Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens

If anyone knows how to host a cozy, joyful Thanksgiving dinner, it's my friend Leah Brink. She's been welcoming anywhere from 10 to 29 family and friends around her tables for the past 15 years. Her holiday spreads could be straight out of Better Homes & Gardens or Martha Stewart Living, yet her heart for hospitality is all about warmth, gratitude and joy.In this cozy and practical episode of Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens, Leah shares how she plans for Thanksgiving weeks (and even months) ahead—from scheduling her PTO and deep cleaning her home to baking desserts for the freezer. She talks about making her table welcoming with a flower centerpiece from Shari at Hand Tied Floral Boutique in Brookings, South Dakota, setting the mood with simmering cinnamon and cloves on the stove, and playing her favorite soft jazz and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown soundtrack in the background.We also dive into the heart of the meal—homemade gravy. Leah walks us through her step-by-step approach to making perfect gravy every time, plus her secret to a juicy, flavorful turkey: a 24-hour brine. You’ll hear about her signature dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy, Red Lobster-style Cheddar Bay Biscuits from scratch, and her must-have baked mac and cheese.Leah also shares her family recipes, including:• Her mom’s creamy fudge• Her grandma’s ginger snaps• Her stepmom’s Snickers bars• Her cozy beer cheese soup• And a link to festive cranberry Brie bitesGet each recipe at https://randomsweets.com/thanksgiving-hosting-and-homemade-gravy-with-leah-brink/, along with Leah’s hosting and gravy-making tips—including using a Thanksgiving day “cooking template,” how she journals notes for next year, and why she believes “prep equals confidence.”So, this Thanksgiving, if you’re the one making gravy, bring someone into the kitchen to learn alongside you. Or, if you’re eager to learn, step up and take notes—you’ll be grateful you did next year.I hope you pick up a few new ideas and feel a little more confident — and maybe even excited — about hosting Thanksgiving this year. Big thanks to my friend, Leah Brink, for sharing her warmth and wisdom around the table. Host and Producer, Staci Mergenthal⁠RandomSweets.com⁠#ourSweetMidwestLifeWebsite ⁠randomsweets.com⁠Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠Facebook: ⁠Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens⁠Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠

I’m joined by Darla Bakker and her three daughters—Andrea Kolstad, Danielle Brandt, and Laura Feller. Darla and her husband, Jeff, live on a farm near Ruthton, Minnesota, where they raised their girls. Today, their daughters are raising families of their own in Minnesota and Nebraska—but one thing hasn’t changed: their love of gathering around the table.This spring, Darla published her third cookbook—Darla Bakker’s Family Favorites, 3rd Edition—and this one is truly a family project. Her daughters helped organize, edit, and contribute recipes of their own, making it a generational reflection of Midwestern cooks. Within 349 spiral bound pages, they share more than 830 recipes. What a treasure to be handed down to generations to come.From classic Midwest comfort foods to gluten and dairy free updates for a new generation, this episode celebrates the love and laughter that fill the Bakker family kitchen. And stay tuned for a surprise message from Darla’s seven grandchildren that’s sure to melt your heart.You’ll find all of Darla’s recipes in her cookbook, but here are a few we talked about in the episode that are on my website randomsweets.com:Turkey Pot Pie with Cream Cheese CrustGoulashOne-Pot Sausage & Penne Pasta DinnerAsian MeatballsDarla’s Potato Salad Dressing (Cooked Dressing)Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf CakeThe Bakker family’s story is a reminder that recipes aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about community and connection. Whether it’s rhubarb slush on a summer day or hot dish in the dead of winter, food is how we remember, celebrate, and love one another.And if you ever wonder whether one of Darla’s dishes made it into the book…well, just ask her: “Is this recipe in your book?”Order Your Copy of Darla Bakker's Family FavoritesCopies are available for $20 plus $5 shipping by emailing Darla at jdbakker@woodstocktel.net, or you can pick one up at Johnson Flower Box, 155 N. Tyler Street, Tyler, MN.Meet Your Host and Producer, Staci Mergenthal⁠RandomSweets.com⁠#ourSweetMidwestLifeWebsite ⁠randomsweets.com⁠Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠Facebook: ⁠Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens⁠Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠Midwest Food Podcast

In 1987, friends Patty Kratochvil and Carolyn Dotson opened Threads of Memories Antique Mall in Brookings, South Dakota, with a simple idea: combine alterations with the love for antiques—and keep them in the community. Fast forward to 2021, Carolyn’s daughter, Emily Braun, took over the shop and continues the legacy with her own modern touch.In this episode, Emily and I talk about the journey stepping into small business ownership in the Midwest, how she curates what fills the store, and the difference between antiques, vintage, and thrifted items. She shares why she values supporting local shops that complement hers, how her mom and Patty came up with the store's name, and how her popular “What’s New Wednesday” on social media helps connect treasures with new homes. You’ll learn about design trends—like the ever-present enthusiasm for Mid-century modern, the comeback of record players, vinyl, and green Depression glass—and which items have phased out. Emily offers advice for downsizing or inheriting family heirlooms (including why some things aren’t worth as much as we hope), and a few lesser-known suggestions for where to donate pieces you might not be able to keep.Of course, we talk food too. Emily shares memories of her mom’s deviled eggs, her dad’s famous meat marinade, apple crisp, and Thanksgiving at the farm. You’ll find her dad’s recipes for buttermilk waffles and the meat marinade, and Emily’s modified Pioneer Woman recipe for spinach dip on randomsweets.com. Plus, Emily lets us in on a hidden gem where she enjoyed a delicious chicken salad sandwich and the best pickle spear—a cozy spot off Highway 19 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. If you love antiques, small business stories, Midwest living, or simply the memories tied to the things we treasure, this conversation will feel like wandering the aisles of your favorite antique shop with a couple of friends. Threads of Memories, Emily Braun owner525 8th Street South, Suite 1, Brookings, SD605-697-7377Website: threadsofmemories.comFacebook: Threads of Memories BrookingsInstagram: @threadsofmemoriesbrookingsantiques, vintage, repurpose, antique store, South Dakota#midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota #recipes #midwestern #midwestlivingHost and Producer, Staci Mergenthal⁠RandomSweets.com⁠#ourSweetMidwestLifeWebsite ⁠randomsweets.com⁠Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠Facebook: ⁠Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens⁠Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠

Step into the heart of the home in this episode as we explore Cooking Up History: The Evolution of Kitchens and Cookbooks, a featured exhibit at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Host Staci Mergenthal talks with Jill Van Veldhuizen, Education Assistant, Molly Engquist, Curator of Exhibits, and Jessie Nesseim, Curator of Collections about how American kitchens—and the cookbooks that fill them—have transformed over time. Discover the social, cultural, and technological shifts that turned kitchens from open hearths to modern hubs of the home. We discuss the rise of community cookbooks, how immigrant traditions and holiday treats influenced South Dakota’s food culture, and why vintage cookbooks were once filled with everything from recipes to stain-removal tips. Whether you’re a history buff, cookbook collector, or a curious cook, this episode is a flavorful journey through time.Old Courthouse MuseumThe Old Courthouse Museum is part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums system: https://siouxlandmuseums.comOld Courthouse Museum Website: https://siouxlandmuseums.com/index.php/welcome-to-the-siouxland-heritage-museums/old-courthouse-museum/Current Old Courthouse Museum Exhibits: https://siouxlandmuseums.com/index.php/old-courthouse-museum-exhibits/Facebook: Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls, SD200 W 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104605-367-4210Admission is free, with an option to give a free will donation. Mentioned in This Episode“The Buckeye Cook Book and Practical Housekeeping”“The White Ribbon Cook Book”“The Kitchen Front” by Jennifer Ryan#midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota #recipes #midwestern #midwestlivingHost and Producer, Staci MergenthalRandomSweets.comWebsite randomsweets.comInstagram @potatoesandmittensInstagram @randomsweetsFacebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool MittensFacebook Random SweetsPinterest @staciperryEmail: staci@randomsweets.com#ourSweetMidwestLife

If you’ve ever found joy in a perfectly rusted garden gate, an old Pyrex bowl like Grandma’s, or the thrill of repurposing a forgotten item into something useful again—this episode is for you.In Season 3, Episode 9 of Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens, I head to rural Tracy, Minnesota, to visit with Sharon Hohler, the creative and kind-hearted owner of ⁠Homeless Treasures⁠. Tucked away on an acreage just south of town, Homeless Treasures is a vintage wonderland filled with antiques, oddities, DIY-ready furniture, and Sharon’s signature charm.Sharon shares how her passion for old things—and the people who love them—turned a simple Father’s Day weekend yard sale into a thriving seasonal business that’s now in its 14th year. She talks about the “junking angels” who helped her along the way, the stories that shoppers bring with them, and the magic of seeing an old item reimagined in a brand-new way.We also chat about our emotional attachments to belongings and the one item her husband says she cannot bring home anymore. And, of course, Sharon shares three of her favorite recipes, including the giant banana muffins she perfected after giving up on banana bread.Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a vintage collector, or just someone who appreciates a good story and a quirky treasure, you’ll love this heartwarming conversation with Sharon Hohler of Homeless Treasures in Tracy, MN.Homeless Treasures, Sharon Hohler ownerFacebook: ⁠Homeless Treasures⁠ 1964 230th Ave., rural Tracy/Currie507-227-1198antiques, vintage, furniture, unique treasuresHost and Producer, Staci Mergenthal⁠RandomSweets.com⁠#ourSweetMidwestLifeWebsite ⁠randomsweets.com⁠Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠Facebook: ⁠Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens⁠Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠ 

Born and raised in South Dakota, Alice Klopstad stayed for college and the start of her corporate career. Then Alaska captured her heart and now she calls it home. Join me as Alice tells her adventurous and inspiring story of moving to a place where she’s embraced the outdoor lifestyle—hiking, snow machining, fishing, foraging, and filling an entire freezer with fresh-caught halibut and salmon.  When she’s not exploring Alaska, Alice is baking sourdough bread, sewing and quilting, cozying up with books from the Anchorage Public Library, planning her next international travel adventure, visiting family, or responding to “moose down” texts from friends, summoning her to help when their hunt is successful.  In 2024, Alice squeezed in reading 39,862 pages in 110 books! Find her on Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/52706555-alice. Alice shares three of her favorite recipes and the stories behind them: roasted shrimp enchiladas, her Grandma Joyce’s Danish butter cookies, and a comforting classic from her friend Jill—potatoes Romanoff.   Alice also shares what tattoo she has in honor of her grandma. And grab a couple of Kleenex for her introduction to her beloved dog, Rambo. May he rest in beautiful peace.  View this episode’s photos and recipes on my website randomsweets.com. Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

Step into the warm and inviting kitchen of Minnesota native Leah Rodriguez, where baking isn’t just a pastime for her, it’s a way to honor tradition, celebrate family, and embrace joy and faith even in life’s hardest seasons.  Get ready to laugh and cry in this episode as Leah shares what she puts in her pumpkin bars that make them extra special, a recipe for funeral hot dish with an Asian flare, and how growing up in a family of 11 kids played a part in raising six children alongside her Juan & Only husband. She also explains how her magical oven got its nickname, and she takes us on a flavorful journey of her favorite bakeries near New Richmond, Wisconsin where she lives, including a Mexican bakery and restaurant in Chaska, Minnesota.  Photos of Leah, her magical oven, goodies, and recipes for banana bread, pumpkin bars, funeral hot dish, and Crisco chocolate chip cookies are on my blog for you randomsweets.com. In this episode: Keys Café & Bakery 9 locations in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and Hudson WI. Knoke’s Chocolates & Nuts El Paisano Bakery, 117 W. 4th St., Chaska, MN, 952-361-9337 Staci Mergenthal, host and producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

Today, I’m introducing you to Stacy Brallier, a South Dakota mom, grandma, and keeper of family food traditions. Stacy shares recipes that hold a special place in her heart, including Funfetti cookies, her mom’s peanut butter whirlygigs cookies, and her great-grandma Elsie Edgecomb’s watermelon pickles, and a co-worker’s more updated recipe for watermelon pickles—each one tied to cherished memories.    For Stacy, food isn't just about flavor; it's about the people and moments that make life sweet, in all seasons of life. Whether it's making Elsie’s watermelon pickles or baking cookies with her own grandchildren, these recipes celebrate the joy of family and connect generations to come. Get Stacy's recipe at randomsweets.com. Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com  

Today’s guest is Amanda Runia, a busy mom, South Dakota business owner of In-House Ally, and self-proclaimed non-cook who has still managed to gather an abundance of beloved Midwest comfort food recipes from her family. Drawing from the kitchens of her mother-in-law, grandmother, and mom, Amanda shares her approach to keeping mealtime manageable and delicious, plus her go-to resources for recipes that bring a little warmth and nostalgia to the table—even though she doesn’t inherently love cooking. See photos and get the recipes and links on my website randomsweets.com. Amanda shared recipes for chicken divan, a few versions of goulash, rhubarb juice, Grandma Jo’s casserole, baked oatmeal, hamburger rice skillet, beef taco skillet, and her alfredo sauce that has ruined it for all other alfredo sauces when dining out, plus a few more.  Amanda Runia In-House Ally (Amanda's business website) Instagram: @inhouseally Instagram: @amanda.runia   Goodreads LinkedIn Facebook Substack Mentioned in this Episode Mother-in-law's hash brown baked potatoes Mel's Kitchen Cafe Mel's Kitchen Cafe baked oatmeal recipe Mel's Kitchen Cafe chocolate pots de creme recipe The Lazy Genius The Lazy Genius change your life chicken podcast episode The Lazy Genius change your life chicken recipe Instagram @thelazygenius Canoe Bay  Bri McCoy The Cooks Book The I Hate to Cook Book The Ettlin's Cafe (Harry Potter flights) The Nook Rabbit Den's Gaming Author John Mark Comer Author Stuart Turton Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

You don’t need walking shoes for the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church Cookie Walk. Just an appetite for homemade, tried-and-true Midwestern treats and a giving heart to support local non-profits.  This year's bake sale is on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9a.m. Be there early to get in line! They run out of cookies quickly. The church address is 46610 219th Street, Volga, South Dakota. Cash or check only. Three big-hearted women, the organizers behind the church’s 22nd annual cookie walk, gathered around a table in their fellowship hall with our steaming cups of Lutheran coffee to talk about how it all works. You’ll learn what kinds of goodies sell best, the most important piece of a successful cookie walk, and why it’s always a good idea to sample your home baked goods before donating them to a bake sale. Open to the public and held at this charming 154-year-old country church south of Brookings South Dakota, the bake sale is a celebration of community, fellowship, and giving back.  You’ll hear about some of the treats like raspberry almond shortbread thumbprints, lemon bonbons, pecan tarts and delights, maple pecan thumbprints, and caramels, and of course what you’d find at any self-respecting bake sale of Nordic heritage—lefse, krumkake and rosettes.  Visitors are invited to sip coffee, enjoy freshly baked cinnamon and caramel rolls, and connect with one another after picking out an assortment of homemade goodies generously donated by church members and the community.  How does a church bake sale get even better? Well, one hundred percent of the proceeds from this festivity are donated to local charities, they average about $3,000 each year, making the cookie walk a true gift that keeps on giving. Let's meet Inga Trygstad, Ginny Jensen, and Glenda Derdall and learn how cookies, coffee, sweet rolls and a little holiday cheer can make a big impact.  Go to randomsweets.com to get the four recipes they share in this episode: pecan tarts, pecan delights, maple pecan thumbprints and raspberry almond shortbread thumbprints. Lake Campbell Lutheran Church on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SinaiandLakeCampbellLutheran Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm has been more than just a place to pick your own perfect tree—it's been at the heart of holiday traditions for families in the Lake Elmo and Twin Cities Minnesota area for 70 years and counting.    Spanning four generations, the Krueger family has cultivated not just evergreens but cherished memories, as they continue to welcome visitors with the warmth and magic of the Christmas season. From the fresh scent of pine, the warmth of a crackling fire and hot cider, to the timeless ritual of cutting the perfect tree and pulling it on a sled through the snow, Krueger’s has become a beloved part of holiday celebrations. So get cozy, as Neil, Deb and John Krueger takes us from the accidental start to selling Christmas trees in 1954, to the traditions, Tootsie Rolls, and the stories behind this family-run farm that’s been keeping the spirit of Christmas alive and families returning for seven decades. In this episode, Neil talks about the varieties of trees and which ones are most popular for their needles and which ones people like best for that fresh pine scent. And they share tips for how to keep your evergreen looking its best all Christmas season with water and spritzing. Who knew the sap would seal the bottom and not absorb water anymore if we let the water run out? For the 2024 season, Krueger's has Fir—Balsam, Canaan,  Fraser, Korean and Siberian—and White Pine and Norway Pine trees. Plus, you'll find gorgeous, handmade wreaths, swags, spruce tops, garland, roping and tree stands. Reservations (⁠on their website⁠) are required for pre-cut and cut-your-own. Krueger's is a full-service experience. If you want to cut your own tree, they'll provide you with a saw and a sled to move it. Make holiday memories sipping free hot cider and getting cozy around the blazing bonfire. Before you head home, Krueger's staff will shake the tree to remove dust, old needles, grass, etc., wrap it with a tree baler and secure it to your car. You'll also receive a gift—Krueger's custom annualized tree ornament. To reserve your tree time slot, see photos, and learn more about experiencing the farm, browse their website https://kruegerschristmastrees.com. See more photos on randomsweets.com. Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm ENTRANCE & EXIT:10920 43rd Street NorthLake Elmo, MN 55042 651-350-4545 https://kruegerschristmastrees.com Instagram: @kruegerschristmastreefarm Facebook: Kruegers Christmas Tree Farm ⁠Frequently Asked Questions ⁠ Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

If you like meat or stories about family businesses that connect producers directly to their customers, you’re going to love this episode with Bruce and Jodie Drager, Allie and Michael Drager, and Mackenzie Drager, half of the Minnesota family of farmers and food enthusiasts behind The Meatery MN.   While sharing meals together on vacation in Oregon, the Drager family dreamed up an ecommerce business that connects the producers of premium, USDA certified meat directly with consumers who appreciate fine food and knowing where it came from. Founded in 2022, The Meatery MN has been creating a community of meathusiasts across the U.S. by creating an online platform for consumers to purchase high-quality beef, poultry and pork and have it shipped to them directly from the farm families who raised the animals.    As a gift from The Meatery MN this holiday season, use code Mittens15 at checkout to get 15% off an additional order. This code is active until December 31, 2024 and can be shared with friends and family. (Each new customer who orders automatically gets a $15 coupon off their first order. That is why the code Mittens15 is off an additional order.)   Use the code to purchase meats like Waygu ribeye, dry-aged burger, smoked rib steak, beef sticks, chicken breasts, smoked ham, tomahawk chops, pork shoulder roast, raspberry chipotle bacon, and charcuterie boxes, just to name a few.    To learn more, browse themeateryMN.com. Photos and recipes for garlic butter instant pot short ribs and smashburgers are on randomsweets.com. The Meatery MN https://themeaterymn.com Email: Contact@TheMeateryMN.com Phone: 507-479-1367 Facebook: The Meatery MN Instagram: @themeaterymn YouTube: The Meatery MN TikTok: The Meatery MN Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com  

If you drink South Dakota-made wine or beer, Jim Schade and Eldon Nygaard are the guys to thank. Because prior to the South Dakota 1996 Farm Winery Act legalized commercial production of wine in South Dakota, you couldn’t make an alcoholic beverage in South Dakota and sell it since Prohibition.  So, Eldon came up with the idea to start a legal license for making and selling wine, wrote the legislation and Jim took it to the legislators at the state capital in Pierre. The bill passed. Eldon got the first license and began the state’s first winery, Valiant Vineyards of Vermillion. Four years after the bill passed, Jim and his wife, Nancy, founded Schadé Vineyard and Winery west of Volga. In this amusing episode, Jim shares where they first fell in love with the wine industry and why he quit his job in Pierre before he applied for the third winery license in South Dakota. Plus, you’ll learn why they hosted inventory reduction parties at their house, which two fruits don’t work well for winemaking, the funny story about how their winery got its name, how they became sponsors of The Iditarod, and how caller I.D. killed their original approach to picking grapes.  Jim has handed the vineyard reins over to Dillon Ringling, even though Dillon broke all three of Jim’s rules and now hosts weddings and events at the vineyard with the most beautiful sunsets as a backdrop.  Jim is still pretty involved with the business. And having been on the ground floor of South Dakota wine since the late 90s, Jim admits that what he loves most about the winery hasn’t been the wine, is has been the people and relationships behind the pours.  Schadé Vineyard & Winery  21095 463rd Avenue, Volga, SD https://schadevineyard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schadevineyard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchadeVineyardandWinery Airbnb listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/50269250?guests=1&adults=2&s=67&unique_share_id=9d8fa87b-13ed-42d5-9c18-be1aac27f316 Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

Today’s story is a reminder that not all kids have the luxury of celebrating their birthday with a fun cake, but it’s also a reminder that just one small act of kindness, and a little frosting and sprinkles, can light up a child’s special day, showing them that people care about them and they are not forgotten.  Meet ⁠For Goodness Cakes Twin Cities⁠ co-chapter leads Carolyn McGovern and Katie Lipe, plus five sprinkle squad volunteer bakers—Audrey Hyatt, Kenzie Taylor, Tiffane Gayle, Tom McGovern, and Emily Beckmann, and Chris Bernard from Jeremiah Program and Melissa Westphal from Missions Inc.'s Home Free Shelter, two agencies served by the nonprofit. ⁠For Goodness Cakes⁠ is a nationwide non-profit organization that gives underprivileged youth the chance to have a birthday celebration by matching volunteers to bake special cakes just for them. To date, there are nearly 30 U.S. chapters and they have hand-delivered more than 32,000 cakes. View photos and links at https://randomsweets.com/for-goodness-cakes-twin-cities-chapter/ For Goodness Cakes® is an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Tax ID # 81-10383832118 Wilshire Blvd #826Santa Monica, CA 90403 ⁠⁠https://www.forgoodnesscakes.org⁠⁠ Email Carolyn McGovern and Katie Lipe from the Twin Cities chapter at twincities@forgoodnesscakes.org. Instagram: @forgoodnesscakestwincities Jeremiah Program ⁠https://jeremiahprogram.org⁠ Home Free Shelter, Missions Inc. ⁠https://www.missionsinc.org⁠ Lynn’s Cake, Candy & Chocolate Supplies, ⁠https://lynnscakeandcandy.com⁠   Kenzie Taylor on Instagram ⁠⁠@kenziespastries⁠⁠ Host, Staci Mergenthal ⁠RandomSweets.com⁠ #ourSweetMidwestLife Website ⁠randomsweets.com⁠ Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠ Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠ Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠ Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠ Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠

This is a classic story of two Midwesterners becoming friends over a grandma's handed-down rhubarb muffin recipe. Growing up in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Shannon's grandmothers, aunts and mom were great Midwestern cooks. Even so, she didn't watch or pay attention to how they worked their culinary magic in the kitchen or with recipes. Her job was to set the table and clean up after dinner. Eventually, they rubbed off on her. Get the recipes, photos and links https://randomsweets.com What we talk about in this episode: Growing up and living in Wisconsin  Why Shannon didn't own a pair of jeans until eighth grade Entering and winning ribbons at the Pierce County Fair How she organizes her recipes, especially the ones from the internet  Ho Ho cake, roasted spaghetti sauce, potato and ham soup, everyday sandwich bread, Jen G.'s cheesy potatoes, rhubarb muffins, and pumpkin bars Is it hot dish or casserole?  Gardening and canning—her husband planted 800 sweetcorn seeds this year She's not really a crazy chicken lady Cocktails and maple syrup Where to eat the best coney dogs in St. Paul Roseville, Minnesota restaurant and bakery recommendations from bread and pastries to Mexican and Vietnamese  Day trip itineraries along the Mississippi River highways in Wisconsin  Shannon lives on an acreage near Prescott, Wisconsin and works just across the Mississippi River in Minnesota as the Director of Sales at ⁠Visit Roseville⁠.  Connect with Shannon: Instagram: @shanphotos17 Email: sthomasser@visitroseville.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonthomasser/ Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com

He had a self-checkout long before Walmart and Target and he still updates his telephone hotline with garden patch conditions and produce availability. Just call 605-693-4871. Meet Sanderson Gardens owner Jan Sanderson, the Rhubarb King and developer of the Sanderson Red rhubarb variety. A visit to Sanderson Gardens on the I-29 corridor just four miles east of Brookings, South Dakota, can mean a quick stop for a pail of strawberries, or hours long in the pumpkin patch letting the kids find the perfect jack-o-lantern and play on the playgrounds, taking fall family photos and enjoying a picnic in the cool fall air. For nearly five decades, generations of families have come to Sanderson Gardens for asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries, aronia berries, pumpkins and more. It's a mostly U-pick commercial garden, but they try to make some pre-picked produce available in the mornings. We talk about how technology has changed the way he gets the word out about what's available and how you can best pick/harvest strawberries, rhubarb, asparagus, raspberries, pumpkins, and aronia berries. Sanderson Gardens supplies fruit to a handful of local wineries and rhubarb roots and horseradish to most seed catalog companies in the country, like Gurney's Seed and Nursery. You'll learn what Jan's dad and an experimental rhubarb patch being plowed up at South Dakota State University had to do with the beginning of Sanderson Gardens. He also shares an interesting story about how he expanded his rhubarb crop in a way that people in a 3-state area had a hand in—in what is now one of the largest rhubarb patches (5-6 acres) in the Midwest. Jan is a three-time state champion high school wrestler who earned a full-ride scholarship to University of Iowa. He was coached by NCAA national champion, world gold medalist and Olympic gold medalist, Dan Gable. Jan was a team co-captain and a two-time all-American and two-time Big Ten individual champion. After graduating, he went on to coach wrestling and teach special education in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. So why did Mr. Sanderson trade the wrestling mat and his classroom to run his own South Dakota, mostly U-pick, commercial gardens 47 years ago? You’re about to find out.  Learn more about Sanderson Gardens on their ⁠website⁠ and follow them on Facebook. I also posted a rhubarb custard pie recipe from Jan and photos on ⁠randomsweets.com⁠. Jan Sanderson, Owner, Sanderson Gardens, 47657 US Highway 14, Aurora SD, 57002 ⁠https://sandersongardens.com⁠ Hotline: 605-693-4871 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SandersonGardens⁠ “The Johnson Family” story that Jan wrote:  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/p/VMEpzBU5JcU86rFp/⁠ Facebook Video of the tiny stalk on rhubarb:   ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Cekkea4DREDTcozP/⁠ Facebook video of Jan picking rhubarb: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/v/sQaoCJBiyxrEXhwQ/⁠ Facebook video of Jan’s brother Dell picking asparagus:  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Tz9cQMotrAg9v8kC/⁠ #ag #agriculture #garden #gardening #farmer #farmtotable #produce #vegetablegarden #rural #ruralSD #midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota #midwestAg Staci Mergenthal, Host ⁠RandomSweets.com⁠ #ourSweetMidwestLife Website ⁠randomsweets.com⁠ Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠ Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠ Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠ Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠ Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠  

What began with a tent purchased from an anonymous $200 donation and Dawnna Berndt’s idea to grow a garden to bring in more income, turned into a family-based vegetable farm market business (Berndt Family Produce) that’s been serving their community of customers in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota for 24 years. At the time, she and her husband, David, had five young children and even though she admits she knew zilch about gardening (she told me she was the “inside girl” and her sister was the “outside girl” when they were growing up), she leaned on David’s knowledge as a lifelong farmer to start growing and harvesting veggies on less than two acres and selling the produce at their local farm stands and self-serve stands.  Since their start in 2000, they’ve grown to six children, eight grandkids, 30 acres of sweet corn and 25 acres of some of the best vegetables, CSAs and canning and salsa shares around! And Dawnna says that along with all that growth and change, faith and family have always been at the center of what they do and how they treat people. Berndt Family Produce grows everything from broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, onions, pumpkins, gourds, sweet corn, squash, cauliflower, potatoes radish, carrots, watermelon, cucumbers, beans, muskmelon, and more. While you’re listening, learn more about Berndt Family Produce at Berndtproduce.com. I also posted photos and the recipe links from Dawnna for their favorite corn salsa, potato soup, copycat KFC coleslaw, roasted garlic parmesan potatoes, and 11 easy potato recipes on randomsweets.com. Dawnna and David Berndt, Berndt Family Produce, White, SD Email: berndtproduce@gmail.com https://www.berndtproduce.com Mobile: 605-690-4522 Facebook: Berndt Family Produce Instagram: @berndtproduce Locations: https://www.berndtproduce.com/visit_us Recipes Dawnna mentions in this episode:  11 Easy Potato Recipes https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3588874692004262/  Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes https://www.pinterest.com/pin/241787073737487016/  KFC Coleslaw Copycat https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153403931048621958/  Best Ever Potato Soup https://www.pinterest.com/pin/274086327313603706/  Easy Corn Salsa https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/187625/easy-corn-salsa/ Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com #ag #agriculture #garden #gardening #farmer #farmtotable #produce #vegetablegarden #farmstand #rural #ruralSD #midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota  

Roots go deep in today’s show. Come with me to meet fifth-generation farmers, Taylor and Cassandra Sumption, the founders of Anthem Oats. The couple grows and packages premium, gluten-free oats for retail on nearly 400 acres near Frederick, South Dakota, 27 miles north of Aberdeen on US Highway 281, just seven miles south of the North Dakota border, and their packing and offices operation in Frederick.  Taylor’s great, great grandpa homesteaded in the area in 1882 so Taylor and Cassandra are keeping the family agriculture business alive in what’s now 142 years! They’re focused on value-added agriculture and vertical integration to build their legacy-based, farm-to-table company—this means we can count of them for many years of delicious steel cut, old-fashioned, and quick oats and instant oatmeal cups and packets in flavors like vanilla chai, peach and cranberry, dark chocolate brownie, super fruit, pumpkin spice, and my personal favorite, maple pecan.  Learn more about their products and the family at anthem oats dot com. The photos and recipes that Cassandra shared with us for tiramisu-inspired overnight oats, energy balls, and her bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with secret sauce are on randomsweets.com. Taylor and Cassandra Sumption, Anthem Oats Taylor@anthemoats.com and cassandra@anthemoats.com https://anthemoats.com Instagram: @anthemoats Facebook: Anthem Oats TikTok: @anthemoats Also mentioned in this episode:  South Dakota Value Added Agriculture Development Center Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com #ag #agriculture #valueaddedag #oats #oatmeal #farmer #farmtotable #oatfarm #oatfarmer #rural #ruralSD #grocer #midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota

It’s almost summer, which means pool and lake parties, family reunions and picnics, camping, and smoking out the neighborhood with your backyard grilling. It’s also time to dig out your library card, visit your local indie bookstore, and pack your beach bag with books on your “want to read” list. Today I’m bringing back my friend and book goals hero, Christianne Beringer. First, we are talking about easy appetizers and sides delicious enough for sharing, like creamy red pepper dip, Southwest dip with pepperoni, BLT dip, Clara's corn, and green beans with lemon and toasted almonds. Then, Christianne catches us up on (and inspires us with) her reading goals, and she tells us about new authors and book series she’s been enjoying, including the one she likes so much she starting checking out two at a time from the library. We also talk about the handy book recommendation and discovery website and app, Goodreads, which we use to keep track of books we want to read, books we’ve read, and to browse what’s on our friends’ bookshelves as well.  So if you are someone who likes simple recipes and celebrates the joy of finishing a good book, this episode is for you! I posted the five recipes that Christianne shares on my website randomsweets.com.Christianne Beringer on GoodreadsStaci Mergenthal on GoodreadsGoodreadsLibby App (free app for digital reading from your public library)Hoopla (borrow and enjoy books and media using your library card)Midwest Independent Booksellers AssociationAbe booksThrift booksAlso mentioned in this episode: ​Tikka House at Historic City Market, Kansas City​How to Freeze Green Beans, Good Housekeeping#amreading #reader #readinggoals #reading #library #books #appetizers #midwest #midwesterner #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakotaStaci MergenthalRandomSweets.com#OurSweetMidwestLifeWebsite randomsweets.comInstagram @potatoesandmittensInstagram @randomsweetsFacebook Random SweetsPinterest @staciperryEmail: staci@randomsweets.com 

Living a life of curiosity and creativity means you will, at times, gracefully let go of things that no longer fuel your passion or serve you positively. This week's podcast guest, Bobbi Lynn Gaukel, and I agree—the earlier in life you learn this practice, the more open and freer you are to being curious and trying new things.  Throughout her life, Bobbi has weaved in creativity and learning, leaving a trail of beauty wherever she goes. In addition to her professional life as a graphic artist, she gardens, crochets, writes, takes captivating photos, thrifts, repurposes, bakes desserts, crafts and so much more. Her Grandma Elizabeth taught her to crochet, all while burning through soap operas together. She began her graphic design career without a computer. And she once threw away a paint-by-number because for her, the whole experience was awful.  She's the friend you give your funeral plants to when they start to die and you feel too guilty to throw them away.  The recipes Bobbi is sharing with you and photos are on my website, randomsweets.com—sausage wonton appetizers made with ranch seasoning and two kinds of cheese, crock pot apple butter, and Bobbi’s mom’s easy carrot cake with an inch of cream cheese frosting.  Just like Bobbi and I do when we meet for coffee, we visit here for a long time. So it’s OK to pause the episode when you need a break and resume when you’re ready for more. I hope after hearing from her, you’ll feel inspired to ask yourself the question, “what would happen if…”  Bobbi Lynn Gaukel, Pie in the Sky Co Website: pieinthesky.co Facebook: Pie in the Sky Co Instagram: @bobbilynngaukel Instagram: @ps_wedesignthings Email: bobbi@pieinthesky.co Bobbi's monthly article in etc. for her magazine. (In addition to the current issue, you can read her articles in the back issues too.) Watch: How to thrift your way to a beautiful, sustainable home with Bobbi Also mentioned in this episode:  Cindy Lindgren, artist, you may recognize her Midwest vibe http://www.cindylindgren.com Alissa's Flower Farm near Rock Valley and Hull, Iowa, alissasflowerfarm.com Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com #graphicartist #graphicdesigner #southdakota #midwest #midwesterner #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #siouxfalls #creativelife #entrepreneur