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Holiday gifts for all the women in your life

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DECEMBER 2023 “It doesn’t matter exactly what we are doing, but everyone’s effort to be together for the holidays is the most meaningful tradition to me.” —Katie Swanke Lutes, page 26

PAG E 4 2

PAGE 20

DE PART M E N TS

FEATU RE S

I N EVERY I SSUE

Musical Matrescence Songwriter Brynn Andre weaves themes of motherhood and growing up with the appealing lightness of pop music.

Beyond the Crown Mrs. Minnesota America is a voice for children’s cancer research.

6 8 38 40 48

Lessons in Character Building Youth Frontiers teaches hundreds of students about selfimprovement and empowerment.

16 A Clear Vision From pop-up clinic to popin exams, teens provide free eye care for those in need.

18 Season’s Readings Cozy up with holiday and winter book picks.

Home for the Holidays Out of the (gift) box ideas for bonding with grown and flown kids.

32 Adorn with Elegance Holiday gifts for all the women in your life. Photos: Chris Emeott

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Gallery Last Glance

TASTE M AK E RS

42 Savoring the Season Switch off the oven and indulge in desserts from local bakeries.

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Re-imagining your NEXT ...

FROM THE EDITOR Feroza Mehta — feroza @loca lm edia .co

Ilya Zderchuk 612.703.5130

On the Cover R.F. Moeller, photo by Chris Emeott, page 32

Jacob Smit h 612.867.5667

Find more stories & photos online. Plus, tag us in your Edina pics! Edina Magazine @edinamag @edinamag

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Photo: Chris Emeott

My favorite holiday gifts are ones that have tremendous thought behind them. Nobody embodies this better than my friend, Amy Pampusch, and her siblings. In lieu of physical gifts, they donate to a charity of their choice. They don’t even make a donation in each other’s names. They simply choose a charity, donate and inform one another about the organization and its mission. It’s the family’s way of giving back during the holiday season. Which brings us to this month’s theme of giving back. We feature Brandi DeVries, who so proudly represents our city and state as Mrs. Minnesota America. DeVries has spent almost a decade volunteering for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (page 20). We also highlight two young people, who created their own nonprofit to help improve the lives of the visually impaired (page 16). This season is so joyous because many of us reunite with those we love and hold dear, which brings us to our second theme: family. Many empty nesters will be excited to welcome their grown children home for the holidays. We speak with the Swankes, who graciously share their traditions and how they have evolved over the years. We also offer some suggestions for fun family activities (page 26). And if you don’t feel like making an elaborate dessert for your brood, leave it to the professionals. We have a round-up of bakeries in the area that offer scrumptious sweet delights (page 42). I wish you all joy, love, peace and happiness.

VOL. 19 NO. 5 edinamag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Feroza Mehta

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 Meredith Heneghan Daniel Huss Jennifer Pitterle Rachel Schuehle Josie Smith Kristie Smith

contributing writers Tina Bohrer Taylor Ellingson Maureen Millea Smith Jasmine Brett Stringer Laura Westlund

editorial interns Macy Berendsen Elaina Mankowski Emma Mehl Morgan McFadden Lily Schlobohm

editorial advisory board Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation Daphne Edwards, director of marketing and communications, Edina Public Schools Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar and Zosel & Coleman Real Estate Group

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

CHEESESTICKS: NOT JUST FOR KIDS

think to look for a cheese stick is on a charcuterie board. Crystal Farms is turning the world of fine cheeses on its head with the addition of two flavors for adults: Gouda and sharp cheddar. “It’s an easy way to make your charcuterie board more sophisticated,” says Janell Lofton-Minta, vice president of growth and marketing for Crystal Farms. She adds that the new cheese sticks can be easily and quickly cut into cubes. “Adding the cheese stick allows more creativity. This is another opportunity to bring different sizes and textures in the mix,” Lofton-Minta says. To learn more, visit edinamag.com. —Feroza Mehta

*month* 2023

xxxxxxxxxxxxxmag.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

TH E L AST P L AC E one would ever

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

READ

Nana and Abuela

MORITZ GLIK

Trunk Show December 1–2

This delightful collaboration between two Minnesota creators centers on Luna, who has “two pets, two pillows on her bed, and two languages in her head.” Luna’s grandmothers, Nana and Abuela, have different styles and speak different languages but collaborate happily on babysitting Luna for the evening. Young Luna has combined some English and Spanish words to form her own combinations. For instance, milk + leche = meche. As the trio prepare dinner together, Nana and Abuela are stumped by one of Luna’s requests. It’s not Spanish. And it’s not English. With some careful listening and detective skills, Nana and Abuela figure out what Luna is trying to tell them, and the meal—and the evening—come together beautifully. Illustrator Emiko Rainbow’s warm and cheerful palette makes this book feel like a hug. The flowers throughout the book hint at elements of both Mexican and Scandinavian design. Author Monica Rojas brings a comforting story about how a child can embody multiple cultures and languages and be completely surrounded by love.

Contributed by Megan Maynor, children’s book author, Minnesota Book Award Finalist and Minnesota Youth Reading Awards Nominee. Read more at meganmaynor.com.

The returns on certain investments are incalculable.

Nana and Abuela By Monica Rojas, Illustrated by Emiko Rainbow

As a community bank the time and effort we invest in our community doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet, it shows up in our hearts. It’s why you’ll find us helping pack meals for Every Meal, a local volunteer organization dedicated to filling food gaps for school-age kids. Because being able to have a positive impact on kids’ lives is what making the possible, possible is all about. To ﬁnd out how you can get involved visit everymeal.org.

Published by Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2023

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N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

Rolling in Flavor Fridays at our house mean one thing: pizza night. In the warmer months, we love using our outdoor pizza oven for patio pizza night, and in the winter, we typically get takeout pizza or make these delicious pizza rolls. They are a super easy appetizer, snack or dinner, made with refrigerated pizza dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni, shredded Italian cheese and all of your favorite pizza toppings! We added mushrooms, but bell peppers, olives, onion and sausage would all be delicious.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls » 1 refrigerated pizza dough » ⅓–½ cup pizza sauce » ½ cup pepperoni, chopped » ½–¾ cup Italian cheese, shredded » other pizza toppings: mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, Italian sausage, diced onions, black olives, etc. For the Garlic Butter: » 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted » ¼ tsp. dried oregano » 1/8 tsp. garlic powder Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Unroll the pizza dough, and spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce on the dough. Sprinkle cheese, pepperoni and other toppings of choice, being careful not to overload it. Roll the pizza dough along the long side of the rectangle. Cut the log in half, and cut each half into four rolls. This should produce eight rolls. Lightly grease a cast iron skillet or 8-inch baking dish. Place pizza rolls in the pan. Combine the melted butter, garlic powder and oregano in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the rolls. Bake in the preheated should be golden brown and baked through. Serve with pizza sauce. Enjoy.

Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens and Chocolate, has recipes ranging from healthy dinners and sides to desserts and drinks. You can also find her cookbooks on Amazon. Greens and Chocolate @greensnchocolate @greenschocolate

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Photo: Taylor Ellingson

oven for 25 to 28 minutes. The rolls

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

T R AV E L

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I have fond memories of a mission trip to Jamaica during my teenage years with my church youth group, and my family and I spent a day at a school when we visited Ghana a few years ago. If you’re intrigued by the idea of volunteer travel,

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in 2007, IVHQ has facilitated more than 80,000 volunteer journeys across over 40 countries. The programs cater to various categories, including solo travelers, teens, gap year students, families, mature travelers, groups and those interested in medical or mission volunteering. Another remarkable organization is Global Leadership Adventures, which

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teenagers and young adults. Its adventures integrate community service into the experience. Among its popular destinations, adventures typically last two to three weeks in places like Ghana, Bali, Thailand, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Galapagos, Peru, Alaska and Hawaii. As we reflect on our blessings and seek ways to serve during the holiday season, it would be wonderful to hear about your experiences and thoughts regarding volunteer travel. Here’s to seizing the day and making meaningful contributions to the world.

Contributed by Edina resident Jasmine Brett Stringer, a professional keynote speaker, on-air lifestyle expert, author and founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine and #ShareTheMicMN. Learn more at jasminebrettstringer.com. @carpediemjbs Les Jones Roofing | 941 W 80th St, Bloomington | Minnesota 55420 | 952.230.2502

Brynn Andre’s new album explores the journey to self-discovery and defining oneself post-parenthood.

Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption

A R T S & C U LT U R E

Musical Matrescence Songwriter Brynn Andre weaves themes of motherhood and growing up with the appealing lightness of pop music.

BRYNN ANDRE HAS ALWAYS LOVED MUSIC . Growing up in western

North Dakota, she started playing piano in third grade and eventually figured out she had a bit of a knack. “I could hear something on the radio and pick it out and find a way to play it myself on the piano,” Andre says. “It really unlocked this whole passion and private world for myself that was really special.”

Even while studying psychology and English at the University of St. Thomas (the move that brought her to the Twin Cities), Andre kept thinking about—and playing—music. “Music was my passion, but I wanted to have security,” she says. “I actually recorded an album while I was in college. I thought the plan was to play in a coffee shop and get discovered,” she says with a laugh. “I was

engineering two dreams at once.” Like many creative artists, Andre’s two dreams complemented each other. After college, her day job in digital marketing allowed her to pay the bills, and she kept playing music whenever she could. Then, a few years ago, a milestone of a different kind prompted her to push her music career to the fore—she became a mom. “Having kids was a real turning point,

December 2023

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Photo: Little Lion Studios

By Jennifer Pitterle

“I wanted to explore what happens after the honeymoon.” Brynn Andre, singer/songwriter

and it meant committing more to music,” she says. Andre lives with her husband and twin girls, now 3, in southwest Minneapolis. “Kids see everything. I wanted them to say, ‘My mom plays music and sings.’ As a creative person, music and songwriting will never let me go,” she says. “It haunts me if I’m not doing it. But it requires a lot of confidence, and you have to have thick skin.” She faced the duality most mothers face. “Having kids is so all-consuming and so wonderful, but I could disappear into motherhood, and it made me sad to think about that,” she says. To hold on to the other parts of herself, Andre decided it was time to make a new album and to embrace the transitional years between youth and middle age. “It’s called Honeymoon because it’s about what happens when you get to that phase. You maybe find the life you want that you’ve worked hard for, but then that’s where the story ends,” she says. “I wanted to explore what happens after the honeymoon.” Critics have noted the paradox of Andre’s album. The material is the experience of Millennial mothers, she says. “There’s so much to explore there. The pressures on women, on mothers.” But the style of the album is decidedly pop—approachable, fun and eminently sing-along-able. “The fullest expression of this is to have a dedicated fanbase that cares about my music, so that when I play a show in Minnesota, people will come and be excited,” she says. “That’s the dream.” Andre says that, since most of her fans are women in their 30s and 40s, she’s working to make her shows more accessible to that group, maybe including virtual or daytime performances. “Some of my friends couldn’t go to my CD release show because they had sick kids that night,” she says. “I’m committed to getting more creative.” Honeymoon was released in August and

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PHILANTHROPY

Lessons in Character Building Youth Frontiers teaches hundreds of students about self-improvement and empowerment. By Rachel Schuehle

FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS , an Edina

nonprofit has aimed to be the beacon of hope that illuminates the path for young minds across Minnesota. With every endeavor, it guides students on a journey of self-discovery. Its goal is to give students an experience of a few hours that in turn can change a lifetime. Youth Frontiers was founded by Joe Cavanaugh in 1987, grounded in the mission “to provide experiences that inspire character, civility and community.” Thirty five years ago, Youth Frontiers was focused solely on serving schools and had seven clients, one of which was the Edina School District. Since then,

the organization has seen exponential growth, reaching over two million people through thousands of retreats. Last year, Youth Frontiers visited 380 schools across Minnesota, neighboring states and nationwide. For students grades four through 12, retreats focus on values, such as kindness, courage, respect or wisdom. Over the course of one school day, a facilitator walks students through thoughtfully developed content. From start to finish, even students’ physical presence changes, from mingling with peers, to laughing and even crying together. “A lot of the work is getting back to the basics

that we are all just people,” says Nicole Sullivan, president of Youth Frontiers. “We’ve lost sight that we’re all humans, and, collectively, we are working toward living this life together. They get to decide what kind of community they want to co-exist in. It’s watching a community in bloom.” For high schoolers, Cavanaugh is a firm believer in giving them the opportunity to step up and change how the future looks. He says, “Young people have a responsibility to make the community better, act with character, respect, courage … heal the world. Young people, when they’re challenged, they

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Photos: Youth Frontiers

Youth Frontiers engage a crowd of students during one of their retreats.

rise to that. They’re hungry for purpose and meaning.” Prior to COVID-19, it was typical for the Youth Frontiers team to host over 900 retreats (100,000 students) per year. When the pandemic hit, large group gatherings and in-person schooling was put on hold. There was a drastic need to pivot to support other audiences and in new capacities, which is when programming for adults was born. “Each positive decision or action makes an ocean of individual drops in a bucket,” Cavanaugh says. Sullivan says that, at the end of each retreat and depending on whether the kids are in elementary, middle or high school, kids are asked to choose one act of courage, kindness or respect. “It could be connecting with a friend instead of holing up and playing video games,” she says. “Or saying one less mean comment online. These intentional behaviors will change the community.”

Students applaud their achievements in introspection during a Youth Frontiers retreat.

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A Clear Vision From pop-up clinic to pop-in exams, teens provide free eye care for those in need. By Rachel Schuehle

Zoya Hasan, 16, is a junior at Edina High School.

DETERMINATION, PASSION AND VISION are qualities that come naturally

to Abid and Zoya Hasan. The siblings come from a family of eye care experts, philanthropists and community volunteers. Their parents, Jafar Hasan, M.D. and Afira Hasan are an ophthalmologist and optometrist, respectively, who run Insight Vision Care in Eden Prairie. The siblings started Vision for All in 2019 when Abid was a freshman at Edina High School and Zoya was in seventh grade at Valley View Middle School. They overheard their parents commenting on the rising costs of health insurance, eye exams and glasses, so they decided to provide free eye care to those in need. “People who really can’t afford it … we’re making sure they have access to it,” Abid says. Dr. Hasan recalls when the kids first approached them with the idea. “To their credit, they saw an opportunity to use us as a resource, so instead of just sitting back and watching us work, they said, ‘Let’s see what we can do,’” he says.

Free Eye Exams

“People who really can’t afford it … we’re making sure they have access to it.” Abid Hasan, Vision for All

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Photos: Vison for All

Abid Hasan, 18, is a freshman at Washington University.

Abid and Zoya started by volunteering at Insight Vision Care to develop the professionalism, organization and personal skills they would need to successfully run a nonprofit. They then reached out to local schools. “We got in touch with the school nurses, and we gave them what we call vouchers,” Abid says. The nurses help identify students who struggle to pass the in-school eye test and may not be able to afford a private exam or a pair of glasses. “Any student that they see who doesn’t have eye insurance can come to the clinic and get help,” he says. The vouchers can be redeemed for a free eye exam at Insight Vision Care. “We literally see kids who are legally blind, never had glasses, never had an

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was also instrumental in helping Om and Atman Jahagirdar with Omnisight. View their journey on edinamag.com.

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exam, but they’re 15,” Dr. Hasan says. “We get them a pair of glasses, and it changes everything.”

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Zoya and Abid also recognize eye care needs around the world. So far, they’ve collected more than 1,000 pairs of glasses for VOSH Minnesota and Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT). VOSH provides eye care to developing countries and LRBT is Pakistan’s largest nongovernmental organization for eye health, with hospitals across the South Asian nation. Glasses can be placed in a donation bin at Insight Vision Care. Abid and Zoya hope to establish more bins in other eye clinics across the Twin Cities. While current Vision for All processes and its events run like a welloiled machine, Abid and Zoya have big dreams for its future. Zoya will be taking over operations while Abid is in his first year in St. Louis for college. They hope to expand the school voucher program in other school districts, as well as gain a presence at health fairs to increase awareness.

Reframing

Several times a year, community members can attend events around the city for free eye exams. For comparison, the frequency of patients seen at the clinic is two to three patients an hour, whereas the pop-up is typically eight to 10 patients an hour. Zoya also speaks Spanish to patients, whose primary language is not English—one small way of breaking down barriers to care.

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Insight Vision Care; insightvisionmn.com VOSH Minnesota; voshminnesota.org LRBT; lrbt.org.pk

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For ages 6–9: A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals

Written by Claire Grace Illustrated by Christopher Corr Winter Solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas are just a few of the more than 90 celebrations and festivals collected in this volume that covers the whole calendar. Fact-filled write ups of each holiday are accompanied by colorful illustrations of the people, animals and places being described, and will help kids and their grown ups get an overview of the holiday and learn a little bit about how people celebrate all around the world. The included celebrations don’t include the St. Paul Winter Carnival, but they do cover ice and snow festivals in Canada, China, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland! The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota

Written by Constance Van Hoven Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka Jack’s twin cousins, Sarah and Hannah, are visiting him in Minnesota for the holidays—and they’re bringing unusual gifts for the 12 days of Christmas, including golden hotdishes, lumberjacks, hockey sticks and more. For ages 9–13: Holiday Princess

A R T S & C U LT U R E

Season’s Readings Cozy up with holiday and winter book picks. By Hailey Almsted

DECEMBER WELCOMES AN ARRAY OF HOLIDAYS, hot chocolate

and snow fall—the perfect time to cozy on up with a good book. We round up books for a variety of ages available at the library and area stores. Perfect for a bed time story or a gift for under the tree. For ages 3 and older:

Over the River & Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure

Written by Linda Ashman Illustrated by Kim Smith The classic poem and song by Lydia Maria Child originally celebrated

Thanksgiving Day. In this clever reimagining, author Linda Ashman shows four families making their way to Grandmother’s house for a holiday. Each group of this far-flung multiracial family is made up of a different combination of family members, comes from a different kind of neighborhood and uses a different transportation method to get to their celebration. How will they make it there when each family’s travel is delayed on their way to the delicious dinner at the end of their journey! You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Written by Meg Cabot Illustrated by Chesley McLaren You might be more familiar with Princess Mia from the Princess Diaries book series or the movie starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, but Princess Mia is a helpful royal, too. In this book, she presents a guide to general winter holiday etiquette and the stories behind specific holidays including Yuletide, Kwanzaa and more. Each chapter is told in the voice a different favorite character from the series in the signature humorous style Cabot brings to all the Princess Diaries books. Two color spot illustrations by Chesley McLaren bring a touch of whimsy to this informative and fun book. For ages 13 and older: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

Edited by Stephanie Perkins This compilation of a dozen short stories is as cozy as a Hallmark holiday movie binge, as imagined by favorite

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young adult authors like Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and Jenny Han, among others. The stories’ protagonists are different ethnicities, from different places and celebrating different holidays, but they all face challenges on their way to finding love during the holiday season. There’s a mix of realistic and more fantastical fiction, and whether the setting is Santa’s North Pole workshop or Brooklyn, New York, the authors all find an ending with one of the greatest gifts of the season—hope. For ages 18 and older: America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook

It’s cold outside and the nights are long, but you can warm yourself up with over 550 recipes found in this cookbook from the folks behind Cook’s Illustrated. These recipes take advantage of the bounty of the harvest season from impressive entrees like Braised Brisket with Pomegranate, Cumin and Cilantro to delicious and giftable Wintermint Bark and Cranberry Shrub Syrup. Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist

Written by Codi Hall This holiday rom-com follows Nick Winters and Noel Carter, two family friends who have known each other their whole lives. When Nick comes home for the holidays and discovers his long-term girlfriend hasn’t been faithful, Noel is there to fill up his stocking with holiday cheer. Winter Garden

Written by Kristin Hannah This historical fiction novel follows Anya and her daughters, Meredith and Nina, in the wake of their father’s death. The only connection between the daughters and their disapproving mother is the partial Russian fairytale Anya would tell the girls in their youth. Their father makes one last promise: To ensure they’ll listen to the fairytale all the way to the end. So begins the journey of unlocking the truth to Anya’s life, and what this fairytale really means.

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Edina Library, 5280 Granview Square Suite 101; 612.543.6325; hclib.org Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S.; 612.543.5900; hclib.org

B E Y O N D

t h e cr ow n Mrs. Minnesota America is a voice for children’s cancer research.

here’s a secret behind pageantry. Beyond the glitz, crown, sash and gown, most pageant contestants champion a cause near and dear to their hearts. That is the case of Edina’s Brandi DeVries, who won Mrs. Minnesota America in June and placed third in the national Mrs. America pageant in August. DeVries uses her platform to shine a light on a cause that means a lot to her: pediatric cancer research. “Pageantry gives people the ability to share their passion with others and share the causes they support,” DeVries

says. “They help those organizations. Pageantry opens these doors for those organizations and gives them a voice.” And she would know. DeVries has competed in pageants since she was a student in North Dakota, where she was crowned Miss North Dakota International in 2007 and Miss North Dakota USA in 2011. “It’s empowering for me. [Pageants] open up doors for people,” she says. “It’s a great conversation starter that you’ve competed or are in a pageant or are a title holder. It allows you to share about pageantry and the benefits.

Outfits provided by Evereve. Hair and makeup by Brenda Torre at brenda-torre.com.

Brandi DeVries

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WRITTEN BY JODY CAREY

PHOTO BY CHRIS EMEOTT

“THESE WOMEN ARE LEADERS IN THEIR COMMUNITY. THEY BECOME LEADERS. IT DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, THOUGH.”

It gives you the confidence and the ability to talk to anybody about anything and also share about issues that are important to you as most people in pageants do. There’s a ‘why’ of being involved. In my case, it’s the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF).” CCRF is a national organization with a local office in Edina. The organization supports cancer research by funding emerging scientists to help fight childhood cancer. DeVries has helped raise more than $75,000 in the last seven years. “Brandi is a leader in the community, and her voice helps bring awareness to our mission,” says Lauren Brink, local CCRF development officer. DeVries is on several CCRF committees and is a founding board member of the Soar Leadership Council. The council is a professional group of community leaders, who raise critical funding for childhood cancer research. Funds support emerging scientists and doctors fighting childhood cancer. DeVries says this is especially important because funding for adult cancer research overshadows funding for childhood research. The grants CCRF offers are used to help cancer researchers, who may not otherwise receive funding. Camp Norden is another CCRF

initiative that DeVries supports. Children who have cancer can connect virtually from around the country or in person for summer camp activities in Crosslake, Minnesota. It’s programs like these that inspired DeVries to reach the Mrs. America stage and be able to give CCRF and its mission a bigger spotlight. During the Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas, she connected with other contestants supporting childhood cancer awareness in their states. Together, these dedicated women formed a team to participate in the Great Cycle Challenge supporting CCRF. “[This] type of sisterhood and support that comes from pageantry is powerful,” she says. Carl Schway and his wife, Faith, have been the co-directors of the Mrs. Minnesota America pageant for

the last 30 years. They’ve seen the positive impact pageant winners make. Participants become confident communicators. “These women are leaders in their community. They become leaders. It doesn’t just happen overnight, though,” Carl says. Brenda Torre has been a makeup artist and image and pageantry consultant for 40 years. Torre has been a longtime member of DeVries’ pageant team and was her stylist when DeVries won the Miss North Dakota titles and helped her prepare for Mrs. America. Torre says that it’s important to know that it takes more than a pretty face to win a pageant. Pageant winners are involved in the community before and after the pageant and want to use the recognition that comes with their crown and

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Photo: Brandi DeVries

Carl Schway, co-director of the Mrs. Minnesota America pageant

Great Cycle Challenge group ride event that took place on September 24. DeVries and her son, Bane, are on the left.

in digital format!

CHILDREN’S CANCER RESEARCH FUND

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OLD-HOUSE CHARM, MODERN FUNCTIONALITY

Homeowners honored the history of their 1930s home during a

January 2023

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

full kitchen remodel.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

sash to broaden their scope of activism. Even with experience and maturity to lean on, the road to Mrs. America presented new obstacles. “It’s more challenging to prepare at this stage in my life with a career, being a wife and a mom,” DeVries says. But as a master planner, her time-management skills helped get her back into the routine. Jason Ivesdal, owner of Higher Power Training, agrees. He customized a nutrition and training program for DeVries. “Brandi is smart, highly organized and gets things done,” Ivesdal says, adding she spent several days a week in the gym, getting into pageant shape. DeVries says the swimsuit portion of the competition is empowering. “You can get up there as someone who’s had a child,” she says. “You can say, ‘Look at me. I can do this. You can still have a child and do something for yourself.’” However, the most rewarding part of competing for Mrs. America USA is having her family by her side. Her husband, Cole, and their son, Bane, have a family motto: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” When DeVries is on stage, and her name is called, she knows that she shares her accomplishments with them. “We’re doing this together as a family,” she says.

When homeowners Nicole and John Righini purchased their 1938 Colonial-style home in the Arden Park neighborhood of Edina in 2015, they knew they’d eventually renovate the kitchen. But they lived with it as-is for six years before pulling the trigger. The previous homeowners had renovated the kitchen in the ’90s, and while it was still in good condition, the layout wasn’t functional for the Righinis. The kitchen, breakfast nook and dining room were all separate spaces, closed off and only connected through a series of cased openings. “The disconnect in the kitchen was huge because we were all separated,” Righini says. “We would have two people in the dining room, a couple of people in the working kitchen [and] a couple people at the kitchen table [in the breakfast nook]. That disconnect was hard. If I was cooking dinner, I couldn’t help the kids with their homework easily or talk to them about their days.” As a family of six, which includes four teenagers plus a labradoodle, Righini wanted a more open layout, making the space more livable for their large and active family. With a new floorplan, one thing Righini wanted to add was a center island. “We

wanted it large enough that we could do crafts and projects and holiday baking,” she says. She also wanted added storage space, a larger refrigerator to create more space for lunchboxes and entertaining, built-in organization solutions and something many modern families living in old homes desire: more outlets. “When the kids were doing online school [in 2020], there just [weren’t] enough outlets or space in the 1938 house for the technology … We were so desperate for outlets, it was crazy!” Righini says, laughing. To help them accomplish all of this, Righini called on the design expertise of the Martha O’Hara Interiors team. “Seeing them in magazines, I just really, really liked the style and knew that they were just a very high-end, world class-company to work with,” she says. With designer Gabe Lindberg’s help, Righini’s kitchen dreams became a reality in the second half of 2021. The two collaborated to create a kitchen with all the modern conveniences Righini desired while still honoring the history of this nearly centuryold home—and expanding the footprint from 138 to 246 square feet by knocking down some of those room-dividing walls. “My goal through the whole [redesign and renovation] was to be true to the house,” Righini says. “I didn’t want to put anything in the house that didn’t look like it could have already been here originally.” Lindberg says she loves working on old houses—finding a way to maintain that “old house charm” while updating it for modern functionality. She came up with creative

written by AMY OVERGAARD photos by SPACECRAFTING

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Learn more at edinamag.com

childrenscancer.org

MRS. MINNESOTA AMERICA mrsminnesotaamerica.com @brandi.devries and @mrsminnesotaamerica

Gary & Susan Wahman 952.334.4663

Kim Schaak Melin 952.201.4758

Jude Dugan Olson

952.927.1186

Mary Krieter 612.719.0665

John Everett 952-221-5464

Danny Wallace 612.492.1490

Keith O’Brien Mortgage

Ginna Raming 952.210.8342

Mark Granlund 612.803.8129

Jane Larson 612.720.1048

Heidi Barcelow 612.232.9777

Keenan Olson 952.240.4903

Tom & Erick Ries 952.393.6600 952.994.7600

Chad Johnson Mortgage

NMLSR ID: 681623

NMLS # 662143

612.325.2634

651.260.6577

6800 SALES

50TH & FRANCE

6800 Sales Office 6800 France Avenue Suite 200 Edina, MN 55410 952-927-1100

Amy & Alli The Deckas Group 612.735.7430

Cari Ann Carter

Kristine Townsend 612.275.9092

Cindy & Fiana Carlson 612.990.6444 612.702.2902

Brian Ehlers 612.868.3828

612-926-9999

Mark Kouatli 952-915-6873

Dave Anderson 612.750.2209

Martha Webb 612.384.4413

Dave Johnson 612.889.7793

Michael Knapp 952-210-2929

Megan Brinkman 612.802.5057

Sandy Remes 612.791.1094

Grant Lahn 320.292.3754

Maggie Taylor 917.710.5891

Sylva Zoraqi 612.710.8081

Debra Perry 651-707-5857

50th & France Sales Office 4999 France Avenue South, Suite 250 Minneapolis, MN 55410 952-920-1960

Kristin Smith 612.965.0030

Linda Smaby 612.325.7972

for the Holidays e m o H

Out of the (gift) box ideas for bonding with grown and flown kids. Written by Renée Stewart-Hester and Emily Gedde

When guests 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. Jim and Barbara Swanke host Christmas Day festivities for their four children, Katie, James, Maria and John. Now that the Swanke children are grown and out of the house, Christmas morning still features the same traditions of Christmases past. While the family has grown to include two sonsin-law and two granddaughters, the original “Swanke Six” have never been apart on Christmas. As they’ve grown, some traditions have adapted. Christmas Eve dinner is now at Katie (Swanke) Lutes’ Eden Prairie home.

————————

Photo by Chris Emeott

“My favorite part of the evening is the boisterous game we always start with, usually the Saran Wrap-ball game, played with oven mitts to ensure clumsiness,” Barbara says. “I find it rewarding to see my daughters assuming the role of hostess, especially now that they’re mothers. They want the holidays to be special for everyone but especially for their little ones. They eagerly take ownership of the happy memories being made, just as I did as a young mom.” The Swankes still bake cinnamon rolls every Christmas morning. But 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.

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The Swanke family plays the Saran Wrap-ball game at Wooden Hill Brewery. The game has been a tradition since the 1990s.

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.)

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, and special activities through its Weekend Wonders program. 3201 Galleria, Edina; 952.567.5000; wintervillageatthewestingalleria.com.

Check out the public open skating schedule at the Braemar Arena in preparation to carve ice with fellow skaters. 7501 Ikola Way, Edina; 952.833.9500; edinamn.gov If you’d rather skate outdoors, Centennial Lakes Park transforms into an idyllic 10-acre rink. The lake is groomed daily and skaters have the unique opportunity to skate from lake to lake through canals that meander under majestic bridges. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S., Edina; 952.833.9580; edinamn.gov.

If you’re hungry for a new culinary challenge,

cooking classes can satisfy your hankering. Visit Cooks|Bellecour, 3934 Market St., Edina; 952.401.3682; cooksbellecour.com.

For those who want to get their Canadian on, try our northern neighbor’s other winter sport—Crokicurl, a hybrid of curling and the board game Crokinole, where players flick small discs on an octagonal target to score points. Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove; 763.494.6474; maplegrovemn.gov.

NOTE: The program received the 2022 award for innovative programming from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.

Centennial Lakes Park

Wooden Hill Brewing Company

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 2024.

6. Increase your knowledge of making spirits

by dipping into a distillery or brewery, including Wooden Hill Brewing Company, 7421 Bush Lake Road, Edina; 952.960.9663; woodenhillbrewing.com.

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“It doesn’t matter exactly what we are doing, but everyone’s effort to be together for the holidays is the most meaningful tradition to me.” Katie Swanke Lutes

Photos: Katie Laux; Chris Emeott

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 Unleashed Hounds & Hops. 200 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.439.5060; unleashedhoundsandhops.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; threeriversparks.org.

TIP: Be sure to check trail and hill accessibility and conditions and equipment rental.

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,” says Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT. “Cultivating and maintaining connections across generations is key in continuing family legacies, stories and related narratives.” The Swankes use the holidays as a way of continuing their legacy. Many of their family Christmases took place in Barbara and Jim’s living room. However, now the kids are grown, the family bakes holiday cookies at Maria’s house and has Christmas Eve dinner at Katie’s. “The aspect of Christmas that has always remained the same

is spending Christmas morning together,” Maria says, adding they’ve changed the venue to accommodate the new additions to the family: Lily and Vivian. “We want the babies to have the kind of Christmas memories provided by a love-filled familiar setting with time-tested festive routines,” Barbara says. “My four kids cherish their childhood memories of Christmas in their own home, and everyone feels that our grandchildren should have those same experiences.” Mendenhall says this evolution in venues is part of family bonding and is key to maintaining healthy connections. “Early attachment processes between infants/ children and their caretakers (parents, grandparents, etc.) continue throughout the life course,” the professor at the University of Minnesota and medical family therapist with M Health Fairview says. “Relationships change and evolve, of course, as parents and children go from parent/child relationships to more adult/adult relationships.” He recommends helping each other with something around one of the homes. It’s something John strives to do every holiday season. “My mom remains the primary showrunner for our Christmases. I like finding ways to help her though she often declines my offer,” John says. “I’ve helped my dad buy a Christmas tree ... It’s definitely a two-man job transporting it back to the house and putting it into the living room.” Katie says she treasures the uninterrupted quality time Christmas morning brings for the family. “Family is just overall so important to me, and I think my siblings and parents feel the same,” she says. “It doesn’t matter exactly what we are doing, but everyone’s effort to be together for the holidays is the most meaningful tradition to me.”

Want to escape? Find out how well your group thinks on its feet during a stop at Missing Pieces Escape Games, 5233 Edina Industrial Blvd., Edina; 952.658.8974; missingpiecesmn.com.

10.

Who doesn’t love a great holiday light show, especially from the warmth and comfort of your car? Check out the Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan; magicoflights.com.

11.

Lose yourself in wintry fun by navigating an ice maze. Try your cold-weather orienteering skills at the Minnesota Ice Festival, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan; 612.254.8330; minnesotaicemaze.com.

12. 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 photo ops alone are worth it.

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13. Who in your group is the holder of the most information (useless or otherwise) or is in constant pursuit of all things trivia? There are plenty of breweries and dining spots around the Metro that feature these questionable nights of fun.

Minnesota Ice Festival

14.

Sip with a purpose during a wine tasting or tour of a local winery. Try The Vine Room, 756 Mainstreet, Hopkins; vineroom.co. Or make a day of it with a trip out to Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard, 731 County Road 30 SE, Delano; fhwandvineyard.com.

Photos: Snack Media; iFly

Before you head out the door, be sure to check venues’ or activities’ availability. Scheduling can change after this issue’s publication.

iFly

“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 … community events, sports, etc.—any and all of these things: Do them!” Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT 31

ADORN WITH ELEGANCE H O L IDAY GIF TS FO R ALL THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE.

Written by Feroza Mehta Photos by Chris Emeott When it comes to jewelry, R.F. Moeller is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, whether it’s its own creation orthose of the brands it stocks from all over the world. The designs are elegant and timeless, catering to women and men of all ages with a diverse range of jewelry styles. Whether you’re a young woman seeking a contemporary and fashionable piece to accentuate your style or a more mature customer in search of classic elegance, we hunted through the St. Paul and Edina shops to find something for everyone on your list. The collection boasts an impressive array of pieces, from delicate and modern creations, perfect for the younger generation, to sophisticated and timeless selections that resonate with those who appreciate traditional beauty.

High-end jewelry is taking cues from the costume jewelry realm. The art of stacking bracelets, often referred to as “arm candy,” has become a powerful way for individuals to narrate their personal stories. Within this assortment of delicate bracelets lies subtle differences in design and metals, enabling the wearer to assign unique significance to each piece. It’s a way for people to encapsulate the essence of their entire life on their wrist.

Mix and match metals and gems for a personalized look.

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1. Pavé Diamond Heart Bracelet; 2. Diamond Station Bracelet; 3. Pavé Diamond Rhombus Bracelet; 4. Diamond Clover Pendant; 5. Roberto Coin Diamonds by the Inch Yellow Gold Necklace; 6. Roberto Coin Love in Verona Diamond Hoops; 7. Diamond Paperclip Bracelet

Delicate pendants with a pinch of pizzazz are all the rage. The Diamond Clover is a clever take on a popular shape.

If you have a young woman just embarking on their adult life, it’s never too early to get her basic jewelry pieces that she can build on over time.

STARTER PIECES 33

The allure of acquiring a complete matching jewelry set is truly special— there’s a delightful art behind mixing and matching pieces from different collections. The key is to blend items with harmonious colors, textures and finishes to create your unique style.

MIXING MODERNITY AND CLASSICS

Marco Bicego’s Marrakech Collection is a unique twist on the gold bangle. Often seen in costume jewelry, this is a welcome change in fine jewelry and goes well with the designer’s 18K yellow gold and diamond double drop hook earring or yellow gold small stud earrings from its Africa collection.

Draped in elegance, these statement earrings add a touch of glamour to any outfit. The matching diamond collar necklace completes the look.

1. Modern Tennis Bracelet; 2. Marco Bicego Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold Triple Strand Twist Large Bangle; 3. Emerald Cut Emerald Ring; 4. Marco Bicego Lunaria Collection 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Pavé Link Collar Necklace; 5. Marco Bicego Lunaria Collection 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Pavé Small Double Drop Earrings; 6. Marco Bicego Siviglia Collection 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Necklace with Bead Stations

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Diamonds are a versatile stone that can be worn with casual and formal outfits. These simple pieces can dazzle on their own or sparkle when paired.

“It’s a classic. It’s something you can easily dress up or down and a nice way to add some sparkle.” Bergit Mars, marketing manager at R.F. Moeller

1. Diamond Studs; 2. Diamond Ring Stack; 3. Roberto Coin’s Diamond Inside Out Hoops, large/medium sizes—“There’s one woman who wears this every single day,” Mars says of a colleague. 4. Marco Bicego Jaipur Color Collection 18K Yellow Gold Mixed Gemstone Necklace; 5. Marco Bicego Paradise Collection 18K Yellow Gold Mixed Gemstone and Pearl Lariat Necklace; 6. Marco Bicego Jaipur Color Collection 18K Yellow Gold Mixed Gemstone Two Strand Earrings; 7. Roberto Coin 5 Station Curved Diamond Necklace

R.F. Moeller, 5020 France Ave. S.; 952.926.6166; rfmoeller.com R.F. Moeller Jeweler @rfmoellerjeweler @rfmoeller

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Kick your station necklace up a notch with multicolored gemstones. Marco Bicego’s Jaipur collection offers a simple design with only gemstones while its Paradise collection throws in some pearls and turns the station necklace into a lariat.

5. 4.

ELEGANCE REDEFINED For those who seek understated elegance and versatility over multicolored gemstones, station necklaces and pendants featuring a single gemstone color are the ideal choice.

O N T H E TOW N

A SNOWY PARADISE 50th & France offers fun holiday activities for all ages.

with snow globes. What would it be like to be inside one and live out those idyllic winter scenes? Indulge your curiosity by attending all the events and activities offered at 50th & France this month. Choirs fill the air with festive melodies, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere. Horse and carriage rides add a touch of nostalgia, taking visitors on a charming

journey through the beautifully decorated streets. The area comes alive with twinkling lights, wreaths and holiday spirit, making it a perfect destination for families and friends to immerse themselves in the magic of the season. —Feroza Mehta

iStock.com/AndriiBorodai

I’ VE ALWAYS BE EN FAS C INATE D

50th & France; Dates vary throughout December. Go to 50thandfrance.com for more information.

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lo c al things to se e and do

Compiled by Elaina Mankowski, Morgan McFadden and Emma Mehl

Family New Year’s Eve Party 12/31 This annual family-friendly party is perfect for families with children who want to

EDINA PSYCHOLOGY

still ring in the new year. This is a ticketed LOCAL EVENTS

event that requires registration before-

Nice Work If You Can Get It

hand. All ages. $13 per child, $3 per accompanying adult. Times vary. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.833.9540; edinamn.gov

12/01–12/03 Edina High School Thespians perform this comedic musical. Set during the time of

AREA EVENTS

Prohibition, it is filled with bootleggers, romance and Gershwin songs. All ages. Times vary. Edina Performing Arts Center, 6754 Valley View Road; ehsthespians.com

Star Watch Astronomy 12/01, 12/02, 12/15 Enjoy the night sky through one of the

Movie Night

largest telescopes in Minnesota. An

12/08

astronomer will guide you through vari-

Beat the cold with this family-friendly

ous astronomy topics. Ages 8 and older. $12/

movie night put on by Edinborough Park. The featured movie is Vivo, an animated story about a kinkajou who travels from

person. 7–8:30 p.m. Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13651 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8479; edenprairie.org

Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song.

All ages. Ticket cost included in entrance cost. 5:30–7 p.m. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.833.9540; edinamn.gov

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 12/01–12/31 Join the Children’s Theatre Company for a performance of Dr. Seuss’s How

Printmaking: Holiday Cards 12/09 Create your own set of 20 holiday cards in

the Grinch Stole Christmas! All ages.

Prices vary. Times vary. 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org

EDINA PSYCHOLOGY specializes in psychotherapy, including EMDR and psychological evaluations.Our provider, Dr. Christina Hansen Cohen, has been practicing for 15 years, in caring for children and adults. She enjoys helping patients achieve mental healing in a confidential and modern outpatient setting.

this printing class. All supplies are included in this fun, crafty activity. Ages 12 and older.

$55. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Edina Art Center, 407 W. 64th St.; 952.903.5780; edinamn.gov

Field and Festival Holiday Market 12/02, 12/03, 12/09, 12/10, 12/16, 12/17 Shop for the holidays from local farmers, foodies and makers at the Field

Adult Hockey League 12/13–02/14 Looking to find a fun way to stay fit dur-

and Festival Holiday Market. All ages. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave. S., Mpls.; fieldandfestival.com

ing the winter? Join an adult hockey league.There are two leagues: one for

Holiday Music Festival

recreation and one for competition.

12/04–12/23 (excluding

12/07 and 12/08)

older. $310–$330. Times vary. Rink location varies; 952.826.0367; edinamn.gov

The Mall of America® is back with its annual holiday music celebrations, allowing visitors to enjoy various per-

River City Jazz Orchestra 12/17 Enjoy the River City Jazz Orchestra at Edinborough Park. All ages. Free.

6–7 p.m. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.833.9540; edinamn.gov

formers. All ages. Free. Wednesday– Monday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mall of America, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington; 952.883.8800; mallofamerica.com

Dr. Christina Hansen Cohen, Psy.D., LP

Edina Psychology To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being 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.

assistant@edinapsych.com www.edinapsych.com 952.300.3388

GALLERY

Reverse Rett Minneapolis Photos by Spyro Shots and Photo Booth Supply Co.

The annual Reverse Rett Minneapolis fundraiser was held at the Edina Country Club. The event aims to transform the lives of those touched by Rett syndrome by raising money for much needed research. Proceeds from the event benefit the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. The evening included entertainment, food, cocktails and a silent auction. For more information on Rett syndrome and Reverse Rett, see our story from 2019 at edinamag.com. Pictured: 1. Ann Scott, Pam Rochlin, Mary Kelley, Judy Foust, John Foust, Alyssa Marker, Jeff Ruehl, Shelly Crowley, Carrie Wanninger, Scott Kelley and Olivia Anderson 2. Joel Hutcheson of the Antrim Jazz Quartet 3. Rebecca Remick and Melissa Remick 4. Lauren Stevens (honoree) 5. Joel Anderson, Kate Backer (honoree) and Mary Backer

To view more pictures from the event, as well as other local events, visit edinamag.com. To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to edinamag@localmedia.co.

December 2023

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TA S T E M A K E R

Savoring the Season

Queen of Cakes Yule Log Cake in white sponge with strawberry mousse.

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Switch off the oven and indulge in desserts from local bakeries. Witten by Rachel Schuehle — Photos by Chris Emeott

W HEN T HE HOL I DAY S E AS O N comes around each year, feelings of elation and joy fill the air. But it comes as no surprise that those same feelings can be accompanied by ones of stress. Whether hunting for the perfect gift or running between holiday events, the season is a whirlwind (more like a blizzard). The solution for any hurried holiday fanatic, however, lies just a few steps inside one of the many delightful bakeries which call Edina home. Each of these locations offers respite from the frenzy of the season with delicious and delightful options to wow any guests. Leave the baking to them, and instead take time to soak in some of that fleeting holiday magic.

Cooks|Bellecour Bûche de Noël Soirée Cake

The traditional French Yule Log cake will take on a fantastical appearance when Cooks|Bellecour adorns it with clever elements like candy mushrooms and edible moss. The chocolate chiffon cake will also feature cranberry soak and a spiced dark chocolate whipped cremeux filling (rather than the traditional Swiss cake roll style). The Soirée Cake style means it’s a reduced size that serves six to eight people, lending itself for smaller, intimate gatherings. Pain Perdu with Crème Brûlée Batter

A tantalizing French toast take-and-bake option is drool worthy and absolute perfection for a busy morning of holiday activities or out-of-town company. The rich and luscious breakfast is made of croissant dough instead of brioche or pain du lait. It is soaked in an eggnog crème brûlée mixture, spiced with vanilla bean, nutmeg, orange and rum. Although simple to assemble, the decadent flavors will make you the hero of the holidays. Both cakes are only available for preorder from November 24 to December 22 or until they sell

out online at exploretock.com/cooks-bellecouredina. Preordered items can be picked up from December 15 to 24.

Queen of Cakes Yule Log Cake

A fan favorite since 2018, the Yule Log cake at Queen of Cakes takes on a polished, realistic appearance. If you are a chocolate devotee at heart, choose the chocolate sponge cake, filled with chocolate mousse and iced in chocolate buttercream. Those who prefer a lighter look can indulge in a white sponge cake, filled with strawberry mousse and iced in white buttercream. The Yule Log cakes are made fresh in store and are custom ordered.

Patisserie Margo Panettone

This unique Christmas bread towers at 7–8 inches tall, but what Margo adds to the recipe is in-house candied lemon, orange and almond, finished in pearl sugar. The panettone is a meticulous recipe that from start to finish takes three days. Straight from the oven (which only holds 21 at a time), they are hung upside down to cool properly. They are only offered during the month of December, so get one (or two) now to be safe. And if somehow this treat doesn’t get devoured at your holiday event, prepare for the most decadent and mouth-watering French toast of your life. Pistachio Blood Orange Torte

This is a unique and flavorful option from Patisserie Margo and is a long, rectangular cake, which is presented and prepared open sided. The beautifully layered colors hint at the varying levels of flavor, from the whipped cream-pistachio cake to the cranberry jelly and then to the blood orange cream. In addition, this torte lends itself to greatness at any event. The versatility allows one to serve like

petit fours or in thin slices, depending on the size and satiability of the group. Cooks|Bellecour Pain Perdu with Crème Brûlée Batter.

Preorders for both items end December 16. While they will also be in store, they sell out quickly. The bakery recommends preordering to guarantee availability.

Rustica Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookie

One can never really go wrong with holiday cookies, but this recipe gives a sentimental nod to the traditional seasonal flavors. Inspired by hot chocolate and candy canes, the cookies are rich with peppermint extract, crushed candy canes and cocoa powder. Cacao Barry Extra Brute cocoa powder, however, is considered by top chefs as the best in the world. Made from West African beans, its spicy and woody notes give way for subtle flavors, and the high fat content creates an irresistibly smooth texture. Whether gifting or hosting, these cookies are the perfect piece for your holiday menu.

Jerry’s Foods Chocolate Peppermint Tart

Queen of Cakes Yule Log Cake in traditional chocolate.

A layer of truffle ganache is covered with dark chocolate peppermint mousse to make up this flavorful recipe. The combination of classic peppermint chocolate is a comfort to those seeking more traditional flavors, and the beauty and size of 9-inch tart opens the invitation for a group to gather and enjoy a slice together. Cranberry Curd Tart

Consider this unique winter dessert that will wow your guests with its deep garnet color. This smooth and creamy curd is delightfully tart with a hint of vanilla and orange citrus for an ideal flavor balance that is sure to impress.

Wuollet Bakery Princess Torte

Wuollet Bakery is known for many things, one of which is its Princess Torte. Traditionally green and ruby in color, this family favorite is made up of golden cake from scratch, boasts homemade raspberry jam, is covered in marzipan and sprinkled with sliced almonds.

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Wuollet Bakery’s Princess Torte is a classic any time of year.

Jerry’s Foods Chocolate Peppermint Tart in holiday colors.

A staple of many households around the holidays, peanut brittle is a must-have but hard-to-find-theright-recipe kind of item. Look no further than Wuollet, which uses real butter and sugar and a boatload of Spanish peanuts (the highest quality and best flavor). This thin, easy-to-eat brittle comes in a gorgeous gold box, filled to the brim with one pound of brittle to gift or keep. The delicacy is made only during the holiday season, so get it before it’s gone. Cookie Boxes

Great for gifting, cookie boxes ship nationwide, and Wuollet’s usually fills 1,000 orders every holiday season. This option is only available via online ordering and by delivery. Get it there the next day with ground shipping.

Cooks|Bellecour, 3934 Market St.; 952.285.1903; cooksbellecour.com Jerry’s Foods, 5125 Vernon Ave. S.; 952.929.2685; jerrysfoods.com Patisserie Margo, 4510 Valley View Road; 952.926.0548; patisseriemargomn.com Queen of Cakes, 7027 Amundson Ave.; 952.942.7628; queen-of-cakes.com Rustica Bakery & Cafe, 200 Southdale Center Suite A; 952.417.6199; rusticabakery.com

A local, women-owned small business! Barre3 is an efficient + effective workout that combines strength, cardio and mindfulness.

Won Best Boutique Fitness Studio 2023.

Wuollet Bakery, 3608 W. 50th St., Mpls.;

Get your first class free!

612.922.4341; wuollet.com

barre3 Edina 2952 W. 66th St. 612.353.4535 barre3.com/edina 46

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Peanut Brittle

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Enjoy USDA Certified Organic at your locally owned Clean Juice. We offer healthy, organic sandwiches, wraps, salads, smoothies, acai bowls, fresh juice and more! Eating healthy made easy! Dine-in, take out or delivery available.

Whether buying or selling, I work in all price ranges and with all ages! First time home buyers to empty nesters, I’d be honored to help you and your family!

Clean Juice 3943 Market St. 952.479.7054 cleanjuice.com

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Taproom + Kitchen

The Goddard School’s safe, flexible and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections and experience authentic learning so they can become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready.

Mainstream Boutique is known for a unique apparel and styling experience. Our mission is to love, strengthen and celebrate women; lifting them up and helping them feel beautiful.

The Goddard School in Edina 7201 Washington Ave. S. 612.438.2288 goddardschool.com/schools/mn/edina/edina

Mainstream Boutique of Edina 7523 France Ave. S. 952.303.4530 mainstreamboutique.com/pages/edina

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Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help!

Mention this ad to get a free pint when you purchase a flight of beer! Trivia hosted every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. Wooden Hill Brewing Company 7421 Bush Lake Road 952.960.9663 woodenhillbrewing.com

LAST GLANCE

Winter Wonderland Photo captures time’s ephemeral beauty and history’s everlasting reach.

Photographer: Stephanie Thomas Title: Time is of the Essence Equipment: iPhone 12 Pro Category: Business Award: Runner Up

Stephanie Thomas ran into Lunds & Byerlys on an errand and left with a magical photograph that made her 96-year-old father take a trip down memory lane. “Although the clock tower wasn’t built until the late 1970s, the photo … conjured fond and vivid memories,” Thomas says. “When he was in high school during the 1940s, he stocked shelves and wrote prices on cans at National Tea, a grocery store that sat on the same site as the current Lunds & Byerlys. 50th & France has always been a special place, and that as it evolves, it will continue to be a place where people create lasting memories.” —Feroza Mehta To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

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Edina - December 2023