Cooking Connection

Tasteful Twist on Cooked Carrots with New Scenic Café

DULUTH, Minn – This week’s Cooking Connection takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to the New Scenic Café just outside of Duluth off the scenic Highway 61. Owner and Chef Scott Graden gets creative with his take on caramelized carrots. Click here for more information from New Scenic Café. Categories: Cooking Connection Tags: Cooking Connection, Local News, New Scenic Cafe

Cooking with Coco: Broccoli Pepita Pesto Pasta

Cooking Connection: Broccoli Pepita Pesto Pasta

DULUTH, Minn. – This is a great dish that can be served warm or cold! A 10-ounce box of frozen broccoli pieces works great in this recipe as a substitute for fresh. Grapeseed or vegetable oil can also be substituted for olive oil. If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, use 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic for fresh. 3…

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Try This Healthier Dessert Recipe

Cooking Connection: Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chef Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – This delicious dessert qualifies as a “raw foods” dessert as well as vegetarian. Chocolate Avocado Mousse can be made a couple of days ahead. A delicious and nutritious treat that anyone can eat. It even qualifies as a “raw” dessert. Stevia and Splenda can also be used for the sweetener. Recipe:  Serving size: 4 Ingredients: 2 ripe…

Wrestle the Massive Rasputin Burrito on an Empty Stomach

Cooking Connection: Rasputin Burrito

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection, we are back in the kitchen at Burrito Union. If you are tired of potatoes and turkey, but still have that Thanksgiving appetite, check out the Rasputin. It comes with nearly everything on the line and barely fits in their largest tortilla.  It is also large enough to share with a friend…

Northland Thanksgiving Staple Returns at Burrito Union

Cooking Connection: Burrito Union Thanksgiving Burrito

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to Burrito Union in Duluth where he gets an early taste of turkey with their Thanksgiving burrito. It comes with everything you would expect to see come dinner time on the 4th Thursday in November and it is all made in-house, including the turkey. Click here for more information…

Falling into Healthier Habits with ‘Oh So Smoothie’

Cooking Connection: Super Green Smoothie

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re making smoothies in this week’s Cooking Connection with ‘Oh So Smoothie.’ This time we are taking the healthier option as we head into the season full of sweets and treats. In addition to using all fresh ingredients, Katie uses her young children for taste testing. So, if you don’t trust Ken’s word on how the Super…

Local Mother Brings Nutritional Smoothie Options to Duluth

Cooking Connection: Banana Bread Smoothie with 'Oh So Smoothie'

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama meets up with Katie Dague of ‘Oh So Smoothie’ to see what smoothie creations she has to offer. Stepping away from more traditional smoothies, Katie combines fresh ingredients to whip up a banana bread smoothie. If you like banana bread, then you will find this smoothie to be delicious,…

Spooktacular Halloween Treats with The Sweet Exchange

Halloween is on Sunday, October 31 -- Get Your Treats Today!

DULUTH, Minn. – We are talking Halloween deserts in this week’s Cooking Connection with Lisa Quarles from Sweet Exchange. She has plenty of decorating ideas for getting those cupcakes ready by the end of October. You can also have them made for you knowing they will be fun and delicious. Quarles asks customers to place orders at least 48-72 hours…

Taste the Flavors of Fall with The Sweet Exchange

Cooking Connection: Mega Cupcakes, Caramel Apple, Turtle Cheesecake with The Sweet Exchange

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection has Meteoroloist Ken Slama trying his best to become a professional cake decorator. Lisa Quarles, the owner of The Sweet Exchange, shows off recipes for her mega cupcakes, caramel apple pie, and turtle cheesecakes. Quarles asks customers to place orders at least 48-72 hours in advance. She can be reached at (218) 310-2412…

Taste Bud Tour with New Duluth-Based Charcuterie Board Business

Cooking Connection: Unique Cheese Combo Charcuterie Board with 'Yes, Cheese'

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama helps assemble a unique charcuterie board filled with assorted Wisconsin cheeses with ‘Yes, Cheese.’ Get your taste buds ready because it’s sure to include a variety of cheese that is new and delicious to you! Click here for more information.   Categories: Cooking Connection, Entertainment Tags: Business, Charcuterie Board,…

New Charcuterie Board Business Now Open in Duluth

Cooking Connection: Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you say Yes, Cheese? The owners and creators of Duluth’s very own charcuterie board business can! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Ken meets with one of the co-founders to find out what the business is all about, and try their Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board. The creation is perfect for a weekend at home, or a gathering…

Potato Salad Perfection Inside the Kitchen of Howard’s Que

Cooking Connection: Homemade Potato Salad with Howard's Que

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re back at Howard’s Que in this week’s Cooking Connection where we get a sneak peek into Howard’s famous potato salad. While some of the ingredients remain a family secret,  the source of inspiration shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The amazing potato salad is a great compliment to the delicious, fall of the bone ribs, at…

Sweeten Your Day with a Lollipop from Duluth Candy Co.

Cooking Connection: Handcrafted Watermelon Lollipops with Duluth Candy Co.

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we stop by Duluth Candy Co. to help make some summer lollipops. The simple and sweet treat is fun for the kids and young at heart as well as a great addition to the popcorn and chocolate. This week we made watermelon flavored ones, but they also offer a variety of other…

Duluth’s Best Bread State Fair Menu Features Root Beer Flavored Macarons

Duluth's Best Bread State Fair Menu is Now Available for a Limited Time Only

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’ll do our OWN State Fair,” Duluth’s Best Bread decided. This year’s menu features cheese curd bread on a stick, classic white buckets overflowing with chocolate chip cookies, and lemonade — in bar form! In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Arman Rahman tastes the limited-time root beer flavored macarons. They’re delicious! Details: August 24–28 and August 31–September…

Over Abundance of Garden Fresh Tomatoes? Try This!

Cooking Connection: Semi Dried Tomatoes

Recipe:  Tomatoes – smaller ones work best Salt and Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fresh Basil or other herbs Cut tomatoes in half, place on parchment-lined sheet pans. Spray or brush with olive oil before you place it in the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place them on the top rack of the oven at 200F…

Cooking with Coco: Chicken with Olives and Lemon

This Mouthwatering Mediterranean Dish Makes for the Perfect Meal When the Summer Sizzle Sets In

DULUTH, Minn. – It can be hard to find the perfect, quick meals to toss together when the temps heat up in the summer months. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco shares a delicious, mouthwatering Mediterranean meal that can be made in minutes. Enjoy! Several countries that border the Mediterranean claim a recipe to use the bounty of…

Patience Yields Perfection at Superior Street Baking

Cooking Connection: Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing from Superior Street Baking

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us inside the kitchen of Duluthian Jaimie Nere. She’s the creator behind Superior Street Baking. Nere values quiet time when her little ones are sleeping. That’s when the mixer comes out, the flour starts flying, and the ingredients come together to create delicious desserts that are personalized for any occasion. In this…

Meet the Maker Behind Superior Street Baking

Cooking Connection: Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Drizzle

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us inside the kitchen of Duluthian Jaimie Nere. She’s the creator behind Superior Street Baking. Nere values quiet time when her little ones are sleeping. That’s when the mixer comes out, the flour starts flying, and the ingredients come together to create delicious desserts that are personalized for any occasion. In this…

Beat the Summer Heat with a Fresh, No-Bake Fruit Tart from Sweet Exchange

Cooking Connection: No-Bake Fruit Tart

DULUTH, Minn. – What better way to beat the summer heat and satisfy your sweet tooth than with a delicious no-bake Fruit Tart from Sweet Exchange. In this week’s Cooking Connection, owner Lisa Quarles teaches Meteorologist Ken Slama how to prepare this fresh, fruity dessert. Sweet Exchange currently doesn’t have a storefront, but they are operating out of a kitchen…

Sweet Exchange Showcases Decadent Black Forest Cake

Cooking Connection: Black Forest Cake with Sweet Exchange

DULUTH, Minn. – What better way to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer than with a handcrafted Black Forest Cake from Sweet Exchange Bakery. In this week’s Cooking Connection, owner Lisa Quarles shows off her talents by constructing the cake with homemade cooked cherries, chocolate ganache, whipping cream, and layers of chocolate cake. Sweet Exchange currently doesn’t have a storefront,…

Seafood Satisfaction with Italian Flare at Dolce Vita in Superior

Cooking Connection: Seafood Alfredo with Dolce Vita Restaurant

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new restaurant has opened in Superior on the 5800 block of Tower Avenue. Dolce Vita cooks up all different types of European cuisine. “It’s a blessing,” said Zudi Maksutoski, owner of Dolce Vita. “You know, I kind of grew up in the kitchen from a little baby and then now to actually get to do this…

New Superior Eatery Offers Authentic European Cuisine

Cooking Connection: Lamb Chops with Dolce Vita Restaurant

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new restaurant has opened in Superior on the 5800 block of Tower Avenue. Dolce Vita cooks up all different types of European cuisine. “It’s a blessing,” said Zudi Maksutoski, owner of Dolce Vita. “You know, I kind of grew up in the kitchen from a little baby and then now to actually get to do this…

Seafood Satisfaction with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Brussels & Fontina

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The summer season is kicking off along scenic Highway 61 near Two Harbors. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Richard Selz with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages showcases a dish from their new summer menu. Bon appétit! Ingredients:  Flatbread – 1 Brown butter – 1/4 tsp Fontina cheese – 2.5 oz Shallot Brussels sprout Salt…

Ledge Rock Grille Showcases New Italian Entrée Ahead of the Summer Season

Cooking Connection: Papparadelle Con Maiale

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The summer season is kicking off along scenic Highway 61 near Two Harbors. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Richard Selz with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages showcases a dish from their new summer menu. Enjoy! Ingredients:  Pork belly – 4oz Garlic, minced – 1tsp Oven-roasted tomato – 3 Pernod – 2oz White wine –…

‘Summer Sipper’ Guide with Duluth’s Hoops Brewing

Dave Hoops, Owner of Hoops Brewing in Duluth, Showcases Three Perfect Brews to Sip this Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The official start to summer kicks off on June 20 this year, but already with the heatwave on the way this weekend, many will be soaking up the summer sun at the beach or on the boat. Many local breweries and cideries are hoping you remember them as the season gets underway. Dave Hoops is the owner…

Campsite Cooking: Quick, Easy Fiesta Chicken Packet Dinners

Cooking Connection: Fiesta Chicken Packet Dinners 

Fiesta Chicken Packet Dinners Serves 4 Ingredients  1 15 oz can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup Salsa of choice 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed ½ cup chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons taco seasoning 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (6 oz each) or boneless pork chops 1 cup shredded cheese of…

Chef Arlene Coco Shares Recipe for Refreshing Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad

Cooking Connection: Fresh Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad -- Great For Summer Meals!

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, regional cooking instructor, Chef Arlene Coco, shares a quick, easy recipe to toss together for a refreshing dinner this summer. Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice noodle Salad Rice sticks can be bought at most grocery stores these days. Mung bean thread noodles are also great, they are smaller and more translucent. Mung…

Mixing Up Your Sandwich Routine with Lift Bridge Bagels

Cooking Connection: Everything Bagel with Avocado and Spring Mix

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we’re back with Lexy Land at Lift Bridge Bagels to explore new ways to enjoy what is traditionally a breakfast food. The variety of bagels Lexy offers can make for a delicious addition to your lunch menu with whatever your favorite sandwich toppings happen to be. Click here for more information about…

Spice Up Your Breakfast Routine with a Bite from Lift Bridge Bagels

Cooking Connection: Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Bites with Cinnamon Sugard on Top

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection features the perfect option for a quick bite to eat before your busy day begins. Lift Bridge Bagel creator, Lexy Land, shows FOX 21 Meteorologist Ken Slama how she whips up her mouthwatering cream cheese filled bagel bites with cinnamon sugar. Land also creates a variety of bagels perfect for any occasion. Click…

Sweeten Mom Up with Desserts from The Cozy Hen this Mother’s Day

Cooking Connection: Turtle Cheesecake with The Cozy Hen

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama is on the quest to find the best dessert options in the Northland for Mother’s Day. The Cozy Hen creates handcrafted cheesecakes that are out of this world. This week’s segment features The Cozy Hen’s Turtle Cheesecake. Click here for more information. Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, News, News – Latest…

Crazy for Carnitas? Bucktales Cantina and Grill Specializes in the Authentic Mexican Dish

Cooking Connection: Carnitas with Bucktales Cantina and Grill

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes you to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his delicious, mouthwatering carnitas. The…

American Cuisine with Authentic Mexican Flare at Bucktales Cantina and Grill

Cooking Connection: Bucktale's Quesadilla Burger

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his delicious, mouthwatering Quesadilla Burger…

Chef Coco Tosses Together Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Vegetables

Cooking Connection: Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Veggies

…a note from Chef Coco – Reminiscent of a Cajun Fried Rice I used to eat in New Orleans years ago, this rice is versatile and lasts up to a week in the fridge when cooked. Grapeseed oil can be substituted for olive oil. I used a mix of fresh green peppers and canned roasted red peppers. Frozen Cauliflower rice…

Savoring the Flavors of Spring With Key Lime Pie from Lady Meg’s Cakes

Cooking Connection: Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a passion has now turned into a small-scale profession for Superior resident Meghan Gobel. Over the past few months, Gobel, the creator of Lady Meg’s Cakes, launched a Facebook page to promote her hobby of baking and sharing the goodies with customers in the Twin Ports. She’s overjoyed to see the outpouring of support she’s…

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Lady Meg’s Cakes, Desserts

Cooking Connection: Snicker Cupcakes with Lady Meg's Cakes

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a passion has now turned into a small-scale profession for Superior resident Meghan Gobel. Over the past few months, Gobel, the creator of Lady Meg’s Cakes, launched a Facebook page to promote her hobby of baking and sharing the goodies with customers in the Twin Ports. She’s overjoyed to see the outpouring of support…

MidCoast Catering Shares How to Make Universal Pastry Cream

Chef Jonathan Reznick Owns MidCoast Catering and The Rambler Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Jonathan Reznick, owner of MidCoast Catering and The Rambler food truck, shares a delicious recipe pastry cream. MidCoast Catering is located 315 North Central Avenue in Duluth’s West End. Reznick and his team specialize in putting together creative menu options for any occasion or event. Reznick plans to have The Rambler…

MidCoast Catering Shares Easy, Delicious Recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice

Chef Jonathan Reznick Owns MidCoast Catering and The Rambler Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Jonathan Reznick, owner of MidCoast Catering and The Rambler food truck, shares a delicious recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice. MidCoast Catering is located 315 North Central Avenue in Duluth’s West End. Reznick and his team specialize in putting together creative menu options for any occasion or event. Reznick…

Chef Arlene Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Just in Time for St. Patrick's Day, Chef Arlene Coco Shares Her Tastefully Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Serving size: 8 Calories per serving: 238 Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage frozen and thawed 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 each onions diced small 2 cups soy crumbles 8 ounces mushrooms chopped small 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced 4 cups tomato…

Searching For New Dinner Ideas? Try This Light, Easy Pasta Recipe

Chef Arlene Coco Shares a Simple One Pot Pasta Recipe to Make Dinner Delicious Any Night of the Week

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s for dinner? It’s a common question throughout many households, especially during the week when time is already tight for many working Northlanders. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco shares a light, easy one pot pasta recipe that’ll have your taste buds watering. Light and Easy Pasta Recipe Serves 4 Cooked as a one pot…

‘The Minnesota Marshmallow’ Maker Shares Secret S’more Brownie Recipe

Cooking Connection: Meet the Maker Behind 'The Minnesota Marshmallow,' Amy McMillan

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection caters to those with a mega sweet tooth! Duluth resident Amy McMillan had the idea of starting her own side business in the summer of 2020. Fast forward to today, and The Minnesota Marshmallow has taken off. McMillan says business is booming, and demand is high for these not-so-average mallows. She has created…

Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages has a new, redesigned menu to please any customer who walks through the door. In this week’s segment, Chef Richard Selz prepares a handcrafted Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw. Shrimp Flour Flour 1 C. Corn Starch 1 C. Salt…

Shaking Your Way Into the New Year With London Road Nutrition

Cooking Connection: London Road Nutrition

DULUTH, Minn. – With healthy eating on the minds of many in the New Year, London Road Nutrition is looking to help you cut down on calories and receive an extra boost of energy. The business offers a wide variety of meal replacement shakes in over 30 different flavors. The shakes are roughly 200-250 calories, and include 24 grams of…

Kicking Off the New Year With Healthy Meal Replacement Shakes

Cooking Connection: London Road Nutrition

DULUTH, Minn. – With healthy eating on the minds of many in the New Year, London Road Nutrition is looking to help you cut down on calories and receive an extra boost of energy. The business offers a wide variety of meal replacement shakes in over 30 different flavors. The shakes are roughly 200-250 calories, and include 24 grams of…

Enjoy Handcrafted Grab-And-Go Lunch Options with Yellow Bike Coffee

Cooking Connection: Lunch with Yellow Bike Coffee

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown where they “Shmo Me The Love” by sharing how they make two of their house-made sauces. The smoke sauce is made with smoked tomato paste, smoked garlic, smoked paprika and honey. Each ingredient is carefully selected including the smoked tomato paste which comes from the…

Spice Up Your Holiday Menu with Homemade Creole Artichoke Bites

Cooking Connection: Chef Coco Prepares Her Handcrafted Creole Artichoke Bites

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco shares the perfect recipe to help spice up your holiday gatherings this year. Coco says her handcrafted Creole Artichoke Bites are delicious served with a marinara or remolaude sauce. Yield: 12-24 balls Serving size: 6 Calories per serving: 105 Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts chopped 1 1/3 cups…

Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipe to Top Off Your Thanksgiving Meal

Cooking Connection: Coco's Fresh Cranberry Relish

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco prepares her fresh relish for a change of pace. Coco says this relish is great with chicken, too. The side is sometimes referred to as “grinder relish” because it can also be made in a hand crank meat grinder. Serving size: 8 Calories per serving: 274 Ingredients: 1 pound…