Wayzata’s Highcroft and Wendy Carr match up to offer bespoke, luxurious sleepwear
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Minnetonka Beach Living Awaits
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Luxury Living in Wayzata
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EDDIE NEAR GM/PARTNER
Photo: Chris Emeott
Threads and Timber, page 22
20
30
A
Photo: Belén Fleming
from the EDITOR
When beauty and fashion come together, as they do in this issue, creative self-expression can take center stage. Readers, how do you blend the two elements in your lives?
When it comes to personal fashion, it’s an evolving notion for me. I recall, not so many years ago, an acquaintance said to me, “You wear a lot of black.” And then came silence. That’s all she said, and her words hung awkwardly between us. So, my internal dialogue whipped into gear to fill the conversation space. Was this a compliment, a criticism or simply an observation? Regardless of her intent, those words left me feeling self-conscious, and for too long afterward when I’d grab a black article of clothing, of which there are plenty in my closet, I’d question myself. But not anymore. I wear whatever color I choose. No apologies. I love wearing black, and I take appreciative notice when someone else drapes themselves in it. However, I do venture around the color wheel for brighter, more saturated colors whether it be for outfits, jewelry or shoes to add a statement pop. Admittedly, I’m having fun adding new hues to my hangers. (And, orange, strappy heels should soon arrive on my doorstep. How’s that!?)
Speaking of style evolution, how we dress at work has dramatically altered over the course of the last several years. We examine how men can style a single look that takes them from a day at the office to dinner out with the help of Big Wood Collective in Excelsior on page 22. We also take a look on page 30 at how Wayzata’s Highcroft is elevating our sleepwear game from comfy to classy with style and ease. Readers, regardless of what you’re wearing, I think you’re all beautiful, using your energy, talents and spirits to create a wonderful tapestry of community—right here—where you call home.
Until next month,
Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co
Cover:
Photo by: Chris Emeott
Photo: Chris Emeott
VOL. 20 NO. 6
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl, Diane Meyer, Emma Souza and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer ; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce ; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel
Fall is my favorite time of year when it comes to fashion. It can also be a time when we ask ourselves, “What do I wear this season, and what do I need to buy?” If you’re not in the fashion world, keeping up with trends can feel daunting. After attending New York Fashion Week, here’s a quick recap to keep you in the fashion game.
Power suiting is back with ’90s-inspired minimalism. Blazers and trousers are now everyday staples—perfect from the boardroom to dinner. Deep, romantic hues, including chocolate, grape, plum and sage, dominated the runways, especially in monochromatic looks that made a striking impact.
Outerwear is sleek and elongated. Think floor-sweeping trench coats with dramatic flair. Animal print remains a staple but softly styled this season, paired with warm tones, including brown or raspberry, instead of black.
Shoes are sharp and statement-making. Pointed-toe pumps and boots bring a bold, elongated silhouette to any outfit.
For blouses , think less secretary, more seduction—silky, flowing and full of movement.
This fall is all about elegance with an edge—refined yet expressive and powerful yet wearable.
Jessica Hilde is a Wayzata-based award-winning stylist, personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. Style more at jessicahildestyle.com.
Stunning Natural Silhouettes
To create an authentic, late fall backdrop (including Halloween), refrain from cutting back flowering plants. The seedpods turn shades of black, brown and cream after a hard frost and remain in the landscape as a dynamic silhouette.
Imagine the tall Joe Pye weed backlit by moonlight as black cats emerge from dark shadows, bats swoop above pointy Echinacea or angular seedpods of blue wild indigo, swaying in the wind while sedum holds down a spot in the garden with its sturdy dried flowers.
Not only do these plants remain interesting through the fall but all winter as well. During the shorter days ahead and the inevitable snow falls, leaving flowers and grasses standing tall create the important winter interest in a landscape. Local birds and insects will also find them useful as food and lodging sources in the seasons ahead.
Alison Feik of Excelsior has a degree in landscape architecture and holds a wealth of knowledge about local plants and gardening. Grow more at beingstronginnature.com.
Real (Good) Food
After a Crohn’s disease diagnosis and years of unsuccessful treatments, Emily Maxson landed upon a solution that brought her back to the kitchen: the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. The Medina cookbook author developed recipes in keeping with the grain-free, low-lactose and low-sugar diet that restored her gut health and ignited her healing journey.
Her latest cookbook, Real Food. Every Day., picks up where Maxson’s Emily’s Fresh Kitchen left off with 134 easy-to-follow recipes made with whole food with an emphasis on fiber.
“Increasing fiber in your diet helps foster a healthy gut microbiome, and that was one thing I worked on with healing from Crohn’s disease,” Maxson says.
To this end, most of the main dishes in Real
Food. Every Day. include two recipes to make them either animal- or plant-based. Examples include Greek Lamb or White Bean Quinoa Meatballs, Pork or Jackfruit Carnitas and Chicken or Mushroom Lettuce Wraps. Real Food. Every Day. is set to release October 21 and can be found at Five Swans in Wayzata, GRAY Home + Lifestyle in Excelsior, and online at emilysfreshkitchen.com or amazon.com. —Madeline Kopiecki
Photo: Belén Fleming
Emily Maxson
Get Personal With Gifting
Sometimes, what’s old is … never really gone. From 2000–2011, Excelsior business owner Kelly Harrington ran Edina’s Serifina, which featured upscale monogramming services. This summer, Harrington rebranded her 366 Water St. business from Clubhouse 366 to Serifina2, offering monogramming, bags of all sorts and sizes, clothing (for babies too!) and jewelry. (Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to read about Harrington’s jewelry line in the October 2024 issue.)
“I’ve always loved the creative process behind embroidery, turning something simple into a one-of-a-kind gift that truly feels personal,” Harrington says. “With Serifina2, I wanted to bring that joy back and offer a local, hands-on experience … Our goal is to make personalization easy and meaningful, whether you’re planning ahead or need a thoughtful gift in a pinch.”
As we explore beauty and fashion in this issue, finding personalized (and attractive) bags for makeup, jewelry and other items is more than fitting. Serifina2 features a curated selection of beauty and travel bags from boutique style brands, including ShoreBags and Scents & Feel.
Choosing the right bag or clothing for monogramming (free with purchase with some exceptions) is the first step. Customers have more than 25 fonts and 100 thread colors to choose from. Monogrammed orders can be ready within just a few days or no more than a week. “It’s important to us to deliver a quality product while keeping timeliness in mind,” Harrington says.
And what inspired the business name? Serif references a classic font detail, combined with fina, meaning fine. “The name reflects our appreciation for typography, clean design and the art of thoughtful personalization,” Harrington says. Learn more on Instagram @_serifina2. —Renée Stewart-Hester
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Minnetonka High School weaves fashion with economics, offering students a classroom creative twist.
By Emily Gedde
The next Coco Chanel, Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren just might be a Minnetonka High School (MHS) student, taking the newly offered fashion design course.
Established through the school’s Vantage program, the course combines fashion design with economics, giving students a glimpse into multiple levels of the fashion industry. Merging learning and engagement has made the projectbased model an ideal environment for developing lifelong skills that students
can use long after leaving the classroom. “The program puts kids in a situation where they are studying and learning at the same time [as] applying it,” says Jeff Erickson, head high school principal.
In its 13th year, Vantage is an advanced professional studies program that has become widely popular with nearly 700 of the about 3,600 MHS high school students enrolled in one of the 12 strands. Fashion design made its debut this fall based on the popularity of the school’s
Will future runways feature designs from Minnetonka High School students? The possibilities are endless for students enrolled in the school’s fashion design program.
Photos: Vantage Fashion Program
family and consumer science program. “We looked at how we could expand on that interest,” Erickson says. “We try to provide opportunities for all students in our school, so we’re constantly looking at what’s next.”
The two-hour fashion design course is co-taught by two instructors and welcomes guest instructors, who are working in the industry. “Kids are always asking, ‘Why are we learning this?’” Erickson says. “When guest speakers come in and
Learning comes from harnessing individual creativity and through the experience of others. Guest instructors round out the program, bringing with them real-world views of career possibilities.
show them how they use the skills being taught, the answer becomes clearer.”
And those community partnerships become key in helping with networking opportunities. Students find themselves outside of the classroom and in boardrooms, working on projects and making presentations to corporate CEOs and executive teams. “Those projects are often what students say have the biggest impact on them,” Erickson says. “They’re doing real research and must present their findings. They don’t get to be late or not do the work; they’re learning so many skills that they’ll take with them forever.”
A 1-to-1 mentor model built into the
program creates another avenue to establish relationships. Erickson says former Vantage students have returned to serve as mentors and guest speakers, highlighting the program’s strong connections.
To measure the academic success of the course, Erickson explains the economics component covers the same standards as other economics courses on high school transcripts. “But students get so much more out of the experience when coupling it with the fashion design strand because they’ll be able to apply their learning,” he says. “Having that handson, real experience is the secret sauce of the program … Vantage is changing
education by bringing the outside world into the school and changes kids’ perspectives and their attitude about learning.”
So, whether it's launching their own brand or coming up with the next catchy campaign in fashion marketing, MHS students enrolled in Vantage’s fashion design strand can leave the course with a deeper understanding of the industry and the skills needed to thrive after high school.
Minnetonka High School minnetonkaschools.org @tonkavantage
Photos: Vantage Fashion Program
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Savoring Success
Are you ready for a fresh spin on a waffle cone?
By Mollee Francisco
Roon Johnson can’t stop yawning. “I’m so sorry,” he says. “I guess I need more sleep.” It’s no wonder he’s tired. The 2013 Minnetonka High School graduate has been busy turning the food world on its head with his innovative creation of a savory waffle cone. You read that correctly—a savory waffle cone.
Roon’s Savories has been making a name for itself as a specialty vendor at Excelsior’s Apple Days and Art on the Lake, the Edina Art Fair, Minnesota Vikings home games,
the Minnesota Yacht Club Music Festival and U.S. Bank Stadium concerts just to name a few. Additionally, Johnson has served as a guest chef at Allianz Field. (Private events, including graduation parties and wedding receptions are also on the table.)
It all started years ago when Johnson
Photos: Roon’s Savories
Chicken Tinga With Rice is one of Roon’s Savories’ featured menu items, which can be found at stands and food trucks around the Metro.
Roon Johnson
worked at a local frozen custard shop, and the employees would put cheddar cheese on the waffle iron. “I had the idea for a hybrid crossover between a sandwich and ice cream,” he says. Johnson didn’t do anything with the idea at the time, but then COVID-19 hit. “I had some time on my hands,” he says. “So, I decided to see if it was more of a concept than an idea.”
Johnson bought a waffle iron and got to work. “I went through 27 iterations,” he says. Johnson eventually landed on a recipe for a Parmesan-herb cone that could be loaded with a variety of savory fillings. He tested out the market, bringing his creation to breweries and festivals. It took a bit of convincing, but soon enough, people caught on to the concept. “You see a cone and you think: ice cream,” he says. “We’re conditioned that way.”
Once people got a taste of the savory cone filled with Buffalo chicken pieces or macaroni and cheese, they quickly got on board, and Johnson was able to turn his side hustle into a full-time job. “I knew I would rather be disappointed than wonder, ‘What if,’ so I gave myself two years,” he says.
During that trial period, Johnson’s business grew into a commercial kitchen where he was exposed to other food businesses and learned a lot, including how to put himself out into the food market. Johnson threw a Hail Mary pass in the form of an email to U.S. Bank Stadium officials to inquire about becoming a vendor. Much to his surprise and delight, Roon’s Savories was accepted, and it can be found outside Section 111.
The cones are baked fresh with a gluten-free rice flour batter and hand rolled on the spot. “It’s crispy and crunchy, but it doesn’t crumble,” Johnson says. “And they work with a wide variety of fillings. There are endless possibilities.” The menu features cones like American Taco, Chicken Tinga, Curry Chicken Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa, Orange Chicken With Fried Rice and Philly Cheesesteak. “It’s layered,” Johnson says. “We want it to be a dish you can enjoy every bite.” The team is developing a rotating menu in order to offer new flavor combinations. “We want to be the savory cone [that] everyone remembers,” he says. “We feel like the best is yet to come.”
Roon’s Savories roonssavories.com @roonssavories
THREADS
Written by Jennifer Pitterle
Photos by Chris Emeott
Excelsior shop showcases menswear that solves the what-to-wear dilemma.
TIMBER AND
Even for the most style-savvy among us, it can be difficult to know how to dress in a post-pandemic world— where we take meetings via Zoom in our PJs and transition from work (at home or at the office), the gym and dinner out all in the same day.
To help men navigate fashion’s (admittedly confusing) new era, Nate Nicklaus decided to open his own clothing store.
Big Wood Collective in the heart of Excelsior’s Water Street shopping district offers menswear from dozens of premium brands and Nate’s personalized guidance to go with it. “I really love interacting with people,” Nate says. “I want to help my customers achieve their goals whether their style is simple or more in-your-face fashion.”
The 1,000-square-foot store opened in April and is attached to office space that belongs to the Nicklaus family business,
Pages 22–23: Decision fatigue can be wearing, especially when it comes to choosing what to wear from work day to evening events. Excelsior’s Big Wood Collective has a remedy.
Left: Dressing with style runs in the family with Nate (son) and Mike (father) Nicklaus, accompanied by Jack (7-yearold English springer spaniel).
Right: Accessories, especially for work or school purposes, are at their best when they lean into style and function. Who doesn’t want to look good while toting around the day’s must dos?
Big Wood Timber Frames; the timber business is owned and operated by Nate’s father, Mike Nicklaus. (See the sidebar on page 27 for details.)
Nate grew up in Excelsior and graduated from Minnetonka High School. As a young adult, he helped with Mike’s business and worked in e-commerce for salon and spa products. “I knew I always wanted to do something on my own,” Nate says. “When we got this space, I walked around Excelsior and thought, ‘What’s missing?’”
He realized there was a lack of shops dedicated to menswear and that he could fill the niche. “In Excelsior, we’re a community where everyone likes to interact,” Nate says. “This was a perfect fit.”
While building out the retail space, Nate paid homage to the timber business: There are rustic, rough-hewn floors; beautiful wood beams; artfully lit shelves for accessories; and a cozy fireplace that makes the shop both masculine and
warm. “There’s a really cool hat room where we have our baseball caps displayed,” Nate says. “The room was supposed to be my office, but I didn’t need an on-site desk. Everyone really enjoys the hat room.” For accessories, Big Wood Collective stocks hand-forged knives from Canadian brand Viking, Portuguese sneakers from Algori, candles, fragrances, lake-life staples (beach towels and blankets) and more.
Left: While outerwear vests have long been de rigueur for fall, winter and spring, Big Wood Collective offers updated takes on the fashion staple that can carry the look all year if needed.
Lake Minnetonka is always welcome in any shape, form … or scent!
Right:
FAMILY TREE(S)
Big Wood Collective is just the latest branch from the entrepreneurial Nicklaus family. Nate Nicklaus’s father, Mike Nicklaus, is the owner of Big Wood Timber Frames, which designs and builds timber-frame homes and produces timber beams, flooring, trusses and other components. Mike founded the business in 1991 and, in addition to milling timber building supplies, has specialized in reclaiming timber structures—like barns, granaries and timber cabins, some more than 100 years old—and preserving the wood to be reassembled in a new location. Mike had a longtime office (which was sold in the spring) in St. Paul and a timber shop in Brainerd; when office space opened in Excelsior, it meant a chance to bring work closer to home. “My family’s always lived near Lake Minnetonka,” Nate says. “When this opportunity [for the Excelsior space] arose, it was a little bigger than what my dad was looking for for an office, so I suggested we open something in retail, and we both really liked that idea.”
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While his business focus is on men’s fashion, Nate Nicklaus appreciates the spirit of community. “In Excelsior, we’re a community where everyone likes to interact,” he says. “This was a perfect fit.”
Nate says his archetypical customer is in his 30s or 40s and works in an office with a relatively casual dress code. He often needs a “boardroom to dining room” look—maybe hopping from a business meeting to dinner at a nice restaurant. For an outfit that can do both, Nate first suggests a timeless top. “I always love a good polo,” he says. “You can’t go wrong.” Big Wood Collective’s most popular polos are from 7Diamonds, a brand that makes comfortable shirts in a variety of colors and prints. “Then, I’d go for a chino,” Nate says. “You can go more sedate or more fun. Industrie is a brand that makes some really fun, colorful patterns.” He notes that Industrie’s chinos tend to be a little oversized, which keeps them feeling modern. The shop also stocks brands like Marine Layer, Ranger Station and TravisMathew with a common focus on craftsmanship at a mid-range price point.
What’s on the horizon for menswear? This fall, Nate sees vests having a moment. “We have some really great vests from Madison Creek Outfitters that incorporate leather and different fabrics,” he says. “[Its] line is inspired by Wyoming and the West.” Big Wood Collective also carries Madison Creek’s popular buttonup shirts and jackets. For a go-to autumn color, Nate likes green—there’s a hue for everyone, and it’s an earthy alternative to truer neutrals like gray or black.
Big Wood Collective bigwoodcollective.com @bigwood.collective
Big Wood Timber Frames bigwoodtimberframes.com @bigwoodtimberframes
WAYZATA JEWELERS
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester
Photos by Chris Emeott
Styling by Emily Mader
Wayzata’s Highcroft and Wendy Carr match up to offer bespoke, luxurious sleepwear.
A PERFECT PAIR
Sleepwear has been having a moment, which doesn’t seem to be retreating—thankfully. Many are feeling more comfortable, literally and figuratively, staying in pajamas or comfort wear beyond breakfast and, on some occasions, dressing them up a bit to venture away from home. But the key here is finding well-made items that translate from “Let’s rest” to “Let’s go.”
“I love being a sewist, especially when I’m working with silk, and I hope that the clients feel my joy when they wear the pieces I create.”
Wendy Carr of W. Carr & Co.
Should you go out for dinner or to a social engagement in your best appropriate sleepewear?
We say, “Why not?”
Highcroft in Wayzata is known for its curated collection of fine linens, gifts, home décor and perfumes. But it also features clothing, including sleepwear, designed by Wendy Carr of W. Carr & Co. and staple loungewear brands Petite Plume and p.jamas. “We are always trying new lines and offer special ordering from our brand partners to our clientele,” says Molly MacDonald, owner.
When it comes to an overall style, sleepwear shoppers can expect to find items that read exceedingly practical and aesthetically pleasing—“… something comfortable for around the house but cute enough to run to the mailbox, and our W. Carr pieces can be styled for a night out on the town,” MacDonald says. “I’m not surprised that women are wearing our luxurious loungewear and
pajamas out and about, and because [of] our busy lifestyles, we want to be comfortable yet elegant in our leisure time,” Carr says.
Hold, please—sleepwear out for the evening? How can one accessorize to make the look appear more elevated and less “I’m in my PJs.”? “Honestly, the coordinating tops and culottes/shorts look amazing without any real effort,” MacDonald says. “If it were me—and it often is—I just add a cute sandal, handbag and maybe a favorite necklace.”
While on-point style is a must, sleepwear fabrication also plays an important role. “Our in-house W. Carr exclusive line is all silk charmeuse [and silk matelassé],” MacDonald says. “Our goal is luxury comfort, so you’ll also find a lot of high quality Pima cotton and linen options in store.”
CREATIVE CRAFTMANSHIP
Wendy Carr likely had the best dressed dolls than any child on the block. “I designed and created a wardrobe of dresses for my troll doll when I was 8 years old. I still have some of the pieces,” she says. “I’m happy to say my skills have improved dramatically since then!”
The Wayzata resident attended Minneapolis Technical College, learning industrial sewing techniques and how to operate 12 types of industrial sewing machines. About 10 years later, she enrolled in the clothing design program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, transferring to the fashion design program at the University of Minnesota.
After graduating, Carr launched Wild Violets, designing and manufacturing silk lingerie until 1995, and her designs were featured in Armoire (a fashion catalogue), Intimate Fashion News and Women’s Wear Daily. “My father was an entrepreneur, so it seemed natural to me to open my own business,” she says. “I was looking for a void to fill in clothing design, and I saw an untapped market for silk lingerie for women above a size 10. I believed that women of all sizes appreciate wearing beautiful, flattering lingerie.”
Since 2009, Highcroft has offered Carr’s silk pillowcases and kimono robes. “About five years ago, we collaborated on a collection based on [Carr’s] robes,” says Molly MacDonald, Highcroft owner. “We have now expanded to include tanks, shorts, wide-leg culottes [and chamises].” MacDonald appreciates Carr’s craftsmanship. “Sewing silk charmeuse is very difficult. Her accuracy and finishing is perfect, and she can really tailor to any body type,” she says.
“I would describe my design vibe as luxurious yet wearable, silk loungewear that flatters a woman’s figure and enhances her leisure time,” Carr says. “I see my customer as discerning women of all ages and sizes who appreciate beautiful silk, comfort, practical features and excellent craftsmanship.”
Top left and bottom: Wendy Carr works out of her Wayzata home studio, where she uses eight sewing machines to create her designs.
Top right: Since the 1990s, Wendy
Carr has procured fabric from California.
Enveloping oneself in luxe sleepwear or lounge sets can lead to more than just quality rest. The benefits of looking and feeling one’s best shouldn’t be understated.
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to read about Highcroft’s exquisitely currated perfume collection.
Using quality silk offers beautiful draping, and it washes to a sand-washed texture. “Silk is highly biocompatible to our skin, meaning it feels incredibly smooth and soft as it shares characteristics with human skin,” MacDonald says. “That’s why people buy silk pillowcases. It helps to retain moisture, [and] its hollow center is important for temperature regulation … Once you sleep and lounge in silk, your ratty T-shirt is going to feel really scratchy. You’ll also feel beautiful after a great night’s sleep!”
Highcroft always has options on hand to replace well-worn sleepwear, and that includes custom pieces. “We’ll customize shorts or pants to have a longer or shorter inseam; we tweak the fit of the tank,” MacDonald says. “Additionally, we offer about a dozen different colors of silk charmeuse for special order.”
Highcroft highcrofthome.com
@highcrofthome
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Some food just tastes better cooked over an outdoor fire.
Written
Renée Stewart-Hester
by
— Photos by Chris Emeott
CAMPFIRE CUISINE
Let’s be clear; we will always support s’mores as the bonfire foodie champ. No doubt. No question. No argument. But, as Minnesotans, we appreciate making the most of our time outdoors, and that includes during gatherings around a bonfire at home, the lake or a campsite. Can we agree that we need more than chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows to share around a cozy, outdoor fire?
When thinking about sharing some bonfire-friendly recipes, we had some parameters: Was the recipe somewhat easy to assemble outside with only flames and moonlight offering illumination? Did the fun factor hit most age groups? And would the recipe keep everyone in their seats, sharing stories (spooky and otherwise!), cracking wise and spending precious time with family and friends? After all, outdoor living is one of the best ways to spend time together in the Bold North.
We turned to our resident camper and outdoor living enthusiast Brittni Dye, our production director. At all times of year, she and her family can be found living their best nature-based lives, gathered around a campfire with good friends and good food.
CAMPFIRE BACON-WRAPPED JALAPEÑO POPPERS
These poppers are great for a group sitting around the campfire because they’re easy and fun to assemble, and they don’t require silverware to eat! Tips: Use a grill grate, and it helps to throw in a few pieces of charcoal to maintain the heat. Let the charcoal sit off to the side of the main fire for about 10 minutes before starting to grill the poppers.
• toothpicks (Soak in water if using wooden toothpicks.)
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• ½ cup cheese, shredded (I use American, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.)
• 8–10 jalapeños
• 4–5 slices of bacon, halved
Mix the cream cheese and cheese. Remove the tops of the jalapeños, cut them in half lengthwise and discard the seeds, using a spoon. Spoon the filling into the jalapeño halves, trying not to overfill them. Wrap a half of a slice of bacon around the filled jalapeño, and secure with a toothpick. Place the jalapeño halves, cheese side down, on the grill grate for 7 minutes; flip them over for another 7 minutes or until the bacon is crispy to your liking.
Right: Campfire Nachos receive added depth of flavor when made over a fire.
CAMPFIRE DESSERT CONES
Kids and adults love this campfire dessert. A level up from s’mores, these goodies are still a handheld campfire treat but have the capacity to hold more delicious ingredients. Tip: Use a grill grate.
• waffle cones
• mini marshmallows
• fresh fruit (Bananas, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries work well.)
• chocolate (I use chocolate or white chips and peanut butter cup candy, but offering a full self-serve candy bar ramps up the fun.)
• aluminum foil
Simply fill each waffle cone with a variety of ingredient combinations, or have guests make their own cone. Fully wrap in aluminum foil. Place on the grate; cook for about 4 minutes. Unwrap, and eat.
CAMPFIRE NACHOS
Put your cast iron skillet to good use over the campfire with these cheesy nachos, which are great for a crowd. We give added bonus points for being a vegetarian option that you can eat right out of the skillet— no extra plates! Tip: Use a grill grate.
• vegetable or canola oil, to prep the skillet
• tortilla chips
• 15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• 1 large avocado, cubed
• cilantro, chopped (optional)
• lettuce, shredded (optional)
• lime, quartered (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• aluminum foil
Oil the cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. Layer ingredients, starting with the tortilla chips, followed by beans, tomatoes/ chilies, cheese and avocado. Repeat layers. Loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil; place it on the grill grate. Let the nachos warm up for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove from the campfire; top with optional toppings.
Monster Meat Skewers serve kid-friendly vibes with vegetable servings to boot.
SCARY DELICIOUS
Placing a portable firepit front and center of Halloween candy distribution efforts is becoming de rigueur for some families. Driveways and extended front yard patios serve as ideal spots to greet trick or treaters. (Fingers crossed the weather isn’t devilish that night!)
While you wait for the Halloween revelers to make their way to your home, how about noshing on spooky twists of hot dogs and gnocchi to keep your spirits high and appetites at bay for a full night of treat distribution? Andrew Akhaphong, a registered dietician at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, offers some recommendations.
MONSTER MEAT SKEWERS
• 6–8 skewers (Soak in water if using wooden skewers.)
• 8-pack of hot dogs, quartered (beef, pork or poultry)
• 28 oz. pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• sugar-free, hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
Set a grill grate over the bonfire once your wood or charcoal start to turn ashy white. Thread each skewer with hot dogs, pineapple, red bell pepper, zucchini and red onion. Repeat the pattern. Brush both sides of the skewers with sugar-free, hickory-flavored barbecue sauce. Place the skewers over the grill grate. Cook for 4–6 minutes on each side or until skewers are slightly charred. Serve immediately.
POTATO GHOST KEBABS
• 8–12 skewers (Soak in water if using wooden skewers.)
• 1 lb. gnocchi
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped to gnocchi-sized bites
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. basil pesto
• 3 Tbsp. avocado oil, plus more for brushing
• ¼ tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
Set a grill grate over the bonfire once your wood or charcoal start to turn ashy white. Inside, bring a large pot of water to boil; add in the gnocchi, and cook for 2 minutes or until the gnocchi floats. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi, red bell peppers, grape tomatoes, pesto, avocado oil, salt and pepper. Thread each skewer with gnocchi, red bell pepper and a grape tomato. Repeat this pattern. Brush each side of the skewer with avocado oil. Place skewers over the grill grate. Cook skewers for 4–6 minutes on each side or until skewers are slightly charred. Serve immediately.
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods mackenthuns.com
@mackenthunsfinefoods
If you’re into serving dip at your bonfire gatherings, visit our website for the July issue, which features delicious, savory dip recipes, easily shared indoors and out!
GET A JUMP ON HALLOWEEN
Wayzata’s Boo Bash offers family-friendly competitions, community events and scary-good food.
The Wayzata Boo Bash Dash returns on October 25 in downtown Wayzata. The fun-filled event kicks off with a 10K at 9 a.m., followed by a 5K at 9:15 a.m., the Competitive Lake Street Mile at 10:30 a.m. and the Family Fun Run at 10:40 a.m. Costumes are encouraged, and a costume contest will take place from 9–11 a.m. with prizes awarded every half
hour. Fuel up with scary-good dishes from Benedict’s and Red Cow, served from 8 a.m.–noon.
But the fun doesn’t stop after the races. Participants and spectators alike are welcome to join in at the pumpkin derby and a pumpkin pie-eating contest. A Boo Blast celebration will also take place, beginning at 11 a.m., with local
shops participating in trick-or-treating and in-store activities and specials.
“Events like this are possible because of partnerships and sponsorships,” says Becky Pierson, president of the Wayzata West Metro Chamber. “We enjoy coming together, sharing experiences and continuing tradition in the community.”
—Ellie Heyerdahl
Photo: Wayzata West Metro Chamber
TRICK OR TREAT THE STREET
Participating Excelsior businesses get in on the Halloween festivities and compete in the annual storefront decorating contest in the business district. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to include their furry friends in the Pumpkins and Puppies costume competition and can enjoy complimentary photos at Emily John Photography. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
10.11
Spooky Sprint
Have your costume ready early for the inaugural Spooky Sprint Halloween 5K and 1-mile race, hosted by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce. The fun continues after the finish line with a DJ, fire pits and hot cocoa bar. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
10.11
Songs and Stories Unplugged
Visit Birches on the Lake for a night of listening to acoustic songs and sharing stories. Featured artists include Stereo Kitchen’s Mitch Chargo and Stephen Condra, as well as Kevin Lenhart of The ’70s Magic Sunshine Band. birchesonthelake.com
10.11–10.12
Fiber Vendor Fair
Meet local artists, step inside a traditional fiber art yurt and attend presentations on knitting, spinning and needle felting at Gale Woods Farm. Plus, browse artists’ collections and make your own fiber-art-on-a-stick to take home. threeriversparks.org
10.23
Witches Night Out
Shop and stroll in downtown Excelsior, enjoying access to exclusive Halloween specials at your favorite local shops and restaurants. Participate in a costume contest and silent auction, as well as an after party at Pique Travel. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
10.24
Halloween at the Lake
All ages are welcome to celebrate Halloween on Parkers Lake with exciting attractions like food trucks, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, treat stations and more, while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged. plymouthmn.gov
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
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Solitary Pose
Another title for Naomi Hamer’s photo, Ominous Autumn, could be Happenstance. The Orono resident was headed out to walk the quarter mile to her mailbox when she noticed this crow, “… just sitting there on a tree branch all alone, perfectly still and silhouetted against the sky, so I snapped a picture with my phone,” Hamer says.
“I really appreciate the lines in this photo,” Hamer says. “Though I don’t consider photography a hobby of mine, I do love to draw, so the beautiful clean lines of the tree branches along with the ominous, foreboding look of the bird against the wispy clouds made me want to capture and remember that image. It looked like it could be the cover of a British crime novel, and I love a good mystery.” —Renée Stewart-Hester
LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA
Photographer: Naomi Hamer
Title: Ominous Autumn
Location: Near Long Lake
Category: Seasons
Award: Honorable Mention
To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visitlakeminnetonkamag.com.
