday experiences.

We’re proud that TAST E M A K E R S

people feel comfortable

enough to tell us how

A Safer Plate Angie Nelson and Gilbert Junge work to develop allergen-free meals.

much they appreciate

IN E V E RY ISS U E

Photo: Illustration: xxxxxxxxx Jamie Klang

4 6 25 32

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

what we did for them. That appreciation drives us to offer the very best in comfort, compassion and service.

- Catalina N.

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(763) 783-1100

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“Everyone here w “E a genuine, professio s so polite, warm, They made sure wnal and inviting. They were very a e felt at ease. easy to communicaccommodating and goes above and be te with. The staff pay attention to thyond. They really everything run sm e details to make oothly.”

1918 University Ave NE Minneapolis

(612) 789-8869

13745 Reimer Dr Maple Grove

(763) 416-0016

www.KozlakRadulovich.com 3

FROM THE EDITOR

New Location,

Ha iley A lm sted — ha iley@loca lm edia .co

Same Great Care!

NOW OPEN! 10150 Niagara Lane N, Suite 100 Maple Grove, MN 55369 As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

In the magazine industry, writers and editors tend to work months in advance to get issues to print. In this case, I’m writing this note to you, readers, in the middle of September—just days before I walk down the aisle to be married. At the time of publication, my husband and I will be gathering with our families for the holidays, for the first time as husband and wife. And it has me feeling incredibly sentimental. In our November/December issue of Maple Grove Magazine, we’re celebrating all the things leading up to the tenderness of the holiday season. On page 14, writer Emily Gedde connects with Taya Brodin-Hanson of Maple Grove Giving Connection. The nonprofit organization, which first began as a Facebook Group, works to donate items of need to local families. Of the nonprofit, Brodin-Hanson says, “We really want it to be a group that helps make Maple Grove as a city feel more like a community.” Readers, if you’re looking to add in a super taste to your holiday meal planning and preparation, visit page 16, where writer Kristie Smith shares the power of one superfruit—plus recipes to get you started. And, if you’re looking to spend more time outdoors this winter, writer Mollee Francisco talks with the City of Maple Grove about its crokicurl rink on page 12. Prefer time with family? On page 20, Renée Stewart-Hester compiles a list of winter activities to keep you busy all season long. I would love to hear what you’re cherishing this holiday season. Send me a note at hailey@localmedia.co. Seasons greetings!

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards

On the Cover Liam and Angie Nelson, photo by Chris Emeott, page 28 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Maple Grove Magazine @maplegrovemagazine @maplegrovemag

mnoncology.com 4

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

Photo: Rachel Nadeau

one common goal – fighting cancer.

VOL. 18 NO. 2 maplegrovemag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Hailey Almsted

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

digital editor Madeline Kopiecki

copy editors Kellie Doherty Sherri Hildebrandt

staff writers Jody Carey Mollee Francisco Emily Gedde Daniel Huss Jennifer Pitterle Rachel Schuehle Josie Smith Kristie Smith Jamie Tjornehoj Zoe Yates

contributing writers Gabrielle Clark Melissa Jaeger Lise Spence-Parsons Imogen Van Zee Kira Vanderlan

editorial interns Macy Berendsen Lily Schlobohm

editorial advisory board Grace Becker, Osseo Area Schools Kiley Meyhoefer, City of Maple Grove Heidi Nelson, City of Maple Grove Amy Seeman, Mezmira

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art director Allison Nolden

graphic designer Yaz Lo

junior designer Jamie Klang

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

production coordinator Mimi Coz

senior account executives Cynthia Hamre Mary-Catherine Hartel Sara Johnson Abbie Kinn Kathie Smith

president Pete Burgeson

N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

LO O KIN G FOR A N EASY W EEKNIG HT MEA L? Try a cozy bowl of

homemade soup! If you’re new to making homemade soup, the process is quicker than you might think. Here are the keys to soup success:

Watch the Sodium: The base of any soup is the broth or stock. A benefit of making your own soup is that you can control the sodium level. Start with a low-sodium or no-salt-added broth and add flavor with spices and fresh herbs.

Pick Your Protein: Focus on lean protein options, such as chicken, turkey or lean ground beef. Or, opt for plant-based protein, and use beans or tofu. When adding canned beans, look for no-saltadded varieties, or drain and rinse to reduce the sodium.

You can reduce food waste and use up leftover vegetables that may otherwise go bad in the fridge.

Fill up with Veggies: A good rule for meal planning is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and the same can go for your soup. Add a variety of fiber-rich vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots or even leafy greens.

Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD is a Hy-Vee registered dietitian. You can find out more information about Hy-Vee dietitian services at hy-vee.com or on Instagram @hyveedietitians.

Dinner is Served: To round out the meal, pair your soup with whole-grain bread, rolls or crackers.

November/December 2023

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Photos: Melissa Jaeger; Lise Spence-Parsons

SOUP SUCCESS

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Food and giving back are two very important aspects of both our personal lives and society in general. From nurturing our bodies and fostering social bonds to carrying the essence of cultures and economies, the importance of food cannot

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not restricted by borders, color or creed. However, it is limited by the ability to purchase, and that leads to giving back or donating skills and time. At the heart of giving back lies empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. When individuals engage in acts of giving, they exercise empathy, bridging the gap between disparate life experiences. This shared understanding fosters a sense of unity and compassion, promoting social harmony. Whether through acts of kindness, charitable donations or volunteering efforts, the act of giving back not only benefits individuals and communities in need, it also creates a ripple effect that strengthens the very fabric of our society. Through collective efforts, we create pathways for a brighter future.

Lise Spence-Parsons, a local artist and author, is the president and treasurer of Maple Grove Arts Center. Find out more at maplegroveartscenter.org.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

ABODE

Entertaining Interior Design WRITTEN WORD The invitations have been sent, and the menu is planned, so now it is time to think about your entertaining design.

The Fire

First, consider seating. Do you have enough space for everyone to sit comfortably? Maybe you need to add an ottoman or extra chairs for the dining table. Be sure to include comfy throw pillows on the couch Next, create a dedicated bar space for guests, so they can choose

The heat still continually grows

their drinks as they move throughout the kitchen and living room.

The fire warms my tired self

Be sure to include a “kiddie cocktail” bar for the little ones.

The heat creeps up the shelf

Finally, designate an area for fun. If you have a TV room, think about

The fire warms my toes

The fire slowly dies

adding a table for board games or make a “stage” for karaoke and cha-

And the smoke starts to rise

rades. Overall, creating a fun and relaxed environment for your guests

And I call to my mother with my deep desire:

will make for an entertaining holiday season!

Mother, could you please relight the fire?

Kira Vanderlan is an award-winning interior designer and owner of Zestful Design, based in Maple Grove. Visit her website at zestfuldesign.com.

Imogen Van Zee is 11 years old and lives in Maple Grove. She enjoys reading, sports and playing with her family.

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

or seating areas with a festive holiday design.

l o ca l t i p s , t i d bits & in sig h ts

READ

Dig in for Empowerment

How to Become a Gardener: Find Empowerment in Creating Your Own Food Security by Ashlie Thomas, The Mocha Gardener, offers an amazing look at how gardening can change the gardener. She dives into which types of gardens work well with different vegetables, herbs and fruits, from container gardens on the patio to vertical gardens in tighter spaces, and, of course, the diverse variety of ground options. Thomas comes to gar-

Over 45 years experience... Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate

dening with a clear view on how growing our own food offers not just healthier options, but a tangible manifestation of food security and sustainability. How to Become a Gardener gives readers Thomas’ top 10 growers along with practical guidelines on how to choose what to grow based on the space and needs that each gardener brings to the experience. You’ll enjoy her thoughtful summary of all the lessons she learned on her

Christine Jordan, esq.

Susan J. Mundahl, esq.

Amy Rotering, esq.

journey to growing her own food. This is a practical and encouraging read that can get you excited to start growing right away and encourage you to think about how you can do even more with and for your community.

Gabrielle Clark is a librarian at Hennepin County Library–Maple Grove. Read more at hclib.org.

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

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THE MENU

65 Years and Counting The Lookout Bar and Grill continues to serve the community. By Jamie Tjornehoj

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS in business this past May, The Lookout Bar and Grill serves a slice of Minnesota’s Northwoods charm with every order. From its mouthwatering house wings to its juicy burgers, all of the handcrafted eats are among the best in the Metro. Maple Grove Fire Department assistant chief and resident Mike Kinnan is a second-generation owner, taking over his dad’s (Robert Kinnan) dream and making it his own, continuing its legacy from 1958. (Robert’s parents, George and Myrtle Kinnan, originally rented the bar, previously a barn, to Robert. Vivian Kinnan, Robert’s wife, also worked at the bar for several years.) When The Lookout Bar and Grill first opened its doors, it looked drastically different from what folks know today. There was no kitchen or dozens of workers hustling and bustling, but it was run by one, Kinnan’s father, Robert. “He wanted to be in business for himself,” Kinnan says. “It started out as a little bar, and then it took off from there.”

1. Vivian Kinnan with Captain, the family’s german shepherd, in front of The Lookout. 2. The Lookout servers, circa 1970s. 3. Vivian Kinnan and Dick Reimer, Maple Grove’s first mayor. 4. Robert Kinnan with customers. 5. Robert Kinnan behind the bar. 6. The Lookout celebrating New Year’s Eve—Robert Kinnan is the front middle; Robert's son, Tom Kinnan, is top left. 7. George and Myrtle Kinnan in the old kitchen. 8. Robert Kinnan with customers.

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

Photos: The Lookout Bar & Grill

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Built on the values of hard work, care and community-involvement, the restaurant has grown to be an “in town getaway.” Kinnan says, “[We] support the local community like we’re in small town USA because when we started, Maple Grove was a village.” Although the city has changed, The Lookout’s core beliefs remain the same. “Take care of those who take care of you,” Kinnan says. “The day doesn’t end when it ends; it ends when you get everything done.” Walking into the restaurant, originality seeps through its rustic wooden paneling. Visitors are met with The Lookout’s framed original menu, including a cheeseburger for 50 cents and french fries for 35 cents. “All the way around the bar there [are] pictures from the old days,” he says. Images dating all the way back to the 1950s are hanging above the bar paying tribute to its roots. Today, The Lookout has 80 items on its menu, three food trucks and 17 catering centers. Analogously to its start, the restaurant offers homestyle cooking, dishing up everything from barbecue to blackened Cajun steak power bowls. “[You get] a good old-fashioned meal for a reasonable price,” Kinnan says. About 2,500 pounds of broasted chicken are sold each week, clearly a restaurant specialty. “If it’s Monday night, there’ll be buckets and buckets of chicken going out the door,” he says. Residing out back is a flagpole that is one of the highest points in Hennepin County, proving the restaurant continues to be a pinnacle in Maple Grove both figuratively and physically. “That’s where the name came from,” he says. “You can see the Minneapolis skyline. You can see The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. It’s a beautiful view.” That flagpole was put up in 2001 in dedication to the fallen victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. “I’m one of the Maple Grove Fire assistant chiefs, [and] I’ve been with the city for 35 years,” Kinnan says. “We did a big celebration and honored the men and women that passed away.” The Lookout Bar & Grill, 8672 Pineview Lane N.; 763.424.4365; lookoutbarandgrill.com @thelookoutbarandgrill

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ACTIVE LIVING

Crokicurl, eh? Hybrid Canadian sport gains fans in Maple Grove.

VOWING TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS WINTER ? Get outside, and

try something new. Crokicurl may be the game you never knew you were searching for—and Maple Grove happens to have it. First played seven years ago in Winnipeg, Canada, crokicurl is a hybrid of curling and the board game Crokinole where players flick small discs on an octagonal target to score points. In crokicurl, two teams of one or two players slide rocks across an ice rink toward the center of an octagonal-shaped rink, scoring points for those rocks that end up closest to the target’s center button. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible. This is the third year that Maple Grove has offered the sport. Canadian-born Tanya Huntley, the recreational supervisor for Maple Grove’s Parks and Recreation Department, is responsible for bringing the game to the city. She originally came across an article about crokicurl during the height of the pandemic and was intrigued about the local possibilities. “I thought, ‘This is neat. We could build this,’” Huntley says. “We always try to bring in interesting activities like giant Foosball and sleigh rides for Wonders of Winter,” she says. After reading about crokicurl, Huntley convinced her parks and rec colleagues to give it a try in Maple Grove. “I was excited I had the support,” she says. Using funds from the department’s organizational budget, park staff

By Mollee Francisco

Maple Grove’s crokicurl rink is open from midDecember to early March.

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

Photos: Maple Grove Parks and Recreation

members made their own rocks and built the rink for the 2020–21 winter season. It was located at Maple Grove’s Central Park, hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the skating loop to draw attention to their new offering. The rink might have aroused curiosity, but they still needed to walk people through how to play the unknown game, so they hosted several try-it days. “The first question we got was, ‘What is it?’” Huntley says. (Though the game has spread in popularity across Canada, to Huntley’s knowledge, Maple Grove is the first city in Minnesota to offer the game.) It was easier to explain once staff had tried it out themselves, so they did. “I loved it,” Huntley says. “Our staff went and played it, and it’s really fun and easy.” Huntley says the game can be played by a broad range of ages and abilities. “We had all ages of people trying it out,” she says. “People seemed to enjoy it.” Encouraged by the initial community response, the parks and recreation department decided to offer crokicurl again last year. “We were challenged by the weather a bit,” Huntley says. Staff set up the rink for self-service play with the rules and the equipment all on hand for people to just stop and play on a whim. They also invested in some recreational rocks for crokicurl. The result? The 2022 award for innovative programming from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. “I’m really proud to be part of this group and this team,” Huntley says. The crokicurl rink will run the same schedule as the city’s other outdoor rinks. Weather permitting, it will be open from mid-December to early March. It is free to play, and all equipment is provided at the rink. Huntley hopes that the popularity of crokicurl continues to grow and draw in new players. (Find more information at maplegrovemn.gov.)

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PHILANTHROPY

See a Need, Fill a Need Local giving group continues to grow and welcomes anyone with a passion for helping others.

THE 2020S HAVE BROUGHT ON SEVERAL CHALLENGES . From the

pandemic to civil unrest to rising inflation, struggles created during the past few years have left many people needing help. In addition, it has left other people feeling helpless, not knowing how or where to offer their time and energy to make a difference. That is where Maple Grove Giving Connection comes in to help. Two and a half years ago, Taya Brodin-Hanson, founder of Maple Grove Giving Connection, noticed displaced people in the parking lot of the Maple Grove Community Center. It appeared to be the same people morning after morning, and because the local rest

stop had closed, she wanted to know if something could be done to help. Taking a leap of faith, Brodin-Hanson reached out on social media to solicit anyone wanting to help to gather at the library on a Sunday afternoon. The response was great. “That day we filled my garage with donations and raised about $800,” she says. Realizing there are many people who want to help but don’t always know how encouraged Brodin-Hanson to start Maple Grove Giving Connection and turn it into a nonprofit with the assistance of others. “I give my team all the credit,” she says. “The board of directors team is amazing.” With a team formed, Maple Grove

Giving Connection began its presence with a Facebook group that now has more than 550 members, all who share ideas and resources of how to help their friends and neighbors in need. “We really want it to be a group that helps make Maple Grove as a city feel more like a community,” BrodinHanson says. Posts in the Facebook group range from people needing winter clothing to celebratory news of homeless clients finding housing. Maple Grove Giving Connection helps wherever there is a need. “We work with school counselors if kids need anything; we help clients get their vehicles fixed; we connect people

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

Photos: Maple Grove Giving Connection

By Emily Gedde

Maple Grove Giving Connection was born out of a desire to help those in need right in Maple Grove.

We turn your house into the home of your dreams! with what benefits they can receive; we’ve gotten people out of domestic violence situations; and even raked leaves,” Brodin-Hanson says. “We do a little bit of everything.” While Maple Grove Giving Connection is a smaller nonprofit, Brodin-Hanson says members routinely work with larger groups, should the need arise. “We connect people with the right resources if it’s something we’re unable to help them with,” she says. The More, the Merrier

Anyone wanting to become involved with Maple Grove Giving Connection is encouraged to join the open Facebook group, Brodin-Hanson says. Opportunities for people who want to help range from physical volunteering to monetary donations, all of which go a long way. “We continue to grow by word of mouth and have people join the Facebook group daily,” she says. “We’re so inspired by how many generous people there are out there who just want to make Maple Grove better … these people are truly making a difference in their own backyard.” Brodin-Hanson says connections that members have to other resources is what helps add to the group’s success. And she hopes that trend catches on in other communities. “As time goes on, we would really like to be approached by another group of people in other communities about how to start something like this for their city that can be a resource for many, many people,” she says. “We would love this concept to grow and grow, so each city can have a nonprofit like this.” Brodin-Hanson admits she never imagined the group would become what it has and is humbled by the generosity of others. “We’re small, only a [bandage] on some problems, but we really help people connect to different resources for more longterm help,” she says. “It’s truly amazing.” Maple Grove Giving Connection; mggivingconnection.org Maple Grove Giving Connection

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E AT, DRINK AND CRANBERRY

WELCOME THE POWERS OF A THANKSGIVING SUPERFRUIT.

Cranberries for Thanksgiving sounds like a sequel to the children’s book Blueberries for Sal. In the classic story, Sal and her mother pick berries to can for the winter, a tradition of harvesting and the encounters of a child that leaves delighted readers with a hankering to wander fields, collecting buckets and stories of their own. Just across Minnesota’s eastern border, cranberry growers celebrate their own harvest traditions, raking through water-logged bogs to collect their crops for distribution all over the country. Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries, and harvests more than 60 percent of this country’s crop. In fact, it is believed half of the world’s crop is grown in the Badger State, according to the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA). Though a wobbly, can-shaped gel at the holidays may be what pops to mind, the tart, red berry starts out growing on a shrub and trailing on vines in bogs supported by cool, marshy conditions. The cranberry flower produces young, white fruits, which mature to their infamous deep red color before the fall harvest. Because they float—the cranberries are grown dry but harvested flooded—farmers learned long ago to flood their bogs and marshes, making fruit collection much easier to maneuver. Late in September into early October, when autumn’s orange and yellow leaves complement the glowing red maples, cranberry farmers wrap up their seasons in their fields, harvesting their crops. Though the harvest has finished this year, a Saturday road trip along Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway will typically take curious cranberry lovers along a self-guided route about 50 miles long across central Wisconsin’s cranberry growing region. Among the centuries-old cranberry beds, visitors can travel from Warrens, thought of as the cranberry capital of the state, just south of Eau Claire to Wisconsin Rapids to see and sample the staple that will find its way to many Thanksgiving tables around the country. While on the road, make a stop at Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens, where the family

November/December 2023

maplegrovemag.com

has grown cranberries for more than 100 years. Then visit the cranberry museum at Discover Cranberries to observe a 1920s-era cranberry sorting mill and fresh fruit picking line. Warrens Cranberry Festival takes place the last full weekend in September—and it celebrated its 50th anniversary this year—so a visit at the peak of the season is always a taste-filled outing.

BY THE NUMBERS Cranberries pack a powerful punch and an interesting history. According to the WSGCA and the Cranberry Institute: • More than 1,000 food and beverage products contain cranberries. In fact, it takes about 4,400 cranberries (10 pounds) to make a gallon of juice. About 5 percent of the nation’s crop is sold as fresh fruit and the rest is turned into sauces, juices, dried fruit and other foods. • A barrel (100 pounds) became the standard measurement of production of cranberries because of the way they were packaged for shipping to markets in the United States and Europe, according to the Cranberry Institute. • Legend has it early European settlers called them “crane berries” because the flower of the fruit looked like the head and neck of the sandhill crane. • Henry Hall, a Revolutionary War veteran, is credited with planting the first commercial cranberry bed in Massachusetts in 1816.

THE HEADLINER Cranberries should headline any and all holiday get togethers. “Cranberries are a family favorite for all occasions,” says Kristi Ryan, Lunds & Byerlys events and demo manager. “We love the crunchy tart bites in smoothies, salads and our all-time favorite recipe: Sugared Cranberries. Everyone at our house knows how to make them, and when we bring them as host/hostess gifts, our friends are hooked!” Whether in a glass or on the table, these tart fruits are key features in some of Lunds & Byerlys’ favorite recipes. (And they look nothing like your grandmother’s canned variety!)

rosemary. Repeat with the remaining cocktails, and enjoy.

CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE CROSTINI (bottom) » 1 baguette » ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped » ¼ cup pomegranate seeds » 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped » 1 Tbsp. olive oil » 1 ½ tsp. honey » goat cheese » fresh orange zest » salt and pepper, to taste

SPARKLING CRANBERRY COCKTAIL

Cut a baguette into slices, and toast on a

Serves 4 (middle)

fresh cranberries, ¼ cup pomegranate

baking sheet. Mix ½ cup finely chopped seeds, 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1½ tsp. honey. Add salt and pepper

For the Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup:

to taste. Spread each baguette slice with

» 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries

goat cheese. and top with the cranberry-

» juice of ½ lemon

pomegranate mixture. Add fresh orange

» 1 cinnamon stick

zest over the top, and serve.

» ½ cup sugar » ½ cup water » 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary

CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES

For the cocktails:

Serves 16 (top)

» 4 oz. Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup, divided » 2 oz. orange juice, freshly squeezed » 750 ml Champagne, prosecco or sparkling white wine

» cooking spray » ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

» orange slices (quartered), cranberries

» 1 cup packed brown sugar

and rosemary sprigs, for garnish

» 2 eggs, room temperature » ¾ tsp. vanilla extract

To make the syrup, combine all six ingre-

» 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

dients in a small saucepan. and bring to a

» 1 ½ tsp. baking powder

simmer. Stir occasionally until the cranber-

» ¼ tsp. kosher salt

ries burst and release their juices, about five

» ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon

minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat,

» 1 cup frozen cranberries

and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a

» ¾ cup white chocolate, coarsely chopped

glass jar, pressing gently on the cranberries

» powdered sugar, for finishing

to extract their juices. Transfer the syrup to the refrigerator to cool completely. To

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-

make one cocktail, fill a Champagne flute

inch baking pan with cooking spray, and

with 1 oz. Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup. Layer

line it with parchment paper, allowing two

with ½ oz. orange juice, and top with 6

long sides to hang over the edges of the

oz. Champagne. Garnish with an orange

pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the but-

slice, a few cranberries and a sprig of fresh

ter and brown sugar until light and fluffy,

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REAP THE BENEFITS This colorful fruit is native to North America and was introduced by Native Americans to the early colonists, who brought them to the European trade markets. The Algonquian tribes called cranberries sassamanash and used them for dyes and wound care as well as part of a healthy staple of their diets, according to the WSCGA. With fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols, it’s easy to see why cranberries are categorized by nutritionists as a superfruit. These heart healthy gems are packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial benefits. Research from the Cranberry Institute shows the flavonoids and phytonutrients in these little red fruits can help with obesity, hypertension and diabetes as well as urinary tract infections. If fresh cranberries are hard to find, The Cranberry Institute suggests an 8 oz. serving of 27 percent or more cranberry juice cocktail to get an even swap of healthful benefits.

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about three minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking to incorporate between each addition. Whisk in the vanilla extract. In a second large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon. Using a rubber spatula, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions, making sure there are no streaks of flour and the batter is smooth. Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for two hours. Use the long sides of the parchment paper to lift the blondies from the pan. Cut the bars into eight equal squares, and slice the squares in half diagonally to create 16

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triangles. Fill a small fine-mesh sieve with powdered sugar, and lightly dust the blondies. Leftover blondies can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.

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T H E FA M I LY T H AT P L AY S T O G E T H E R … Written by Renée Stewart-Hester Illustrations by Jamie Klang

When visitors come to town over the holidays, hosts can be hard-pressed when it comes to planning “things to do.” And a similar situation can be had when adult children return home for the holidays. While the excitement of having full beds and occupied seats around the dining table rarely takes a dip, there can be times when a little infusion of excitement and fun out of the house is needed. There are many opportunities throughout the Metro to take a little holiday time field trip. Let’s take a look at places to go and things to do that can put a whole lot of merry and happy in your holiday season. (We realize this is by no means a complete list. Hopefully, we can inspire you to discover new places.) Exercising a bit of creativity is good for everyone’s soul. Visit the easily accessible art exhibits at the Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegrove artscenter.org. Check out the public open skating schedule at the Plymouth Ice Center in preparation to carve ice with fellow skaters. 3650 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth; 763.509.5260; plymouthmn.gov. Charcuterie boards continue to be an entertaining fixture. Learn what

takes a board from good to “grate” with the help of Maple Grove’s From the Diner, dawn@fromthediner.com; fromthediner.com. If you’re hungry for a new culinary challenge, cooking classes can satisfy your hankering. Visit The Abundant Kitchen, 223 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.3682; abundantkitchen.shop. If you missed being a member of a winter Olympic team, play the part by taking group curling lessons at the Chaska Curling Center, 3210 Chaska Blvd., Chaska; 952.227.2475; chaskacurlingcenter.com. Tip: This is very popular, so you might have to book this for 2025. Increase your knowledge of making spirits by dipping into a distillery, including J. Carver Distillery, 1320 Mill Lane, Waconia; 952.442.2433; jcarverdistillery.com. Don’t leave out your furry guests. If you’re not the only one suffering from cabin fever, bring your four-legged friend to an indoor dog park like Brew Park Plymouth, 2605 Fernbrook Lane N. Suite J, Plymouth; 763.337.4433; brewparkplymouth.com. Embrace the Bold North with downhill and Nordic skiing, tubing and more, thanks to incredible programming at the Three Rivers Park District, locations vary; 763.559.9000; three riversparks.org. Tip: Be sure to check trail and hill accessibility and conditions and equipment rental. Want to escape? Find out how well your group thinks on its feet during

IT TAKES TWO The holidays can bring stress to families when they gather, including when adult children are welcomed back into the household for a visit. Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT, reminds parents that their children are now adults. “The manners in which they do any variety of things may be different than the ways that you would do things (e.g., cook, hang a towel in the bathroom, drive), but your job as a parent is no longer to guide, teach, discipline, etc., like it was when they were young,” he says. “Pick your battles, and remember that the visit is temporary. Enjoy time together—visiting, sharing, playing games, seeing shows, exchanging gifts, etc.” Adult children also have some things to bear in mind. “Remember that your parents are still your parents, and that you are staying in their home,” Mendenhall says. “Respect that. Don’t change the thermostat without asking them if it’s OK first. Clean up after yourself. Engage with them in authentic conversations—not while you scroll through social media and watch TV.” And he reiterates the importance of picking battles, recognizing the visit won’t last forever, enjoying that time together and employing the age-old adage— don’t sweat the small stuff.

November/December 2023

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Think out of the (gift) box when planning holiday experiences.

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MORE TO THE STORY One might assume that family bonding happens early in a child’s life, and no more effort is required after a certain point. All relationships, including those between child and parent, need continued engagement. “Relationships require ongoing work, maintenance and nurturing,” Mendenhall says. “… the reality is that most relationships that fail do so because of neglect. We’re ‘too busy’ with other things to authentically nurture our relationships. We begin to take each other for granted.” In some households, family members stop engaging beyond routine interactions, which can include the ubiquitous queries of: How was your day? When will you be home? And the like. There’s a risk that this can happen between family households. “We don’t call each other just to check in, say ‘Hi’ or just share something great that happened at our child’s school or in our work,” says Mendenhall, a professor at the University of Minnesota and medical family therapist with MHealth Fairview. “We experience visits as a chore and distraction from the things that we really want to do.” Mendenhall reminds that family bonding should continue to be tended to maintain healthy connections. “Early attachment processes between infants/children and their caretakers (parents, grandparents, etc.) continue throughout the life course,” he says. “Relationships change and evolve, of course, as parents and children go from parent/child relationships to more adult/adult relationships, and this takes effort. Spend time together. Call each other. Have family Zoom calls every Sunday night for 30 minutes. Help each other with something around one of your respective homes. Don’t take each other for granted.” “Cultivating and maintaining connections across generations is key in continuing family legacies, stories and related narratives,” Mendenhall says. “Closeness, support and sense of belonging are basic human needs—and most of us receive (and offer) these things within family contexts.”

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“PLAY IS ESSENTIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH, AND IT CAN BE A POWERFUL WAY TO BOND (BETWEEN FRIENDS, COUPLES, FAMILY MEMBERS, ANYBODY). BOARD GAMES, YARD GAMES, VALLEYFAIR, COMMUNITY EVENTS, SPORTS, ETC.— ANY AND ALL OF THESE THINGS: DO THEM!” Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT

November/December 2023

a stop at an escape room, Enigma Adventures, 13644 80th Circle N #200; 612.404.0109; enigmaadventures.com. Who doesn’t love a great holiday light show, especially from the warmth and comfort of your car? Check out the Valleyfair (drive-thru) Light Show, 1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee; 952.445.7600; valleyfair.com. How does this sound? Ice skate around a 810-foot-long and 20-footwide loop at Maple Grove’s Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way; 763.494.6474; maplegrovemn.gov. Test your collective courage without leaping out of an airplane during indoor skydiving at iFly, 12415 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 15, Minnetonka; 612.444.4359; iflyworld.com. Tip: The photos ops alone are worth it. There’s not much better than the thrill of flying down a snowcovered hill. Sled, tube, ski and snowboard down the hills at the

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Douglas F. Bryant Winter Recreation Park at Elm Creek Park Reserve, 12400 James Deane Parkway; 763.694.7894; threeriversparks.org. Snowshoe along 11 miles of trails on more than 1,200 acres of woodland, prairie and open fields at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska; 612.624.2200; arb.umn. edu. Tip: Be sure to check on trail accessibility and equipment rental. Sip with a purpose during a wine tasting or tour of a local winery. Try Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard, 731 County Road 30 SE, Delano; fhwandvineyard.com. Immerse yourself in the Westin Edina Galleria’s Winter Village. Throughout a three-month installation, the team offers weekly spirit and wine tastings, private dinners hosted by local chefs, special activities through its Weekend Wonders program at 3201 Galleria, Edina; 952.567.5000; marriott.com.

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lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

SKATE WITH SANTA A night filled with holiday festivity on the rink.

Photo: Enda Photography

CO M E J O IN SANTA C LAU S , and experience

an evening of fun-filled skating from 5–8 p.m. December 9 at Central Park, 1200 Central Park Way in Maple Grove. This all-ages, free event opens with the Maple Grove Rotary light display and a countdown led by Santa Claus. Skate as long as you’d like under the brightly lit trees, and enjoy a night full of Christmas spirit. (Skate rentals are available for $7.50 a pair.) The Maple Grove Senior High Crimson Carolers will be out and about, singing your favorite Christmas

November/December 2023

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carols, followed by the Maple Grove Skate School’s figure skating performance. Plus, photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available throughout the event in the warming house. “Don’t forget a camera for fun photos with Santa,” says Roee Hecht, recreation coordinator. Concessions will be available, serving grab-and-go food. —Lily Schlobohm

For more information, visit maplegrovemn.gov.

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LOCAL EVENTS

Imara Restore Gala 11/05 Change lives in Kenya and support young women through IMARA. The evening will

Call today for a free in-home design session!

include appetizers and an auction. All ages. $100. 5:30–8 p.m. Rush Creek Golf Club, 7801 County Road 101; imarainternational.org

763-439-8568 www.shellysinteriorconcepts.net

Charcoal Portrait Drawing Class 11/06 Learn how to draw a charcoal portrait from a photo at the Maple Grove Arts Center. Class includes an email critique for your drawing by the instructor. Ages 14 and older. $195. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

Home Show

Thomas J. Pink, DDS

11/18 Featuring up to 130 exhibitors, talk to experts and get free tips plus prizes throughout the event. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road; 952.232.1765; minnesotahomeshows.com

Breakfast with Santa 12/02 Enjoy a breakfast with Santa served by the Maple Grove Lions. Games, crafts and more will be offered. All ages. $5. 8:30–10:30 a.m. 12951 Weaver Lake Road; info@mgco.org; mgco.org

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Christmas Craft and Gift Show 12/16

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crafts, jewelry, decor, gourmet food and more are available. All ages. Free. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road; 651.249.9772; eventcrazy.com

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Twin Cities Con 11/03–11/05 The returning Twin Cities Con is a celebration of comics, film, art and so much more. An extensive exhibitor and artist list will be present the whole weekend, including special guests Jason Lee from Almost Famous, Rachel Leigh Cook from She’s All

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Festival de las Calaveras 11/04 The 11th annual Festival de las Calaveras celebrates Dia de los Muertos. The festival

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features music, art, dance, food trucks and more. All ages. $12–$20. 6–11 p.m.

The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.338.2674; festivalcalaveras.com

European Christmas Market 11/25–11/27 Walk through an authentic European Christmas shopping experience inspired by German Christkindl markets. Enjoy handmade gifts and unique foods. All ages.

10 a.m.–8 p.m. Union Depot, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org

Holidazzle 11/25–12/18

Understanding Your Needs, Protecting Your Rights

Holidazzle is back in Minneapolis for a festive holiday season. The popular Fulton Beer Garden, winter fireworks show, illuminated art installation and more return to Loring Park. All ages. Prices

vary. Times vary. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Mpls.; 612.376.7669; holidazzle.com

Businesses Litigation & Dispute Resolution Business & Corporate Law Real Estate Nonprofit Law Employment Law

Individuals & Families To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being

Estate Planning Probate • Elder Law Family Law • Custody Conservatorships

experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

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TA S T E M A K E R S

A Safer Plate Angie Nelson and Gilbert Junge work to develop allergen-free meals. Written by Hailey Almsted

MAPLE GROVE RES ID EN T ANG IE N ELSON ’ S life was flipped

Liam and Angie Nelson

Photo: Chris Emeott

upside down when, just six months into having her first child, she and her husband, Paul, discovered that Liam was diagnosed with four of the top nine food allergies. “It was a really scary time for us,” Nelson recalls. As first-time parents, the Nelsons tried to avoid allergies by feeding Liam peanut butter and other allergens at an early age—a recommendation from their pediatrician. “So I had given him peanut butter and mashed banana as a snack when he was 6 months old, and he had no reaction. Two weeks later, he broke out head-to-toe in hives, crying uncontrollably,” Nelson says. This reaction led to Liam’s allergy diagnosis; the family was to steer clear of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and milk. Since Nelson had been breastfeeding at the time, she had to eliminate all allergens out of her own diet. Trips to grocery stores meant reading every food label top to bottom; the Nelsons had to cook each meal from scratch and were left with limited options. Add in the fears of crosscontamination, eating out at a restaurant or going on playdates. “It was a tough time, and I do feel that we were blessed that we like to cook,” Nelson says. “We found recipes that are important to our family, such as my husband’s family pancake recipe that he grew up on, and we found out how to make it without eggs and milk. We played around in the kitchen to make [Liam’s] life as normal as possible.” Wanting to find better options for her family and others going through the same situation, Nelson, alongside chef Gilbert

November/December 2023

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“As a family without intolerances, we ordered Liam’s as a healthier option that our kids would actually eat. The flavors were the perfect mix to satisfy both kid AND adult tastebuds. Every meal has gotten an A+ from the whole family!” Mike E.

Photo: Liam’s by Safer Plate

Chicken Alfredo Rotini

Junge, developed Liam’s by Safer Plate, a frozen meal company featuring four distinct meals, which are free of the top nine allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, wheat, sesame, shellfish and fish. “It’s kind of a long story, but my bestfriend and colleague is Greg Coley … He was the executive chef at a country club that Tom Nelson, Angie’s father-in-law, was a member at,” Junge says. “They were discussing Safer Plate in its infancy, and Greg said to Tom that he knew the perfect guy to talk to, so I was introduced through Tom.” That was in 2019. At the time, Junge was the corporate chef for the Mayo Clinic. Now, Junge is the vice president of operations for Liam’s by Safer Plate and works on developing allergen-free meals. Prior to developing the line of frozen meals, Liam’s by Safer Plate operated as a meal kit delivery company, for which Junge developed more than 60 recipes. He’s taken some of those recipes and developed the Liam’s by Safer Plate meal options, including: Cheezy Rotini, cooked rotini in a dairy-free cheezy sauce with a side of broccoli; Tangy Pulled Pork, prepared pulled pork with barbecue sauce and sweet corn; Chicken Alfredo Rotini, cooked with chicken,

rotini and Alfredo sauce with a side of broccoli; and Beef & Pea Pods, cooked beef in a Mongolian-style sauce with pea pods and rice. “A big part of our company is bringing convenience to families like ours, but its also about normalizing food allergies, creating a new normal and making kids like ours and adults feel more confident about their allergies and to not feel so isolated and alone,” Nelson says. Junge amplifies that mission. “A lot of people think it’s not going to taste good, and they ask, ‘Why would you buy something that’s free of something that you’re used to getting?’ It’s something that we’re trying to change,” he says. “These items taste good. It’s not just for those that have allergies. It’s a healthier way of eating … The misconception of allergen-free food is that it isn’t tasty. It’s something that we want to let people know isn’t true.” Liam’s by Safer Plate can be found at all Lunds & Byerlys and Festival Foods locations, select Hy-Vee and Kowalski’s Markets across the Twin Cities, local co-ops and more.

Liam’s Pancakes Contributed by Angie Nelson » 2 cups all-purpose flour » 2 tsp. baking powder » 1 tsp. baking soda » ¼ cup applesauce » 2 ½ cups Ripple milk » 5 Tbsp. lemon juice » 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract » pinch of salt Whisk dry ingredients together. Add applesauce, and stir. In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice and Ripple. Stir until it thickens to the consistency of buttermilk. Add “buttermilk” mixture to the other ingredients; add vanilla and a heavy pinch of salt. Mix until combined. Some lumps are okay. Heat a greased pan (Use cooking spray, olive oil, butter or whichever is safe/preferred for your family.) over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add about ¼ cup of batter to the pan. Wait for bubbles on the top of the pancake to start popping. Use a spatula to flip the pancake. Serve with your favorite maple syrup, or top with Enjoy Life chocolate chips!

Liam’s by Safer Plate; saferplate.com Liam’s by Safer Plate

*Note: This recipe is not free of the top

@liamsbysaferplate

allergens. Adjust ingredients as needed.

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Donato’s Floral is a family owned business. We have been a part of this community for over 35 wonderful years. We deliver daily joy with natural botanicals.

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LAST GLANCE

A Winter Owl Rod Smoliak captures the beauty of wildlife in the winter. “I enjoy wildlife photography and especially enjoy the challenge of finding owls during the winter. It’s an added bonus when you come across one in such a beautiful setting,” Rod Smoliak says. —Hailey Almsted To view other Focus on Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.

Photographer: Rod Smoliak Title: Eagle Lake Barred Owl

Equipment: Sony A7RV mirrorless camera, 200–600 telephoto lens Location: Eagle Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove Category: Wildlife & Nature Award: Third Place

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Maple Grove - November 2023