Stars of the North

I returned yesterday from Bemidji, MN, which is about 250 miles north of the Twin Cities. Carmela Hobbins (Carmela's Cucina) and I were invited to teach a class with our friend Sue Doden (All About Food). She lives in Bemidji and writes a column for the Bemidji Pioneer. Three cooks in the kitchen makes for a lot of fun, a lot of confusion and a lot of dishes! We were lucky to have Sue's friend, Diane, as an assistant. The students in our two classes (lunch and dinner) made us feel very welcome and a little like celebrities.I demonstrated Honey Orange Scones,Lemon Mascarpone Tarts with Fresh Berries, Easy Herb Dinner Rolls and Tres Leches Cake. I think the biggest hit was the Tres Leches Cake because it is perfect for entertaining and can be made ahead. In the summer fresh berries are the ideal garnish and Sue had gone to the Farmers' Market to purchase local berries, greens and tomatoes.It was fun to observe two other teachers and sample their food, and I think we all learned something from each other.