As someone who has called North Mankato home for a lifetime, very little came as a surprise while gathering stories for my first edition as editor of the North Kato magazine. While conducting interviews for our Belgrade Avenue feature, loyalty, community, hometown, tight-knit, and supportive were words and phrases that restaurant owners kept using when referring to their customers and employees. But, I already knew that about North Mankato and the people who call it home: that’s why my kids grow up here, that’s why my parents made it home, and that’s how Belgrade Avenue businesses are going to weather this summer’s construction.
Nothing in North Mankato is longer than a bike ride away, perfect for the kid on summer vacation. I can remember some mornings lining up at the North Mankato Library to update my summer reading log, and other mornings going to Wheeler Park to play a pick-up baseball game with any other kid who happened to be there. Exploring the hillsides and finding hidden trails was always an option, so was fishing at Spring Lake Park, or – although not technically North Mankato, but on the correct side of the river – swimming at Hiniker Pond.
Summer in North Mankato, to me, seemed to have two halves as a kid: pre-Fun Days, when the school year had just finished, with all of summer still in front of us, and post-Fun Days, when the dog days start and fall is only weeks away. Fun Days was always the center of the summer, though, with the parade being the main event. Seeing thousands of spectators lined up and down the streets of Lower North Mankato still brings back the same feelings of excitement today as an adult as it always has. The North Mankato Fire Department’s first fire truck has been a highlight of every North Mankato Fun Days parade and is featured this month as a tribute to the multi-faceted department.
Also featured this quarter are the barbecue experts of S&B Barbecue and, our resident Olympian, Shari Dickerman. This town is an endless source of stories.
Thank you for picking up the North Kato magazine, and I am excited for the opportunity to cover the community that I have called home for decades. This is a community magazine and if there is a person, event, or business that you feel would make a compelling story, please feel free to share. Until next time, have an excellent summer.
A lifelong North Kato community member, proud dad of twins, and storyteller at heart returning to his roots in journalism. With a background that spans the Army, local news, and years at Taylor Corp., Wess brings a deep passion for community, connection, and capturing the stories that make North Kato feel like home.
Wess McConville Editor, North Kato Magazine
LUXE Quarterlies, LLC editor@luxequarterlies.com
Big Dog Sports Cafe is located in upper North Mankato. Offering a full menu of delicious lunch and dinner items. Lounge at our bar and enjoy
BELGRADE BUSINESSES
NEED YOUR HELP
PHOTOS AND STORY BY WESS MCCONVILLE
Summertime Alley Events to Alleviate Construction Pinch
Belgrade Avenue businesses began to feel the pinch when the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge closed Feb. 3. When road construction closed Belgrade Avenue to traffic from Range Street to Nicollet Avenue in April, those businesses need loyalty more than ever.
Belgrade Avenue construction includes several improvements, such as wider sidewalks, intersection bump-outs, a decorative street lighting system, and a conversion of four lanes to three, among other projects. The city expects a substantial portion of the reconstruction will be completed by July, weather permitting.
The plan is to keep the sidewalks open as long as possible to allow pedestrian business access, however, vehicle traffic is limited to alleyway only.
Events on Belgrade Avenue will be held in the alley of the construction zone throughout the summer. Twin Rivers Council for the Arts will host a series of Art in the Alley events, or bring the kids to the Hard Hats on Belgrade event hosted by Greater Mankato Growth and the Downtown Partnership of Mankato/ North Mankato. The annual Art Splash event will take place on June 27 at Wheeler Park. And because of the construction, Blues on Belgrade has shifted to Sept. 19.
Ready for their turn to help speed up construction, (from L-R) Dylan and Scarlet McConville
Jack
and Greta and Brynn
have their tools and all of the training they need to destroy anything asked of them.
(9),
Heintz (3),
Heintz (7)
Hard Hats on Belgrade
Little ones will get their chance to contribute to the Belgrade Avenue construction project with Hard Hats on Belgrade, 4-7 p.m., Thursday, June 11 at the 200 block of Belgrade Ave. In case of rain, the date will move to June 16.
Hosted by GMG and the downtown partnership of Mankato/North Mankato, families are invited to stop by and enjoy construction-themed fun for kids, including exciting giveaways, a large sand play area, and plenty of opportunities for little builders to dig, play, and explore.
The event will take place right along Belgrade Avenue with local restaurants, making it the perfect chance to grab dinner, enjoy a treat, and support local businesses while the kids have fun.
Taming their hunger with mouthwatering cheeseburgers and fries from Spinners and Nakato after a hard morning’s work is an obvious choice.
Belgrade Alleyway to Feature Art Events through Summer
Twin Rivers Arts to host Art in the Alley
Another by-product of the Belgrade Avenue construction is that North Mankato will be unable to host sculptures as part of the City Art Walking Sculpture Tour. To alleviate that lack of art, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts will host Art in the Alley, a series of four art activations on the south side of the Belgrade Avenue construction zone.
Art in the Alley is a four-weekend series of themed creative activations designed to enliven Belgrade Avenue during a disruptive construction season. Through temporary artworks, hands-on experiences, and artist-led engagements, the alley becomes a hub of vibrancy – reinforcing that Lower North Mankato remains open, accessible, and full of creativity.
Art in the Alley programming
May 30, Activation One: Creating Art – Artists will be commissioned to build temporary sculptures using the existing Belgrade pedestals. The alley will feature creation stations for all ages – visual arts, culinary arts, music-making, and more.
June 18, Activation Two: Art & Play – Interactive and artistdesigned play elements invite visitors to explore, climb, move, and engage with art in a whole new way.
July 18, Activation Three: Learning Art – From hands-on lessons to live demonstrations, visitors can experience a broad range of artistic mediums and techniques led by local, and regional artists.
Sept. 19, Activation Four: Celebrating Us in Art – A culminating celebration of community, culture, and creativity – honoring the ways art reflects who we are and how we come together.
BelgradeSpinnersBar
COMFORT FOOD + FRIENDS AT
If comfort food and a cold beer is what will whet the appetite, historic Spinners is your place. Known for its hot beef commercials and generous portions, there is no way to leave hungry after eating a plate full of roast beef and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy.
Opening in 1944, Spinners has been the Lower North’s corner bar for generations. “Our building is very historic,” said co-owner Sandra Oachs. “It was the first bank to open in North Mankato.” Having those deep roots in North Mankato helps put Oachs’ mind at ease when it comes to summer construction. “A lot of our employees live next to us, a lot of our customers live next to us.”
Co-owner Clay Oachs added, “All of the businesses in Lower North work well together. All of us either thrive together or feel the pinch together so we support each other.”
Follow Spinners on Facebook for menu updates and events.
Nakato
Although the construction will bring new challenges to Nakato this summer, owner Jake Downs is grateful for a loyal customer base and a supportive community, “I feel like we’re in a great place to go through [the construction] because we know there’s a lot of people who have our back who are going to come out and make sure we can get through this. I think that’s one major benefit of being located in Lower North – people tend to look out for each other.”
The raspberry chipotle turkey sandwich is a great option while dining at Nakato. Pulled turkey, topped with raspberry-chipotle sauce, leaf lettuce, and bacon on a ciabatta bun, makes for a refreshing sandwich. Cap off dinner with an award-winning Nakato Black Frost old fashioned while relaxing on Nakato’s street-side patio to make for a memorable night.
Follow Nakato on Facebook for daily food specials and events.
STORIES AND PHOTOS BY WESS MCCONVILLE
Shake off the work day with good friends and a cold beverage while supporting local veterans at North Mankato American Legion Post 518.
The North Mankato Legion is active in raising funds for a female-focused Bravo Zulu House, a first-of-its-kind house for women veterans who are suffering from PTSD, domestic abuse, and addiction. Legionnaire Jeff Frye,
BREAKFAST MELTS AVAILABLE AT
Known already for its variety of roasted, whole-bean coffee, Beans Coffee House has introduced a food menu, and the breakfast melts are selling fast.
Soon after introducing a variety of hot breakfast sandwiches, Clay Sharkey, one of the founders of Beans Coffee House, noticed a quick upswing in sales and said they sold more within a two-hour period than they did the entire week prior. “They’re picking up pretty well,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize that we also have food and melts.”
Operating a business as close to Veterans Memorial Bridge
Local
Legion
of North Mankato, also said the Legion raises money for the local school district and ECHO Food Shelf. “So, by braving the construction,” said Frye, “not only are you going to have a good time at Post 518, you will be helping veterans and non-profit organizations in the area.”
Watch for specialty cocktails with a construction theme all summer at the American Legion. Follow the Legion Facebook page for Post updates and events.
Beans
as Beans Coffee House won’t be easy this summer, but Sharkey noted the loyalty of his customers. “One of the cool things about that Lower North crowd is that they are very loyal to their businesses. It’s cool that we have different amenities in the area and people come to support it.”
Beans regular Collin Bennett of North Mankato ordered his first Morning Melt and said it was pretty good – just another reason to keep coming back. “The donuts are good,” he added. “That’s why we come here. The coffee’s good, too.”
Beans baristas Carrie Curran (left) and Abbey Gardner display two of the melts offered on the menu, the Morning Melt, and the Smokehouse Melt.
For 20 years, Dino’s has been the go-to on Belgrade Avenue for New York style pizza. Stepping into the restaurant, with the sights of murals on the walls and the checkered tablecloths draping each table, along with the smells of baking pizza, feels like being transported to Little Italy.
To fill that craving for authentic New York pizza, visit Dino’s and order the Belgrade Ave. Pizza. With a base of marinara sauce, and topped with pepperoni, sausage, and Italian meatballs, this pizza would even leave Tony Soprano satisfied.
A SLICE OF NEW YORK AT
Dinos
FEEL AT HOME AT THE
Before the pizza arrives, indulge on the crab and lobster dip with homemade flatbread. On the menu since Dino’s opened in Feb. of 2006, this customer favorite arrives at the table warm and is so good it will be gone before it has a chance to cool down.
Visit Dino’s throughout the construction with its access through the alley for dine-in and carryout. Have Dino’s delivered by calling 507-385-3466 or visit dinospizzeria.com.
Circle Inn
There’s no better place to find friends, new and old, than the Circle Inn. “It’s the hometown bar,” said owner Jeni Bobholz. “People can come in as they are in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff.”
Enjoy the summer sun and local musicians on the ample patio space outside of the Circle Inn while sipping on a peach raspberry Bubbl’r cocktail, spiked with vodka and garnished with a peach ring.
Working up a hunger is easy while visiting friends, and the Circle Inn has the answer for some light, summer fare. Order the Circle Inn’s top seller, a toasted beef sandwich on panini bread. With sliced roast beef, topped with Swiss cheese, arugula, horseradish and garlic aioli, this mouthwatering sandwich, with chips and pickle sides, will go fast.
Follow the Circle Inn on Facebook to stay updated on its lunch menu and weekly events.
Summer GARDEN
BY HILARY LEUER
Planning out your garden each year can be a fun early spring task. Knowing where the sunny spots are in your garden is important to this planning. Most plants need 6-8 hours of sun. Early spring crops, such as peas and lettuce, can be planted in partial shade because they like cooler weather. Crops that take longer to grow, such as tomatoes and peppers, should be planted in full sun.
Another important aspect to keep in mind while planning your garden is the amount of space you have available. Crops such as beans, peas, peppers and tomatoes work well in a small space. Vine crops, such as pumpkins, winter squashes, and corn are better suited for larger gardens.
If possible, rotating your crops to a new location within the garden each year is ideal. This will help with the overall health of your soil.
Enjoying the bounty of your garden in the months that follow the early Spring planning is a great reward to your hard work.
Farmer
s Market
Find fresh foods and hand-crafted items at the North Mankato Farmer’s Market 3-6 p.m., every Monday, beginning June 8 until the final market on Oct. 12 at 1825 Howard Drive, next to Caswell Park and behind Fire Station No. 2.
Clare
and Freddy Leuer). Their North Mankato farm specializes in vegetables, eggs, and cut flowers.
Hilary Leuer, of Leuer Gardens, is a vendor at the North Mankato Farmer’s Market.
Bob Leuer,
Leuer,
'
NORTH MANKATO
Always sure to leave an impression on spectators at the Fun Days parade, the North Mankato Fire Department’s fully restored 1925 REO Speedwagon fire truck has been a part of its fleet for over 100 years.
With its chrome trim and fire engine red body, the vintage truck casts a glare under the noon sun of the Fun Days parade, making it impossible to miss. James Zwaschka, NMFD Fire Chief, says he feels proud seeing the reactions of kids while parading the vehicle down the streets of Lower North Mankato. “The truck makes an impressive statement for the city,” he said. “It’s always been representative of us and it’s on our emblems.”
As North Mankato’s first fire truck, the Speedwagon was purchased for $1,885 in 1925 and stored at the city’s fire station in the Municipal Building on the corner of Belgrade and Center Streets. Considered state-of-theart at the time, the six-cylinder engine was said to offer speed, reliability, and the latest firefighting technology of the era. Many of the pumps are still attached to the truck and are operational to this day. Other tools and attachments to the vehicle are also original.
The old Speedwagon also acted as a chemical truck to fight fires. The rear of the truck contained a tank with a mixture of water and baking soda, and a separate sealed glass bottle containing sulfuric acid was suspended in a cage at the top of the tank. At the fire, a lever broke the acid container, mixing it into the soda solution and creating carbon dioxide. This mixture created pressure and allowed the firefighters to shoot a stream of water 60100 feet and fight small fires. A container with the original acid is still with the fire truck.
Prior to the NMFD acquiring the fire truck Zwaschka said the department would pay boys one dollar to bring teams of horses to do the heavy work at the fire.
As far as seeing firefighting action, Zwaschka mentioned a time when the truck was loaned to Blue Earth County for a week to extinguish a school fire. “Fires would go on for a long time back then,” he said.
In 1986 the Speedwagon was fully renovated and reentered active service as a parade vehicle. Look for North Mankato’s first fire truck every year at the North Mankato Fun Days Parade and the St. Peter Fourth of July Parade.
The North Mankato Fire Department, along with friends and family gather for a picture before hitting the Fun Days parade route.
1925
Purchased for $1,885, North Mankato’s first fire truck.
INNOVATION
Chemical-powered system shot water up to 100 feet.
TODAY
Restored in 1986, still rolling in parades.
HOMEMADE
VINAIGRETTE
vinaigrettes are one of the easiest ways to boost both flavor and nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients, they help make meals more satisfying while avoiding the extra sugars, sodium, and additives common in bottled dressings.
Using oils like olive or avocado provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels. Pairing these healthy fats with vegetables also helps the body absorb fat‑soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, so you get more nutrition from every bite.
Vinaigrettes can also support steadier energy. Including fat at meals helps slow digestion, which may promote longer‑lasting fullness and more stable blood sugar levels. Plus, they are affordable, customizable, and work far beyond salads, including grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and simple protein dishes.
Small changes like this can make healthy eating feel easier and more enjoyable.
HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE
Start with the basic ratio:
• 3 parts oil
• 1 part acid
Choose your oil
Olive and avocado oil are light and versatile. Stronger oils like walnut or hazelnut should be used more sparingly.
Choose your acid
Apple cider, balsamic, red wine, white wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice all add brightness. Pick one that complements your dish.
Add flavor
Salt and pepper go a long way. Optional add‑ins include Dijon mustard, herbs, Parmesan, honey, garlic, or shallot.
Mix and adjust
Whisk or shake in a jar. Taste and adjust by adding more oil to mellow or more acid to brighten.
ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE
Oil: Gustare Vita extra virgin olive oil
Acid: Fresh lemon juice
Mix-ins: Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, honey
SERVE OR STORE
Use 1–2 T per serving. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days and shake before using.
75 Navaho Ave Ste 1 Mankato
Claiming the rare feat of coaching an Olympic gold medal hockey team, North Mankato resident Shari Dickerman, helped lead USA women’s hockey to a dominant performance over the best in the world at the 2026 Olympic Games.
GOOD AS GOLD
North Kato resident Shari Dickerman helps coach USA Hockey to gold
North Kato Magazine: What sort of inspiration do you hope girls can take from Team USA’s dominant performance over the rest of the world?
Shari Dickerman: I hope that young girls who watched Team USA during the Olympics saw a group of powerful women who dominated from start to finish. A group who pushed one another and gave their best effort every time they stepped on the ice. I am hopeful this gold medal inspires lots of young people to chase something they are passionate about and try to achieve their dreams. Hopefully we have a surge in the number of girls trying hockey. I truly believe that it is one of the greatest team sports, as you need everyone to contribute and cannot rely on just a few athletes to be successful. Hopefully more girls try it and fall in love with it.
NKM: The gold medal game was an instant classic. Can you describe the feelings of being part of such an epic game?
Dickerman: It is still pretty surreal to think about. To have been with that group of women over the course of the last four years and seeing how they have all taken their individual games to such a high level. The collective group continues to evolve; and to have that
front-row view, from the bench, to watch them achieve their goal and win gold in such a dominant way throughout the Olympic Games was amazing.
There was never a doubt they would get the job done. We had a great season, and had won 17 straight games, dating back to the World Championship in Czechia in April of 2025: sweeping Worlds 7-0 and winning all four Rivalry Series games vs. Canada in November and December of 2025, going 4-0. And then we were 6-0 going into the gold medal game in Milan. Seven of those 17 wins were against Canada.
We had outscored our opponents 31-1 up to that point and knew we would break through [during the gold medal game] and score goals. We just didn’t anticipate it taking until about the 18-minute mark of the third period to tie the game 1-1. It was pure elation when Megan Keller [of Team USA] scored the
I WAS REALLY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN IN THAT MOMENT AND GRATEFUL TO BE A PART OF AN INCREDIBLE GROUP.
As an assistant on the Olympic coaching staff, Dickerman saw the US women win 17 straight games and outscore the competition 33-2. At home, she is head coach of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s women’s hockey – a team she was in net for collegiately, earning All American honors among other recognitions. Dickerman answered questions from North Kato Magazine and shared her story of winning Olympic gold.
golden goal in overtime. I couldn’t get over to the other coaches on the bench fast enough to hug them and celebrate the win. I was really proud to be an American in that moment and grateful to be a part of an incredible group of coaches, support staff, and Team USA at the Olympics.
NKM: How long have you lived in North Mankato?
Dickerman: My husband and I bought a house in North Mankato in 2009, when I was first hired as an assistant coach at Minnesota State.
NKM: What are your favorite things about raising a family in North Mankato?
Dickerman: We have enjoyed being a part of the North Mankato community. We love that we have parks close by and our kids can spend time outside just being kids. They can hop on their bikes or put on rollerblades and hang out with their friends in other neighborhoods. We like the smalltown feel we get here and being able to get anywhere we need to be within a 10-15-minute drive. The community continues to expand and grow. The only thing we are missing is a two-sheet ice arena.
Submitted photo courtesy of MNSU, Mankato Media Relations
Excellence in Motion
Time to get moving!
The first step is easy. It’s OrthoEdge, the award-winning collaborative effort between River’s Edge Hospital and the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic. This combination has resulted in a level of care that truly impacts people in a positive way and drives a higher quality of life.
Choose with Confidence, Choose OrthoEdge
• Close to home
• More than 13,000 orthopedic procedures since 2014
• 250 years of combined orthopedic surgery experience
• River’s Edge Hospital is a DNV-GL Healthcare Certified Orthopedic Center of Excellence
• OFC providing orthopedic care to the area since 1957
Chief of the North Mankato Police Department, Ross Gullickson helps a young fisherman bait his hook at a recent Cops and Bobbers event, where young people can connect with the police officers in their community through fishing.
CATCH TIME C with Local Police
ommunity engagement programs are a crucial aspect of fostering positive relationships and building trust within communities they serve. The “Cops and Bobbers” program first started in 2014 with the Police and Fire Departments of Mankato working together to host the weekly fishing events. This grassroots effort aims to provide fishing opportunities for kids to refine their fishing techniques and skills, learn about the various species that inhabit local waters, and receive guidance on water safety.
2026COPS& BOBBERSPROGRAM
PROGRAM KICKS OFF JUNE 3, 2026
LIONS LAKE MANKATO
Check the City of Mankato’s Community Events Calendar or Mankato Police & Fire Facebook Page for Dates & Times.
Stopping for a quick picture on their way to see if the fishing is any good on Thompson Pier at Spring Lake Park, siblings Vayda (8), and Hudson Barlament (6) are hoping for a fun morning.
A new development for the 2026 program is the involvement of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program, further strengthening the initiative. Through this partnership, additional resources such as fish stocking, educational support, and equipment are being made available, helping ensure that youth, especially those with limited access to outdoor recreation, have ample opportunities to fish in a safe and welcoming environment. This collaboration enhances both programs’ shared mission of introducing more kids to fishing while promoting conservation and responsible outdoor practices.
The North Mankato Police Department has supported the program for numerous years, with staff helping at events. Participation is typically smaller, around 10 to 20 kids, which allows more hands-on instruction.
“Most of the kids we see are trying fishing for the first time, and they really enjoy it,” said North Mankato Police Chief Ross Gullickson. Adaptive fishing events are being considered at Spring Lake Park in 2026, which would utilize a new ADA accessible fishing pier that was installed in 2025 in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The adaptive events are focused on accommodating kids with disabilities, further reducing barriers to recreation and making sure that anyone who wants to fish has an opportunity to do so.
Area businesses, groups, and individuals donate everything needed for the events, including fishing gear, snacks, and prizes for the kids. The 2026 Cops and Bobbers program is set to begin on June 3rd at Lions Lake in Mankato, with the first adaptive event likely to take place the following week. Check the City of Mankato’s Community Events Calendar and the Mankato Police and Fire Facebook page for more details on dates and start times for the events.
2026 Cops and Bobbers set for June 3
BBQ
Heaven
BY WESS MCCONVILLE
There isn’t a whole lot better than the smokey flavor of slow-smoked brisket on a warm summer night. When that brisket is accompanied by cold beverages, good music, and good friends, memories are made. Visit any one of the area’s many breweries or festivals throughout the summer and North Mankato’s S&B Barbecue will likely be there serving up delicious smoked meats and must-have sides, turning a good night into a great one.
Fourteen hours before the first customer lines up at the window, barbecue guru Shawn Nordstrom of S&B Barbecue can be found in his kitchen at Holy Rosary Elementary seasoning briskets and rolling smoke from his custom-built smoker.
“He’s always loved to feed people and see their reactions when they’re eating really good food,” said Beth Armstrong, who co-owns S&B Barbecue with her fiancée, Nordstrom.
LOCAL FLAVOR. SMOKED RIGHT.
Born and raised in Mankato, Nordstrom met South Dakota native Armstrong while they worked at Perkins and were enrolled at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The pair quickly began dating and have now been a couple for 17 years. Keeping in the theme of finding love, Armstrong gifted her beau his first smoker and he soon had a new obsession. “I cooked on that thing hundreds of times,” said Nordstrom, regarding his first smoker, a Weber Smokey Mountain.
Word spread of Nordstrom’s abilities on the smoker, and the idea of a food truck sprung. “We started experimenting with different types of foods; started feeding our friends and family, and we decided we wanted to take the next step,” Nordstrom said, opening S&B Barbecue in 2019.
S&B’s menu has grown through the years, and while the brisket remains the customer favorite, pulled pork is almost always on the menu along with a rotation of chicken dishes, ribs, pork belly burnt ends, and chicken wings. Around the various gift-giving holidays, S&B will offer frozen, vacuum-sealed meat boxes filled with the favorites from the menu. They have also offered smoked hams for Easter and turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Finding S&B this Summer
About twice a week throughout the BBQ season, S&B will have its food truck out at the local breweries and wineries. They are also scheduled for two days at Fun Days and will be at this year’s Hickory Street Rib Fest. Armstrong loves attending the events and seeing familiar faces at each one, especially North Mankato’s Music in the Park. “It’s fun to see the neighbors and we have a lot of good friends here,” she said. Nordstrom is appreciative of how North Mankato businesses work together. “It’s really collaborative,” he said. “I like that aspect. Everyone is really friendly and it’s a really good community to be involved with.”
Follow S&B Barbecue on Facebook for updates on food truck events, holiday sales, and updates on its newly offered smoked salt and smoked pepper.
S&B Barbecue offers up some of North Mankato’s finest smoked flavor
PHOTOS BY WESS MCCONVILLE AND SUBMITTED
For those who can’t get enough of that smokey flavor and want their own backyard smoker, Nordstrom is partial to the Weber Smokey Mountain, which he describes as, “user friendly.” Nordstrom also realizes not everyone has time to tend to a bed of charcoal all day, and pellet smokers also have their place. “You can put [the meat] on, go to work, come back, and your food is ready to roll.” The Green Mountain Grill is what he recommends for pellet grills.
As far as that first meat to smoke, Nordstrom recommends a pork shoulder because the amount of fat that runs through the meat keeps it from becoming dry. “It’s super forgiving, so if the grill gets really hot, you’re going to have a hard time wrecking it. If it’s going really long or you leave it on the grill a long time, it’s still going to come out tasting really good.”
Best. Decision.
Heat-proof gloves and a meat thermometer are the two essential tools for the barbecue that Nordstrom says any backyard enthusiast should have.
While lifting meats from the smoker, he uses cotton heat-proof gloves that his food-grade, plastic gloves can fit over. Nordstrom also uses a Thermo-works digital thermometer that can give readings in seconds.
Cooking food to temperature, not to time, is BBQ Rule No. 1 and that is where the meat thermometer becomes an important tool. “Every cut of meat is unique; some finish quickly while others take longer. Using a reliable meat thermometer is the only way to ensure the meat has reached the perfect internal temperature,” Nordstrom said.
After hundreds of cooks, it’s easy to want to venture and see what else can be smoked. Armstrong said she specializes in a smoked apple pie that she starts on the smoker but finishes in the oven. Nordstrom discovered beef cheeks, a cut of meat rarely found, but highly marbled and extremely tasty. Oxtails are another favorite of his. S&B once served beef cheek tostadas at the Crave event held by Feeding Our Community Partners and received rave reviews.
Baby back ribs, Nordstrom says, is his favorite cut of meat to smoke when he’s cooking for himself. Armstrong feels it’s partly because ribs can make such a post-worthy picture. “When the final product comes out, he’s like, ‘look at this one, how about this one, look how this is,’” she said with a laugh.
5 Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese may look simple, but it has a lot more going for it than meets the eye. It slips effortlessly into both sweet and savory dishes while delivering a meaningful dose of protein and calcium to support muscle strength and bone health. That protein also helps you stay satisfied longer and can contribute to steadier blood sugar levels throughout the day. These unexpected ways to use cottage cheese show just how easy it is to turn a humble staple into something exciting, nourishing, and anything but boring.
Cottage Cheese Flatbreads with Chicken
This low-carb, high-protein, glutenfree flatbread will be your new lunchtime hero. Simply blend cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese for a tender and versatile alternative to bread.
COTTAGE CHEESE FLATBREAD
1 c. Hy-Vee 4% milkfat large curd cottage cheese
2 Hy-Vee large eggs
2 tbsp. Soirée grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives
FILLING
DIRECTIONS
For flatbread, preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10-in. rimmed baking pan with parchment paper; generously spray with cooking spray and set aside.
Place cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into prepared pan; sprinkle chives on top.
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Place a large cutting board over top of baking pan; invert pan with cutting board to remove flatbread from pan. Remove parchment paper; cut flatbread into
Make-Ahead Mini Cottage Cheese Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
For filling, remove stems cucumber; and seed, peel, each flatbread, divide and avocados, cucumber and
Protein-packed and gutfriendly, these fluffy, makeahead mini pancakes are a breeze to freeze and cook. Just top with fresh fruit and syrup.
1 c. Hy-Vee 4% small curd cottage cheese
2 c. Hy-Vee Buttermilk complete pancake & waffle mix
1 c. Kefir plain unsweetened
1 Hy-Vee large egg
Hy-Vee pure maple syrup
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries
Hy-Vee mini chocolate chips
Lemon zest
Lightly spray 32 (1-1/4 x1-in.) molds in flexible plastic ice cube trays with cooking spray; set aside.
Place cottage cheese in a small food processor or blender. Cover and blend for 25 to 30 seconds or until very smooth.
Stir together blended cottage cheese, pancake mix, kefir and egg in a medium bowl until well combined.
Place 1 to 2 desired topping into each prepared cube. Spoon 1 heaping Tbsp. pancake mixture into prepared molds, sprinkle with additional desired toppings. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 2 hours to overnight.
Lightly spray a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Preheat skillet over low heat. Place 1 to 4 cubes into skillet, cover and cook over low heat for 5 to 6 minutes until bubbles begin to pop in center. Turn pancakes over and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
To serve, garnish with additional toppings and serve with maple syrup, if desired. To store, remove the frozen cubes and store in freezer-safe storage containers or resealable bags. Use within 1 month.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
There's nothing easier than a Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl. Just top a bowl of cottage cheese with your favorite fruit, honey, almonds, and granola. Voilà! Breakfast is served.
½ c. Hy-Vee large curd 4% milkfat cottage cheese
1 c. Hy-Vee Short Cuts triple berry blend
½ c. Good Graces gluten-free oats & honey protein granola
2 tbsp. Hy-Vee natural sliced almonds
2 tbsp. Hy-Vee honey
Fresh mint
Creamy Cottage Cheese & Pesto Pasta
This 20-minute, high-protein pesto pasta is your weeknight secret weapon. Jumbo shell-shaped pasta is the perfect vehicle to soak up every delicious creamy and saucy bite.
1 package(s) Gustare Vita organic conchiglioni (jumbo pasta shells)
1 c. Hy-Vee lowfat 1% milkfat small curd cottage cheese
1 (6.2-oz.) jar Barilla creamy Genovese pesto sauce
3 c. baby spinach
½ c. fresh basil leaves
½ c. water
Soirée shaved Parmesan cheese
Chili roasted shelled pistachios
Hy-Vee crushed red pepper
Cook pasta according to pkg. directions. Drain; return pasta to pot or saucepan to keep warm.
Meanwhile for sauce, place cottage cheese, pesto, 2 c. spinach, ½ c. basil, and ½ c. water in a blender. Cover and blend until mixture is very smooth and creamy, adding extra water for desired consistency.
Gently stir pesto mixture into pasta to coat. Add 1 c. spinach; toss to combine.
Transfer pasta mixture to a large serving bowl. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, chili roasted pistachios, crushed red pepper, and additional fresh basil, if desired.
DIRECTIONS
Divide cottage cheese between 2 (2-c. each) serving bowls. Arrange berries, granola, and almonds on top. Drizzle with honey. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.
Whipped Cottage Cheese Toasts with Roasted Tomato Hearts
Oven-roasted shallots and tomatoes serve as a savory and slightly sweet topping to whipped cottage cheese and fresh Hy-Vee Bakery Italian bread. Using just a toothpick, you can transform your tomato slices into a hearts.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 (16-oz.) loaf Hy-Vee
Bakery Italian bread
1 Sweet Cherubs
1 shallot
5 whole garlic cloves
8 ½ tbsp. Gustare Vita olive oil
½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt
½ tsp. Hy-Vee ground black pepper
½ (24-oz.) container
Hy-Vee 4% small curd
cottage cheese
1 ½ tsp. fresh chives
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
Arrange tomatoes, shallot, and garlic in a single layer in prepared baking pan. Drizzle with 2 T olive oil; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until softened.
Place roasted garlic, cottage cheese, ½ T olive oil, 1-½ tsp. chives, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a blender. Cover and pulse until smooth.
Heat 1 T olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 bread slices; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted, turning halfway through. Repeat toasting remaining bread slices, using 1 T oil, and 2 bread slices for each batch.
To serve, spread cottage cheese mixture on toasted bread slices; top with roasted shallots and tomatoes. Use a toothpick to slightly press the top of the tomato slices to form V shapes; pull the bottoms of the tomato slices slightly down to form points.
THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE IS A SMILE.
