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About Dorothy

Dorothy Stainbrook is a specialty crop farmer and recipe developer based in Minnesota. She's been growing heirloom tomatoes, chile peppers, blueberries, and culinary herbs on her 23-acre farm for over two decades, selling at Twin Cities farmers markets since 2000. A 3x Good Food Awards winner (2012, 2013, 2015) and board member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Minnesota, Dorothy spent five years as a slow carb diet coach, helping 400+ clients learn to cook healthy, flavorful food. Her work has been featured in Saveur, Wine Spectator, Culture Magazine, and the Star Tribune. Her farm is called HeathGlen Farm or HeathGlen Organic Farm.

How to Make Champurrado (Mexican Hot Chocolate with Masa)

Quick Summary: Champurrado (chahm-poo-RAH-doh) is a thick, warming Mexican hot chocolate made with masa harina, Mexican chocolate, and piloncillo (or brown sugar). Traditional for Day of the Dead and Christmas, it’s often served alongside tamales. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 8 Jump to: RECIPE | What is Champurrado? | Champurrado vs …

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Mexican Shortbread Cookies (Biscochitos): Making with Lard vs Butter

Quick Summary: Biscochitos (bee-sko-CHEE-tohs) are anise-and-orange-scented Mexican shortbread cookies dusted in cinnamon sugar, traditionally served during Christmas celebrations. Includes an explanation of texture differences when using lard vs butter. Prep: 15 min + 30 min chill | Cook: 10 min | Makes: 36 cookies Jump to: RECIPE | What are Biscochitos? | Regional Variations | …

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Homemade Tomato Butter and Sundried Tomatoes

Quick Summary: Sun-dried tomato butter is a compound butter made by blending rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes with softened butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. Use it as a spread, a pasta sauce enhancer, a topping for fish or vegetables, or freeze it in logs for year-round use. Prep: 20 min | Makes: 8 servings Jump to: …

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Best Gifts for Loose Leaf Tea Lovers (Plus Hibiscus Tea Recipe)

Quick Summary: Five practical gifts for tea enthusiasts, from electric kettles with temperature control to portable tea infuser thermoses. Includes a recipe for hibiscus tea (Agua de Jamaica) that works hot or cold. Whether your gift recipient is new to loose leaf tea or a longtime connoisseur, these items make brewing easier and more enjoyable. …

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Raspberry Chipotle Baked Chicken Thighs

Quick Summary: Chicken thighs baked in a sweet-smoky raspberry chipotle sauce. The fruity heat of chipotle peppers complements the dusky sweetness of raspberries. Works for weeknight dinners or holiday entertaining. The sauce also makes a great appetizer spooned over cream cheese. Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30-45 min | Serves: 4 Jump to: RECIPE | …

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Skirt Steak with Spicy Blackberry Sauce (Quick Sear Method)

Quick Summary: A fast-cooking skirt steak glazed with a sweet and spicy blackberry sauce made with honey, red wine vinegar, and serrano chiles. Once the sauce is made, the steak cooks in under 10 minutes. Prep: 2 hrs marinating | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 6 Jump to: RECIPE | Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak …

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Fried Green Tomato Stack with Creamy Crab Remoulade

Quick Summary: Crispy fried green tomatoes topped with a creamy crab remoulade made with lump crab, mayo, Dijon, and Cajun spices. Works as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner. Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Serves: 12 Jump to: RECIPE | Which Varieties to Use? | Ingredients | Step by Step Directions | …

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Roasted Beets and Carrots on Harissa-Spiced Yogurt

Quick Summary: Purple and golden beets roasted with carrots and harissa spice, served on a bed of harissa-spiced Greek yogurt. Simple preparation with bold, complex flavor. Works as a side dish or vegetarian main. Includes homemade harissa spice blend recipe. Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Serves: 4 Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients …

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Berry and Mascarpone Crêpe Cake (aka Crêpe Stack)

Jump to: RECIPE | Tools, Techniques, & Tips | Storing & Reheating French crêpes are basically wafer-thin pancakes, often filled with either sweet berries, savory cheese and ham, or fresh vegetables and herbs. Making my own crêpes was a little intimidating to me at first, but after a little trial and error, I discovered how …

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