Issuu

A TEAM OF THEIR OWN

HUDSON SPECIAL HOCKEY HELPS PLAYERS OF ALL ABILITIES FIND THEIR PLACE ON THE ICE

ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE When your rec league rebel sustains a painful sprain or a DIY mistake causes a break, there is no time to waste. With TRIA’s “save my spot” feature for orthopedic urgent care, you can compare wait times and get in line before you’re out the door, helping you get seen faster. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA. tria.com/savemyspot

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 /J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 “It’s bigger than wins and losses. You think of how blessed you are, and you just want to do that for other people—to give the gift of the game.” —Easton Schultz, A Team of Their Own, page 20

PAGE 26

DE PART M E N TS

FE ATU RE S

I N EVERY I SSUE

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Big Rock Creek celebrates the nostalgia of winters gone by.

A Team of Their Own Hudson Special Hockey helps players of all abilities find their place on the ice.

6 9 31 40

The Season of Gifting Discover local artisans at La Vie Est Belle in Lake Elmo.

18 On Trend: Feeling Comfortable in Your Own Skin Local medspa founder reveals her journey to health and vibrancy.

26 The Spot Historic Stillwater establishment enters a new era as Howard’s Bar.

TASTEM AK E RS

Photo: Chris Emeott

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

34 Tea Infusions Bake something to write home about this holiday season.

December 2023/January 2024

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December 2-10, 2023 MerrillArtsCenter.org

Use code SCM2023 for $5 off Adult ticket Kids Camps and After School Programs

New Page to Stage Program Meet the playwright and vote for which new play gets produced next season.

February 17-25, 2024

Madeline’s Costume Tea Party before Madeline’s Christmas Saturday matinees! Meet the cast, mingle with Woodbury Royalty and choose a genuine rhinestone tiara or a magical superhero mask!

FROM THE EDITOR Zoe Yates — zoe@loca lm edia .co

Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson

Where visiting the dentist feels like visiting a friend. Inside our practice, you may forget you’re at the dentist. We love to laugh and have fun, while still providing high-quality care customized to meet your needs. You’ll feel among friends here.

Nostalgia has always come easily to me. As a kid, I would spend hours in my grandparents’ closet, digging through albums and shoeboxes of old family photos, feeling deep sentimental longing for the people I’d never met and the years long gone. Even today, with enough years lived to feel a more personal nostalgia, I am ever aware of the links that connect us to the past, not just our own but those who came before us. A sense of nostalgia binds the pages of this giving back, entertainment and wellness issue. I’m sure many of us have fond memories of winters growing up. For many children in the Valley today, The Miracle at Big Rock is likely to find its place in their own histories. Writer Kristie Smith connected with the owners of Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, to learn more about the history of the property and how they’re looking to build community through nature and festivities (page 12). In Stillwater, chef Adam To and musician Caroline Smith begin a new era in a historic Main Street building. Their establishment, Howard’s Bar, has taken up the legacy of a bar that was once Whitey’s, John’s and Sonny’s. Take one step through the door, and it’s obvious that To and Smith are serious about honoring those who came before them. Read their story on page 26. And this wouldn’t be a proper winter issue in the Valley if we didn’t mention hockey. On page 20, read a heartwarming story of two boys from Hudson, Wisconsin, whose mutual love of hockey created something bigger and more important than either would have imagined. I hope these cold winter days hold something magical for you and yours. Have a story to share? Send me a message at zoe@localmedia.co.

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On the Cover Easton Schultz and Ian Witt, photo by NP Design & Photography, page 20 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! St. Croix Valley Magazine @stcroixvalleymag @scvmag

December 2023/January 2024

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Photo: Chris Emeott

CALL TODAY!

VOL. 8 NO. 5 stcroixvalleymag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Zoe Yates

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 Shelli Erck Alexandra Eve Rachael Johnson Bob Lyksett Rachael Perron

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

editorial advisory board Emily Iannazzo, The Goodery Stacey Morgan, resident and community volunteer Melissa Parkos, The Goodery Heather Rutledge, ArtReach St. Croix

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

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lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

N OT E WO RT H Y

VOTE

YOU’RE INVITED … … TO A COLL EC T I V E C EL EBR AT ION for the St. Croix Valley community and its local businesses and providers that continue to serve and support us in a host of categories. What’s the best way to honor your favorite dining spots, hometown businesses, service providers, shopping haunts, community venues and more? Vote for your favorites in our annual Readers’ Choice Poll—the Best of St. Croix Valley 2024. Throughout January, head to stcroixvalleymag.com to vote for your “best of the best” in the community you know and love. And while most of your favorite categories return for another year, we also feature a special East Metro segment, which includes a broader selection of area businesses and services appreciated by our readership area. Want to view the categories? Go online—and vote!

December 2023/January 2024

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Here’s what you need to know: Voting is live on January 1, 2024, with three simple rules*: 1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address. 2. Ballots must be completed by 5p.m. January 31, 2024. 3. Voters need to vote in at least five categories to ensure their ballot is counted. 4. The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1, 2024. 5. Watch for our much-anticipated Best of St. Croix Valley in the June/July issue, where the winners and runners up will be revealed—along with Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights. *Any rule not adhered to may result in entire surveys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.

N OT E WO RT H Y

READ

THE LOST LIBRARY In this new release by bestselling authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, the main character, Evan, knows that two things are a big deal: books and starting middle school. He’s navigating his final days of fifth grade—and his anxiety about starting middle school—when a Little Free Library appears overnight in the town square. Evan takes two books and suddenly finds he has a mystery on his hands. He and his best friend, Rafe, set out to solve it. The Lost Library has it all: town secrets, friendly ghosts, a six-toed cat named Mortimer and the

EXPLORE

perfect mix of humorous

Freeze the Day

and poignant moments. It’s a love letter to Little Free Libraries, librarians and how books can forge connections. This beautiful middle grade fiction will steal the hearts of children

Winter is here, and for us hearty

Ave. N., Lake Elmo; Pine Point Regional Park,

and adults alike.

Midwesterners that means taking advantage

11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater; and St. Croix

of the unique things to do across our beauti-

Bluffs Regional Park, 10191 St. Croix Trail S.,

ful region. Luckily, the East Metro plays host

Hastings. Skiers must purchase a Washington

to endless winter opportunities fit for the

County Ski Pass online or at a pay station or

entire family. Which of these activities will

park office. co.washington.mn.us

Rachael Johnson is the assistant manager at Valley Bookseller. You can find The Lost Library on Valley Bookseller’s shelves, at valleybookseller.com or at your favorite local library.

you and your family embrace this season? Shop ’til You Drop Hit the Slopes

Get a taste of Germany at St. Paul’s European

Celebrating its 60th anniversary on

Christmas Market, open the last weekend

December 21, Afton Alps features fun

of November and the first three weekends

for the whole family. Skiers and snow-

in December. 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul;

boarders will revel in 300 skiable acres

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and five chalets. 6600 Peller Ave. S.,

Ice, Ice Baby

Hastings; 651.436.5245; aftonalps.com

From January 17–21, witness teams from around the world come together in Stillwater

See You on the Trails

to compete in the 2024 World Snow

Washington County offers several cross

Sculpting Championship. Visitors can watch

country skiing trails. Trails are located at: Big

ice carvers work their magic and participate

Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N.,

in family-friendly social events, activities,

Marine on St. Croix; Cottage Grove Ravine

ceremonies and a people’s choice award. 201

Regional Park, 9653 Keats Ave. S., Cottage

Water St. N., Stillwater; 651.439.4001; greater

Grove; Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats

stillwaterchamber.com. —Hailey Almsted

December 2023/January 2024

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Photo: Winter Fun, LLC.

and more than 50 runs, plus its 18 lifts

l o c al tip s, tidb its & insights

TA S T E

Cheers to Cranberries There’s a myriad of ways to enjoy cranber-

Cranberry chutney is similar to whole-

ries this season. Here’s a look at the differ-

berry cranberry sauce with added chunks of

ences between a few favorites:

fruit and a bit of vinegar for a tangier flavor.

Cranberry relish is raw, fresh and tart.

Cranberry salsa is a type of relish that

It’s typically eaten on its own as a side dish

differs mainly in its flavor profile. Like

with roasted turkey. Its bright, tangy flavor

tomato-based salsa, it may be flavored with

is a nice counterbalance to smoky, meaty,

garlic, cilantro, onion, lime and peppers.

sweet or earthy foods.

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Cranberry compote is chunkier, looser and may or may not be cooked. It’s more often used as a condiment and is particularly great with poultry and sharp or sweet cheeses. Cranberry sauce is cooked and is the sweetest and smoothest of these preparations. Often served as a condiment, its thick texture makes it good on sandwiches.

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Rachael Perron is the culinary and branding director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find the recipe for Cranberry Pineapple Salsa at stcroixvalleymag.com and more at kowalskis.com.

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SCENERY

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Big Rock Creek celebrates the nostalgia of winters gone by.

WINTERS IN THE MIDWEST are

built on tradition, and in the St. Croix Valley, one family has created a holiday experience that can stir up nostalgia for generations to come. Big Rock Creek is an ever-evolving 1,000 acre property in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Though it draws visitors year-round for old fashioned family fun in nature, the true magic comes when the snow falls and Miracle at Big Rock begins. “The property is what creates the experience and that joyful feeling when people come here,” says co-owner Josh Hansen. “People tell us it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie.”

Building on Tradition

Hansen came across the property while looking for hunting land. The sprawling land was owned by the Siems family for 100 years and, before that, enjoyed as a trout hatchery and the home of the Big Rock Creek Trout Club (founded in 1886). Though Hansen and his family (parents, Brad and Teresa, and siblings, Justin, Jeremy and Becky) fell in love with the acreage immediately, they weren’t able to purchase it until 2018, when the land was parceled and the Johnson family joined as co-owners. “I think we all knew we had a property that is so unique and so special that the public

needed to experience it,” co-owner Troy Johnson says. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that holds a history that [locals] knew about.” The acreage features three cabins, a historic barn, a clubhouse, a boathouse and a caretaker’s cabin. The land holds trout ponds, a lake, a thriving forest and 22 miles of trails. And that’s just the beginning of what’s to come. “For us, the work is fun, too. That’s why we bought the property,” Hansen says. A Home for the Holidays

All of nature may call Big Rock Creek home but, in the wintertime, its resident

December 2023/January 2024

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Photo: Miracle at Big Rock

By Kristie Smith

Guests can drive the one mile-long trail Mondays and Tuesdays or walk the trail throughout the rest of the week.

Highland cows, Maggie, Biscuit and Gravy, don festive holiday wear with strands of lights to celebrate the season, welcoming young and old alike to experience a holiday festival of more than 10 million twinkles. In 2021, Miracle at Big Rock celebrated its first year, inviting the public to make their own memories on the historic grounds. From Black Friday (November 24 this year) to December 31, visitors can explore the vast property on a mile-long light tour. Guests can drive the trail Mondays and Tuesdays or spend a wintery evening walking the trail throughout the rest of the week. Plan to spend three to four hours, Hansen says, because the light festival is just part of this holiday miracle. “It’s really a chance for guests to come out, put the cell phone away and watch their kids have fun like I did when I was a kid, playing in the snow, sledding, drinking hot chocolate,” Hansen says. “It’s an iconic time of year.” Explorations include a visit to the indoor holiday market, featuring local artists and vendors in the property’s big barn, warming up by the fire pits along the trail or listening to live acoustic music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. There are horse-drawn sleigh rides with ringing sleigh bells, a fireworks display every Friday, reindeer visits on Thursdays and Sundays and visits with Santa. “It’s one of the most unique and historic experiences you will see,” Johnson says. “You can come back 20 times and not see and experience all of its wonders.” Miracle at Big Rock, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; 715.501.8172; miracleatbigrock.com; bigrockcreekwi.com Miracle At Big Rock

@miracleatbigrock

1. 2. 3. 4. STYLE Photos: Chris Emeott

The Season of Gifting Discover local artisans at La Vie Est Belle. By Jody Carey

December 2023/January 2024

stcroixvalleymag.com

PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Call Ahead to Reserve Your Pies!

DOUBLE UP WITH A BIT OF METIME and relaxation as you shop for the

holidays. Lake Elmo gift boutique La Vie Est Belle has a variety of handmade creations from local makers. Kristen Rohman Rehkamp opened La Vie Est Belle—French for “Life is beautiful”—to find joy, connectedness and friendship in the wake of her daughter braving mental illness. It started as an online boutique and has since opened a storefront and gathering space across the street from Lake Elmo Inn. The shop has a mission to help get in front of the nationwide mental health crisis: A portion of time and net profits are allocated to pediatric mental health initiatives. This holiday season, consider gifts from local artisans, who sell a variety of items at La Vie Est Belle— plus, find holiday decor and more.

OPEN DAILY

Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat, StrawberryRhubarb, Dutch Apple, Apple-Pecan Pies ... from Pine Tree’s own recipes. Great selection of apple gifts, too!

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96

You have countless options.

Accessories of Courage

Fall in love with calming colors and beaded designs created to make you feel bold, beautiful and brave. Select from gemstone necklaces, beaded bracelets for men and women and elegant earrings made by a mother-daughter duo from Stillwater. accessoriesofcourage.com All Things Sheared

All Things Sheared at Eagle Eye Farm creates sustainable and unique baby items from alpacas raised on its farm in River Falls, Wisconsin. Other offerings include handmade baby booties, blankets and hats that are soft and comfy. allthingssheared.com Chalkboard Candle Co.

Find all natural, coconut wax candles for the candle lovers on your list. Chalkboard Candle Co. creates farmhouse jars, tins and melts with schoolinspired names like Pop Quiz and Winter Break. chalkboardcandleco.com

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Visit carlsoncap.com/steward and we’ll take it from there.

Cozy-Shoppe

Handcrafted and cold-processed, CozyShoppe soaps are made with the finest eco-friendly ingredients. Coconut,

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7. 9.

December 2023/January 2024

Photos: Chris Emeott

1. Merry Sweatshirt, Happy Everything MN, $59 2. Minnesota and Wisconsin Felt Ornaments, Marquess Studios, $12–$20 3. First Frost Soap, Cozy-Shoppe, $14 4. “Winter Wishes” Stoneware Platter, La Vie Est Belle, $35 5. Personalized State Pillow, Marquess Studios, $54–$64 6. Life is Beautiful Candle, Chalkboard Candle Co., $12 7. 5” Round Stoneware Plate with Ornaments and Gold Electroplating, La Vie Est Belle, $10/each 8. Holiday Wreath, Petal and Stick, $30–$45 9. Various Bracelets, Accessories of Courage and La Vie Est Belle, $34–$42

stcroixvalleymag.com

Let us help you find the perfect gift.

lavender, honey and mint make these soap bars a lovely gift. cozy-shoppe.com Ginger P. Designs

Lean in to sophisticated and stylish cards and stationery for the paper lovers on your list. Ginger P. Designs from Janesville, Minnesota, creates cards and notepads with modern, nostalgic and whimsical designs. gingerpdesigns.com Happy Everything MN

Discover irresistible clothing created by local clothiers at Happy Everything MN. Look for super cozy sweatshirts, distressed denim and fun tops to add sparkle to your closet this winter. happyeverythingmn.com

SCAN HERE

We are so excited to announce our new website! Browse and shop online or come in and see us. MainstreamBoutiqueStillwater.com

Marquess Studios

Marquess Studios creates meaningful gifts, inspired by collected stories that honor special people and places. Shop its collection of handcrafted jewelry, custom pillows and blessing beads designed and made in Stillwater, created out of handpicked stones from the shores of Lake Superior, vintage treasures and unique materials. marquessstudios.com Petal and Stick

Consider gorgeous holiday wreaths and hand-tied bouquets at Petal and Stick, which creates arrangements with flowers and plants grown on its Lake Elmo property. Stop in for a wreath for added warmth this holiday season, or buy a gift card for first dibs on a homegrown spring bouquet. facebook.com/petalandstick Scrappy Rooster Creations

One-of-a-kind gift tags, holiday cards and money holders are created with an artisan’s touch at Scrappy Rooster Creations. facebook.com/scrappyrooster creations La Vie Est Belle, 3417 Lake Elmo Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 612.499.0231; shoplavie.co La Vie Est Belle

@lavieestbellegiftshop

LYNN PETERSON DESIGN interior design Interior Design, LLC | Stillwater lynnpetersondesign.com • 612.986.1255

Amy Haugen

SKIN CARE IS A THRIVING AND COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY. Endless

tips, tricks and trends on how to establish and maintain healthy-looking skin can be overwhelming—let alone choosing what products to use. Amy Haugen knows these frustrations all too well. The Stillwater esthetician spent years battling her own dry, inflamed skin. What worked for others failed her, triggering a cycle of repeatedly trying new products. The trial and error eventually led Haugen to develop her own skin care products, a journey that has evolved into a flourishing company and product line. Now the owner and founder of Stillwater Skin, Haugen laughs as she recalls the lengthy process of developing her first product 15 years ago. “My house and garage were a disaster,” she says. “But it was all worth it looking back.” The challenge was finding a blend that could support all skin types. What helped one person didn’t always work on the next. A cranberry seed oil moisturizer was the breakthrough. The formula made her own skin feel supple and vibrant, and Haugen started distributing the cream to clients and friends. “Everyone really seemed to like it,” she says. “They wanted more.”

WELLNESS

On Trend: Feeling Comfortable in Your Own Skin Local medspa founder reveals her journey to health and vibrancy. By Emily Gedde

December 2023/January 2024

stcroixvalleymag.com

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Take a peek into Stillwater Skin services and products at its holiday sale from December 11–15. The event will take place online and in-house with specials on Stillwater Skin signature products. “It’s a great way to try our products,” Haugen says. “Come check us out.”

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Photo: Annalise Photography

Sharing Knowledge

In 2007, Haugen opened Stillwater Skin, where she continues to keep up on trends and help others feel comfortable in their skin. This work comes naturally to Haugen, who has been a licensed esthetician for more than 30 years. She says she knows trends change and she works to keep up on them for her clients. “My passion is really customizing products for the technology and trends that are happening in the industry,” she says. Haugen also recognizes how skin can change for women during various stages of life. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can change the skin, and Haugen says her personal experiences help her empathize with and offer treatment suggestions to clients. “I really try to troubleshoot each stage of my life and how my skin was impacted,” she says. Haugen credits the one-on-one time spent with clients to determine their specific needs as one of the main reasons the company is successful. “We discuss everything from products they’re using to eating habits to activities,” she says. “We take it all in. “I know what it’s like to have skin insecurities. It’s terrible,” she says. “My staff and I are different because we’re not just one protocol. We help analyze our clients’ lives and what they’re going through. We take our time with everybody and do what we can to help them.” Stillwater Skin, 6381 Osgood Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.342.1532, stillwaterskin.com Stillwater Skin Medspa @stillwaterskin_medicalspa

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A TEAM OF THEIR OWN

Hudson Special Hockey helps players of all abilities find their place on the ice. Written by Kristie Smith Photos by NP Design & Photography

he unmistakable, sweaty stink of a hockey bag. The blaring beat of classic rock and sharp sound of skates on ice. As it is in towns across the nation, youth hockey in the St. Croix Valley is part of the fabric of many kids’ late nights and early Saturday mornings. But for two hockey players in Hudson, Wisconsin, a unique bond resulted in something bigger than both of them could have imagined. Easton Schultz started playing hockey when he was 5 years old. Off the ice, he and the kids in the neighborhood played knee hockey and street hockey, growing up with the game he says he fell in love with. As a young boy, Ian Witt was surrounded by figure skating. He watched his sister, Grace, on the ice and wanted to skate, too. “He was super feisty, super competitive, very similar to me,” Schultz says of his friend. “He just wanted to win; he likes scoring goals. We connected pretty quickly.” In 2018, as a freshman at Hudson High School, Schultz volunteered for Bridge for Community Life in Hudson, a nonprofit that offers day clinics and activities for kids with intellectual and physical disabilities. His volunteer work took him to E.P. Rock Elementary school, where a group of kids played floor hockey—including Ian, who happens to have Down syndrome. After meeting Ian’s family, Schultz became his personal care assistant. “We were shooting pucks at my house, and I asked his parents why he didn’t skate,” Schultz says. Though Ian had taken part in learn-to-skate programs, it hadn’t occurred to the Witts to become a hockey family. So, Schultz met Ian and his father at Play It Again Sports, and their friendship began.

December 2023/January 2024

stcroixvalleymag.com

Hudson Special Hockey is an accessible hockey program for players with special needs. The program is designed to break down traditional barriers of the sport and promote inclusivity. Training takes place at Hudson Civic Center. Skating, stick handling, shooting and other skills are the focus, and volunteers are needed to help with equipment and on ice with coaching and skills development. More information can be found at hudsonhockey.com.

The sport was new to Lisa, who grew up figure skating. “I needed a chart; what do we put on where and what goes on first,” Lisa says. “And Easton got him on the ice.” After the gear was purchased, Schultz and Ian headed to the rink to get started. “He just fell in love with it; skating, passing, he picked it up really quickly. After that, something just clicked, and I wondered why there aren’t more opportunities for more kids to play in the area,” Schultz says. So, he set to work collecting more equipment and thinking about chances for everyone to pick up a stick and get on the ice. Though Ian was a little older than some of the kids, he started playing on the Mites team with the Hudson Hockey

Association. Lisa says the family wants to support Ian and give him opportunities— to see him fit in and be included. But she is careful about respecting the other kids. “Hudson Hockey has been so amazing with Ian and with us. I just didn’t want to make it harder for the players or the coaches,” she says. “The second that it becomes challenging for others to be inclusive, I carefully pull him back.” Once Ian’s skills—and his skate size— grew, he was offered the chance to try out for the Bantam team. “He’s nowhere near that skill level, but it didn’t matter. The parents and coaches and the other kids kept encouraging all of us,” Lisa says. A teacher in Hudson, Lisa says it’s natural for kids to want to be in the spotlight. “But these hockey players just kept

stepping back and letting him play.” Like any kid who loves to play, Ian never wants to come off the ice, says his mom, Lisa Witt. Ian, 17, played on the Hudson Hockey Association’s Bantam C Team last year. “The whole season was magical,” Lisa says. “Every single thing that happened [was magic]— the coaches who helped Ian play in the league, another team let him score a goal, Fox News came and did a story and the team won the state championship.” Lisa repeatedly told all of the parents what a gift it is for Ian to be included and able to play, even when Ian is stubborn and wants to do things his own way. “The parents said watching him was teaching their kids invaluable lessons about patience and acceptance and that

December 2023/January 2024

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651.426.8176 bruggemanexteriors.com info@bruggemanexteriors.com 2555 County E Suite 104 White Bear Lake MN 55110

Merry Christmas Ian is a gift to them,” she says. The Bantams’ experience at the state tournament was a thrilling success for everyone. “He was able to score a goal,” Schultz says of the championship game. “The teams that they were playing against were just as competitive, and they treated him just like any other human being. That’s ultimately what we can all strive to do; to make it normal to want to compete and be athletic and do what everyone else is doing.” As it is for any devoted hockey player, the end of a season doesn’t mean hockey is finished. There are camps and spring leagues and squeezing in ice time. And that’s when the idea for Hudson Special Hockey materialized. Schultz pooled equipment, borrowed from the Mites program and found 12 people of various ages and disabilites who wanted to play hockey. He enlisted his brother, Rylan, and his family, and brought in volunteer coaches from the high school who got to work teaching the fundamentals of the game. Because of growing interest, the National Hockey League Players Association contributed thousands of dollars’ worth of new hockey equipment to move the program into its second year. “CCM, Bauer, really nice new equipment,” Schultz says. “Twenty-five to 30 skaters were able to take a hockey bag with their name on it home after practice. Just having their own gear gave kids a chance to feel that special bond, to be part of a team.” Growth also meant Hudson High School hockey players and the Hudson Havoc Juniors team players were brought in to help. “It was so cool to see a full community of hockey players fully embrace this program; there was no barrier,” Schultz says. “It is now a group of players who get together every week during the spring season to learn and push themselves, both players and volunteers.” The program has ice hockey sleds and walkers to accommodate players who come from Hudson, New Richmond and River Falls, Wisconsin,

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Top: Ian Witt and Easton Schultz face off on the ice.

and even Woodbury. Schultz says if he encounters a person with a unique disability challenge, he just finds a way to include them. Players are required to pay a $50 USA Hockey membership fee—something every player in the country is required to do to play in an organization. But ice time, equipment and training are free. “The higher level for us as a family and for Ian is just to have those really typical boy experiences in life. There have been very few moments in my life with Ian where everything was just simply a moment—the normalcy when he can be no different than any other kid. I didn’t even realize that was happening,” Lisa says, voice wavering. “At the state tournament, they handed Ian the trophy … and now I’m crying.” Schultz and his family continue to look for more resources, more funding and more volunteers. With Schultz now in college at Iowa State University, the program sits squarely on his brother Rylan’s shoulders. It’s a task Schultz says his younger, also athletic sibling has readily taken on. Hudson Special Hockey will start its fifth year in the spring. Schultz says he’s proud to see Hudson Special Hockey grow. “It’s bigger than wins and losses. You think of how blessed you are, and you just want to do that for other people—to give the gift of the game,” he says, adding it was never just him; it took an entire community to bring this program to life. And two kids who loved hockey just the same.

Hudson Hockey Association Hudson Civic Center, 1820 Hanley Road, Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.386.3535; hudsonhockey.com Hudson Hockey Association @hudsonhockeywi

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Photo: NP Design & Photography; Lisa Witt

Bottom: Ian raises a trophy as Hudson Hockey Association’s Bantam C Team celebrates its state championship win.

Be a Legend, “Be the Best”

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Written by Zoe Yates Photos by Chris Emeott

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the spot

H I STO R I C ST I L LWAT E R ESTABLISHMENT ENTERS A NEW ERA AS HOWARD’S BAR.

“I remember when it was John’s Bar,” reads a bright neon sign displayed at the newly opened Howard’s Bar. “It was Barney’s, then Sonny’s, then John’s, then Whitey’s, then Howard’s,” says Adam To, the Stillwater establishment’s owner and chef. It’s a legacy that’s not lost on To and his partner and co-owner, musician Caroline Smith. “We hear it one thousand times a day, ‘I remember when it was John’s Bar,’ so we wanted to do a little homage,” Smith says. After the pair purchased the two-story building on Main Street in August 2022, they continued to run the bar as Whitey’s for a year— a period that To says was an “invaluable and a necessary part of taking a place like this over.” When they reopened as Howard’s Bar in June 2023, it was with a fresh coat of paint, an updated menu built on Midwestern-American classics and a new name aligned with the selftitled tradition of past proprietors. “That’s why we wanted it to be Howard’s. It felt in line, in step with the history of it all,” Smith says. Who’s the new namesake? That would be the family’s dog, a Staffordshire terrier mix named Howard. “This is his bar, by the way!” Smith says. A FAMILIAR PLACE

If you walk into Howard’s wondering what’s changed—that’s just what Smith and To want you to think. “We tried to keep the spirit of Whitey’s intact with doing our own little twist on it,” To says. “... The goal we were hoping to achieve … is like, ‘Something’s different. We just can’t put our finger on it.’” Inside the old-school laminated menu is an assortment of recognizable items, with To’s fresh take. “That’s kind of what we do—familiar classics. Just try to make them as nice as we can,” To says. Every menu item is made from scratch, with meats sourced from Peterson Craftsman

December 2023/January 2024

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Meats in Osceola, Wisconsin. Whole ribeyes are brought in, butchered and dry-aged in house. Bar snacks like trout dip (a Howard’s specialty) and hand-dipped cheese curds reign. And hearty entrees, like lasagna and meatloaf, appear beside lighter options, like a Cobb salad with pulled rotisserie chicken that’s “become kind of a staple here,” To says. Even the staff is much the same as when the bar was Whitey’s. There was some initial hesitation with the change in ownership, recalls Smith, who handles many of the backend, organizational tasks at Howard’s while working a regular 9 to 5 elsewhere. But it didn’t last long. “We became fast friends,” Smith says of the staff. “They learned we weren’t going to do much with it, and I feel like all my friends in Stillwater are the people that work here, at Howard’s.” FAMILY LEGACY

Another name you’ll likely hear on your next visit to Howard’s? Marty—Smith and To’s rosycheeked 19-month-old son and a Howard’s celebrity. As I chat with Smith and To in one of the bar’s reclaimed green booths, Marty is dancing on the bar with bar staff and sitting in his parents’ laps, shrieking gleefully, with a salt shaker in one hand and pepper in the other. “He’s a lucky little kid,” To says. It’s their goal for Marty to grow up here, with an extended family in the Howard’s staff. And Marty is joining a family legacy, of sorts. As a high school kid, To always had a “fundamental rapport” with cooking. His father ran a Lindstrom Vietnamese restaurant, Tea for Two, and his grandfather in Vietnam owned a pho restaurant; “It’s kind of what we do,” To says. He spent the last 15 years making food in Minneapolis restaurants—with stints at Blackbird Cafe, Brasa, Sea Change and 112 Eatery—and as chef at Michelin-starred Trois Mec in Los Angeles. He even has a sibling in the industry. “His brother owns a restaurant outside

Left: Italian Chop Salad Right: The Meatloaf

of Nashville,” Smith says. “It runs deep.” And it’s not just To. Smith spent much of her childhood in Detroit Lakes in her mother’s coffee shop. “When [Howard’s] kind of fell into our laps, it reminds me a lot of that coffee shop,” Smith says. “The old wood bar and the checkered floors— it’s so full circle. [Adam] did the pilgrimage back to his place of origin, and I did the pilgrimage back to owning a similar business in a small town.” As full circle as it may seem, it’s a reality neither of them would’ve envisioned. Longtime friends through the Minneapolis music scene (To also sings), Smith and To reconnected while living in California. To was living in the Bay Area; Smith was living in Los Angeles. They met up in 2018, and “the rest is history, truly,” Smith says. When the pandemic hit, Smith and To were living in a one-bedroom in the Los Angeles suburb Los Feliz. Meanwhile, Smith’s mother’s three-bedroom home with a lush yard back in Minneapolis sat vacant. So they drove back to the Midwest, saying to themselves all the time: “When it blows over, we’ll move back to L.A.,” Smith says, adding. “We didn’t. We had a baby.” “The universe just kind of spat us back [to Minnesota], and then the light bulbs went off, and we realized we could maybe do the things we really wanted to

do long term,” To says. “Once we realized that our goals were aligned as partners. We were like, ‘OK, well let’s get married and have a kid and do all the stuff we want to do.” Said kid (Marty) ended up being the impetus the duo needed to kick the pursuit of their passions into high gear. “We had a nine-month ticking time bomb to get it done, so that was kind of like how it went,” Smith says. “That’s his middle name, Time Bomb,” To says. “Time Bomb To,” Smith says, laughing. FINDING COMMUNITY

When Whitey’s was presented as an option to the pair (who were looking for a rental in Minneapolis at the time), everything suddenly fell into place. “The more we thought about it, and the more we spent time here [it] was like, ‘Oh, my God. We want this very badly,’” Smith says, adding that a move to Stillwater presented another benefit. “Where’s a better place to raise a kid?” They have been stunned by the support they’ve received since joining the Stillwater community. Smith was invited with her band to headline the 89th annual Lumberjack Days. And each day, faces new and old come into Howard’s. “We’re carving out a new lifestyle and a new community,” To says.

“Minneapolis will always be there; our friends are there. It’s kind of cool. It’s like we’ve expanded the circle.” “The unique thing about Stillwater, too, is all the business owners are really supportive of one another,” Smith says. “We’ve gotten to meet the other restaurant owners because they come in here and order stuff and introduce themselves. It really is a special community.” Even the difficulties they’ve had taste a little sweet, from being short-staffed in the first six weeks as Howard’s when To was working doubles every day, to fixing things on the roof midwinter in sub-zero temperatures. “There’s a lot of challenges in juggling the business, ownership of the building and also our personal life. But at the end of the day, they’re good problems to have and the problems that we wanted. Showing up for yourself, showing up for your family, even though it can be difficult,” To says. “It’s a lot, but it’s like that feeling at the end of the day when you’re, like, happy-exhausted,” Smith says. “Sometimes. Most of the time.” “It’s good stuff,” To says.

Howard’s Bar, 302 Main St. S., Stillwater; 512.555.0110; howardsbar.com Howard’s Bar @howardsbarmn

December 2023/January 2024

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rapid fire q+a WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMO-

So we just choose to be happy. There

RABLE PART OF THIS JOURNEY?

are days we could slam doors and

Smith: I think signing the papers

storm around and think, ‘Oh, poor us.

for the building was surreal. It was

Life is so hard because this bad thing

a surreal experience.

happened to us.’ But we just choose to

To: Yeah, that was crazy. And the soft

be like, ‘Woah. We’re so incredibly for-

opening, too. It was really Howard’s.

tunate.’ And just choose to be happy.

“THANKS FOR YOUR WINNING CARE!”

place was packed. Tons of friends.

WHAT HAS MADE YOU THE MOST

US Ski Team Athlete, patient of Dr. Renee

It was pretty indescribable.

PROUD DURING THIS PROCESS?

We had rolled out the menu. The

– Jessie Diggins,

T: I’m proud that we were able to do HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?

this. We don’t have any money, we

S: We go to the dog park.

have a kid, she was pregnant, I’m a

T: Dog park, Square Lake, hang

first-time business owner—coming

out with the little guy …

into a community we’re not from.

S: Cook a meal.

Everything was against us. All we had was our vision and our experience and

WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT

a belief that we could do it. And her

HAPPINESS?

belief in me and my belief in her, and

T: Perfect happiness is to be a present

that’s all we had. I’m pinching myself

father and a good husband and just

that this is even something that was

make the most of every day.

even in the realm of possibility for us.

S: Making a living off of something

S: I’m really proud of the remodel. We

you love doing that doesn’t feel like

didn’t really have much resources to

work. And every day just feels like

throw at it, and we were really thrifty

happiness. Also, we kind of as a family

and had a great team, and I really love

believe that happiness is not some-

how it turned out. A lot. We some-

thing that happens to you; it’s some-

times just come down here when it’s

thing that you choose.

closed and just look around and be

T: You have to make it.

like, ‘This is our spot.’

S: You really do have to make it.

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lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Photo: Wild Rivers Conservancy

First Day Hikes foster connection with nature and community on New Year’s Day. E AC H N E W YE AR’S DAY, people around the country rise early to join in on a U.S. State Parks tradition— First Day Hikes. At state parks and natural areas across the country, the ritual aims to foster a memorable and enjoyable experience for any age and any hiking skill to enjoy nature in the winter months. Sean Hoppes, a park naturalist at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), usually leads a snowshoeing First Day Hike. “We enter a winter wonderland that appears sterile at first glance, but by the end, participants are remarking on how much life is still around in the winter if they know where to look,” Hoppes says. Across the river in Wisconsin, nonprofit Wild Rivers Conservatory organizes a free First Day Hike. Conservatory staff will lead groups on a hike or snowshoe at a location near the St. Croix River. “We’ve done them for a number of years now,” says Wendy Tremblay, community engagement manager. “... We offer hikes to start the new year off with some fresh air [and] beautiful natural scenery.” Whether one chooses to participate in a guided event or trek into the woods solo, the tradition of a

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First Day Hike fosters a connection with nature in the newest moments of the year. “I look at the flushed cheeks of smiling visitors and know that they literally started the year off on a good foot,” Hoppes says. Last year, Minnesota DNR and Wisconsin DNR hosted a combined 21 First Day Hikes across both states, including strolls at Wild River State Park in Center City, Minnesota, and Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Registration is required for some hikes, and anyone is welcome to join for free— though parking and entrance fees at state parks may apply. —Macy Berendsen

Wild Rivers Conservancy; 715.483.3300; wildriversconservancy.org Wild Rivers Conservancy @wildriversconservancy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; info.dnr@state.mn.us; dnr.state.mn.us Minnesota Department of Natural Resources @minnesotadnr

O N T H E TOW N Dr. Sara Cody

Compiled by Elaina Mankowski, Morgan McFadden and Emma Mehl

LOCAL EVENTS

Afton Village Holiday 12/01–12/02 Stroll through Afton as it gears up for its annual winter holiday with carolers, ice skating, cookie decorating, workshops and more to entertain everyone. All Ages. Free. 5–8 p.m. Downtown Afton; exploreafton.com

Jingle Bear 5K 12/02 Runners are encouraged to dress in their holiday favorites and bring their dogs to run alongside Santa to bring in the winter season. All ages. Prices

vary. 8:30 a.m. 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake; 651.440.9625; mmraces.com

Twinkle Party and Tree Lighting 124 2ND STREET S, STILLWATER MN 55082 | 612.372.8444 | LIFTDENTAL.COM

12/03 Enjoy twinkling lights and cheer as Stillwater once again gears up to light up

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the city Christmas tree. All ages. Free. 5–

7 p.m. Lowell Park, 201 Water St. N., Stillwater; 651.351.1717; events.discoverstillwater.com

Farm Tours 01/14 Come and meet alpacas, llamas, pigs and more at Eagle Eye Farm, which is opening up for tours for all to learn about the farm. All ages. $15. 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. N7802 County Road F, River Falls; 715.441.0374; eagleeyefarm.net

Marine Candlelight Series 01/14 The final concert of the season at the Hill Residence will feature Minnesota Orchestra violinist Helen Chang Haertzen and pianist Timothy Lovelace. Wine and desserts will be offered. Ages 21 and older. $45. 4:30 p.m. Hill Residence, Jackson Meadow, Marine on St. Croix; candlelightseries@gmail.com; marinecandlelightseries.org

World Snow Sculpting 01/17–01/21 Come down and watch as artisans create art from snow, and enjoy refreshments and activities along the way. All ages. Free. Times

vary. Lowell Park, 201 Water St. N., Stillwater; 651.439.4001; greaterstillwaterchamber.com

December 2023/January 2024

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l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o

Windows so stylish, they turn heads.

Shop Local AREA EVENTS

Star Watch Astronomy

From Motorized Blinds and Drapery to simple elegant shades, we have the right look for you.

12/01, 12/02, 12/15 Enjoy the night sky through one of the largest telescopes in Minnesota. An astronomer will guide you through various astronomy topics. Ages 8 and older.

$12/person. 7–8:30 p.m. Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13651 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8479; edenprairie.org

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 12/01–12/31 Join the Children’s Theatre Company for a

Call or Text 651-351-7620 for your Complimentary Consulation.

performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This show is an original production that runs for two hours packed with plenty of Christmas fun. All ages.

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

Summit Avenue Artisan Festival 12/02 Local artisans, a bake sale, a silent auction and crafts for kids are all on Summit Avenue. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.

900 Summit Ave., St. Paul; eventbrite.com

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

To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@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.

TA S T E M A K E R S

Tea Infusions Bake something to write home about this holiday season. Written by Zoe Yates

WHEN T HE HOL IDAY SEASO N ROL L S A R OUN D, so do the family

recipes we’ve come to cherish. But if you’re anything like Nancy Figueroa, owner of Pinch ’n Rub Spice & Tea Hub in Stillwater, it could be the perfect time of year to add something unique to your baking repertoire. For Figueroa, infusing tea into baking and cooking provides a fun way to play in the kitchen. Pioneering tea-infused recipes is a process, often taking a few experimental batches to perfect. “[The recipe] depends on the tea and your palate, but the flavor comes through, and it just makes it more unique. [Tea] makes it feel more gourmet because you’re playing,” Figueroa says. “I’m a firm believer that you should play and enjoy your time in the kitchen.” At Pinch ’n Rub, Figueroa stocks more than 80 varieties of loose leaf tea—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. While there are some options that may work better with others in any given recipe, there is a world of tea varieties available to uplift baked goods. Infusion Techniques

While you could just throw some tea leaves in a recipe and call it a day, “There’s so many ways to impart the tea into your recipe,” Figueroa says. To pull the best of the tea’s flavor without sacrificing texture, Figueroa suggests infusing the tea in the liquid element of a given recipe.

Tea-infused butter or oil is as simple as warming butter or oil, adding the tea to the liquid and steeping over low heat before straining out tea leaves with a fine mesh sieve. Start with 1 1/2 tsp. of loose leaf tea per tablespoon of butter or oil; the more delicate the tea variety, the more will be needed. Remember to use more butter or oil than a recipe calls for, as some will stick to the discarded tea leaves. If a recipe calls for water, you can brew a tea instead. To make the flavor come through, use two to three times as many tea leaves as you would use for drinking. To accommodate for the absorbing quality of tea leaves, add about 1/4 cup more water than the recipe requests while brewing. Milk makes a great base for tea infusions, though there is more risk. “When you are doing milk, you have to be kind of careful because anything that’s too acidic is going to make the milk curdle,” Figueroa says, listing oolong, green and white teas as the most common culprits. She says, “... Sometimes, it’s just trial and error!” Start by steeping your tea in milk over low heat for eight to 10 minutes. Another option is to cold brew tea in milk overnight to use in recipes. (Bonus: You can drink the leftovers!) Tips for Tea

The fresher the tea, the better. Matcha powder can be added directly to a recipe with great results. Well-known options, such as chai and Earl Grey, are likely to

December 2023/January 2024

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Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies

iStock.com/iuliia_n

A DECADE OF PINCH ’N RUB Longtime spice-lover Figueroa spent years driving to the Twin Cities to indulge her cooking and baking explorations before opening Pinch ’n Rub on Main Street in downtown Stillwater in July 2012. More than a decade in, Figueroa and her staff have become a source of quality, internationally sourced teas and spices for locals and visitors alike. Though Figueroa now oversees operations from her new home in Las Vegas, she occasionally works in the store alongside her daughter, grandkids and staff. The shop peddles spices, blends, sea salts, infused sugars, herbs and coffees alongside teas. “Adding tea into recipes is adding healthfulness and a little bit of the world,” she says.

» ¾ cup powdered sugar » 2 Tbsp. Pinch ’n Rub Matcha Latte Green Tea powder » 10 Tbsp. butter, room temperature » 1 ¾ cup flour » ⅛ tsp. Himalayan pink salt, fine » 3 egg yolks, beaten » sugar for dusting (Consider using Pinch ’n Rub Vanilla Bean Sugar or Lemon Sugar.) Whisk powdered sugar and matcha powder together. Beat butter with sugar mixture until smooth. Stir in flour and salt, and mix until just incorporated. Stir in beaten egg yolks until smooth dough is made. Knead the dough into a ball. Place on plastic wrap, and roll to ½-inch thickness. Cover in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove dough from the refrigerator and, using a cookie cutter, cut into shapes. Cover shapes on all sides with sugar, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies until golden on edges (approximately 12–14 minutes). Enjoy! Variation: Roll dough into a log before refrigerating for slicing instead of cutting with a cookie cutter.

Mumbai Chai Latte Cupcakes Spiced Chai Mix: » 3 tsp. ground cinnamon » 1 ½ tsp. ground ginger » 1 tsp. ground cardamom » ½ tsp. ground allspice Cupcakes: » 2 Tbsp. Pinch ’n Rub Mumbai Chai tea » ¾ cup whole milk (to get ½ cup infused) » 1 ¾ cup cake flour, spooned and leveled » 3 ½ tsp. Spiced Chai Mix » ¾ tsp. baking powder » ¼ tsp. baking soda » ¼ tsp. fine grain sea salt » ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature » 1 cup granulated sugar » 3 large egg whites, room temperature » 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract » ½ cup sour cream, room temperature » Optional garnish: cinnamon sticks and whole star anise Spiced Chai Buttercream Frosting: » 1 ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature » 2 tsp. Spiced Chai Mix, divided » ¼ cup heavy whipping cream » 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract » ⅛ tsp. fine sea salt Prepare Spiced Chai Mix in a small bowl, set aside. Steep the tea by bringing whole milk to a boil, stir in the dry tea leaves and let steep for a minimum of 30 minutes. Strain infused milk through a fine strainer, squeezing out the tea leaves with a spoon to get your ½ cup milk for the batter. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners; then line a second pan with two or three liners as the recipe makes about 14 cupcakes. In a large bowl, whisk cake flour, 3 ½ tsp. Spiced Chai Mix, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy. Beat in egg whites on high speed for about two minutes, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom with a spatula if needed. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Turn mixer to low, and gently add the dry ingredients, until just incorporated. With the mixer still on low, slowly pour in the ½ cup of infused milk (cooled to room temperature) until just combined. Do not over mix. Spoon the batter into the liners. Fill only ⅔ full. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Make the frosting while cupcakes are cooling. Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, one to two minutes. Stop the mixer and add powdered sugar, heavy cream, 1 ¾ tsp. Spiced Chai Mix, vanilla extract and salt. Beat on low until combined; beat on high for two minutes. Add ½ cup more powdered sugar if too soft to pipe or 1 Tbsp. heavy cream if too thick. Taste, and beat in another pinch of salt if frosting seems too sweet. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Pipe the frosting on to your liking

come through beautifully, while loose leaf green teas and herbal teas might struggle to become a hero flavor. But don’t let that stop you from experimentation. “If it sounds good, try it,” Figueroa says. Even in infused recipes, whole leaves can be used—in moderation—to add a visual appeal. “Depending on the tea, it’s nice to still throw a couple teaspoons in just to have that little effect of the specks of the leaves or the flowers in there,” Figueroa says. Matcha and colorful fruity teas can also be used to dye frostings and baked goods. What is the best way to find out what works? “Don’t be afraid to experiment,” Figueroa says. “If you have to throw a batch away, you throw it away and start over. But I haven’t had to throw too many things away.” Combining tea flavors, portions and techniques can be a fun and surprising way to add international flavors to your baking. But if you’re looking for something a bit simpler, Figueroa shares a few of her favorite tried-and-true tea-infusion recipes here and at stcroixvalleymag.com.

(Tip: an 8B open star nozzle works great for an elevated look). Insert a small cinnamon stick or whole star anise into the tops of a few; dust with remain-

Pinch ’n Rub Spice & Tea Hub, 212 Main St.

ing Spiced Chai Mix.

S., Stillwater; 651.351.5155; pinchnrub.com Pinch ’n Rub Spice & Tea Hub

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iStock.com/rez-art

» 5–6 cups powdered sugar

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(CHF), CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) SERVICES FROM OUR WELLNESS & THEARPY DIVISION, ASCEND REHABILITATION, AVAILABLE ON-SITE IN OUR WELLNESS CENTER COMPREHENSIVE GUEST & FAMILY EDUCATION PRIVATE, COMFORTABLE SUITES WITH BATHROOMS

...and much more!

7555 B A I L E Y R OA D • W O O D B U R Y TAKE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR TODAY : 651 . 209 . 9128

w w w. s a i ntt h e re s e.o rg

Full-time Realtors with over 40 years experience. We enjoy helping people move.

The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team Edina Realty 612.802.7150 JoyTeam@EdinaRealty.com JoyErickson.com

You give us a vision and we handcraft it into reality. Custom, handcrafted kitchens, vanities and furniture you want and can afford for your home. Farmhouse Style Furniture 5350 Highway 61 N. Suite 3, White Bear Lake 651.528.8527 putnamfarmhouse.com

Orthodontic treatments for all ages. We offer comprehensive corrections as well as cosmetic improvements. Schedule a complimentary consultation now. We love smiles! Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics 2850 Curve Crest Blvd. Suite 230, Stillwater 651.439.8909 hkortho.com

Katie Clymer

One of the area’s finest collections of fine art and contemporary craft, featuring the work of over 150 local, regional and national artist. Live Art. Love Art. Give Art. Grow Art.

We are a boutique bakery that only uses high quality fresh ingredients with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. We specialize in: European pastries, fresh baked breads, cookies, bars, cakes, pies and specialty desserts.

St. Croix Skincare—a full service Med Spa. Services include: laser skin treatments, cosmetic injections, fat reduction, laser hair removal, micro-needling, chemical peels and more. Free consultations available.

SEASONS Gallery 401 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.381.2906 seasons-gallery.com

St. Croix Baking Company 424 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.808.8587 stcroixbaking.com

St Croix Skincare 1515 Livingstone Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 715.808.0815 stcroixskincare.com

The Right School Makes all the difference.

Specialized in gentle perinatal and pediatric care. We are your hometown family chiropractor!

Warrior Athletics State testing ∙ Preschool thru 8th grade ∙ Smaller teacher to student ratio.

Voted 2023 Best Chiropractic Practice of the St. Croix Valley!

Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa is an advanced Med Spa that offers top technology services, customized skin care treatments and our own exclusive, all-natural skin care line!

Stillwater Skin and Medical Spa 6381 Osgood Ave. N. 651.342.1532 stillwaterskin.com

Trinity Academy 1205 Sixth St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.386.9349 trinityacademyofhudson.org

Vitality Chiropractic 324 Fifth Ave. N., Bayport, MN 651.342.2199 vitalitychiropracticmn.com

LAST GLANCE

Fun in the Frozen North Award-winning photo captures family at the Ice Palace Maze.

For Stillwater resident Jon Quijano, there’s beauty to be found in the everyday. The portrait, wedding and event photographer says, “My greatest passion is capturing the experiences of family life, the spectacular and the mundane. It’s my great project.” In February 2022, Quijano visited downtown Stillwater on a sunny, 20-degree day. “As my family and I wandered the Ice Palace Maze at Zephyr Theatre, I marveled at how perfectly translucent the ice brick walls of the maze were,” Quijano says. “I eagerly posed my wife, mom and sons for a portrait, putting an ice brick wall between us. I had to laugh—they looked like the happiest people ever to be frozen solid. A fitting picture of fun in the frozen North!” —Zoe Yates

Photographer: Jon Quijano Title: Appreciation

Equipment: iPhone SE

Location: Ice Palace Maze

at Stillwater Zephyr Theatre

Category: People and Families Award: First Place

To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

December 2023/January 2024

stcroixvalleymag.com

Joy. Full. When you put as much food on as many tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks. So we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our customers for shopping here, to our employees for working here, to our partners for growing and making great products and selling them here. Thank you. Thank you for your friendship and loyalty. It is an honor to be your grocer at this time of year and all year long. May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all,

the joy of good food.

11 Twin Cities Locations

KOWALSKIS.COM

St. Croix Valley - December 2023/ January 2024